What webmail client works well?

Question

My webhosts installed Horde as the webmail client, but it is quite terrible in comparison to modern software like Gmail.

• I installed the Free and opensource RoundCube via FTP, but probably due to its mali exchange protocol (IMAP) it doesn't always show received mails, etc.

• What else can I try?

• Have you used any FTP-installable webmail software with success?

Answer 1

My web host (WebFaction) provides SquirrelMail - Webmail for Nuts! and I like it.

Answer 2

If you like gmail, then just use gmail. Most (ALL?) webhost should allow remote pop3 access to your email. If that is the case, just set up gmail to check that email account. To do this, go into gmail's setting -> Accounts and Imports -> Add POP3 email account. Type in the info needed and you are good to go. Gmail will poll that email address every so often, or you can click the check now link on the same settings page.

The upside to using gmail is you get the same UI and the same features that gmail gives you. This includes the SPAM filter which does a great job.

I use gmail for all my mail because the spam filter is that good and Google already knows everything about me anyways. =P

Answer 3

Unless you've got pricavy concerns, I strongly recommend getting a Google Account and using Gmail and the rest of the web apps. They simply rock and their mutual integration is best-of-breed.

If you prefer using your own domain (like a family domain), then use Google Apps instead so you can use yourname@yourfamily.com. The services in Google Apps are essentially the same, though some are only in a real Google Account (like Google Reader).

Both options give you the added benefit of best-ever spam filtering and better uptime than your webhost can provide. I hate to sound like a commercial, but it's really the easiest way to go.

Answer 4

I use many web mail clients, most of which allow retrieving from other accounts using POP3: Yahoo, Gmail (mentioned above.) The new kid on the block is GMX (www.gmx.com), which is pretty slick - very nice and responsive interface, built-in support for grabbing e-mail from other webmail services (I use it to grab my Hotmail e-mails), a 1Gb file storage area and a few other things. Mail.com's web interface isn't great, though they're slowly implementing changes lately and it's getting much better.

I use Roundcube for checking my domain's mail account remotely, but find it horrible. Very often, this inbox will display "ghost" e-mails - i.e. e-mails that I retrieved the day before using my standalone e-mail program. Click on the e-mail and it's not there. I think CPanel offers SquirrelMail (mentioned above), I should try that if only to retain some sanity. :)