submitted 1 week ago by Oak_Sprout@lemmy.ml to c/opensource@lemmy.ml

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I'm trying to move away from Google and replace my Gmail account. But reading about the different options, I'm realizing I don't really understand email at all - e.g. the difference between the client and the domain name, the different protocols, encryption.

Does anyone have articles or books to suggest as a "Basics of Email: 101"? Thank you!

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[-] theneverfox@pawb.social 2 points 1 week ago

A domain is a url, like oaksprout.com. A provider is a server/computer that the domain points at. Many services sell both together at an upcharge, but a domain itself usually costs like ~$15 a year

If an IP address is a mailing address, imagine a domain as a way to pay the post office so people can just address it to oaksprout. You could have them forward your mail to your house, or you could send it to a PO box or business address, and change it whenever you want

The provider is like the mailbox in this metaphor... It receives the mail and holds it for you