Downloading Old eMails From Comcast Server Question, Please

[Robert4]

Hello,

Have a new iMac desktop,
Had to junk old one.
Irrespective of what I might be able to do when I start playing with Time Machine, would like to ask the following, please:

I use Comcast for internet.
It's set up as IMAP.

Being IMAP, my understanding is that All the old eMails are on a Comcast server, presumably forever.
Is this correct ?

If so, how do I go about downloading a year or so of old eMails from their Server so that I can
load them into Apple Mail on my new desktop, and have all of these older one accessible now ?

Off topic question: is it possible to make the scrolling Arrow bigger ? How ? I looked in Preferences but don't see any option for doing it,
although I am pretty sure there is.

Thanks for help,
Bob

 

[satcomer]

IMAP = Stored on Server
POP = Deleted off server as soon as downloaded

On my Mac's Mail (iCloud server) I created saved boxes for 2 year or older emails so this way I keep a record of emails in server categories like Home, work etc!

 

[Robert4]

Hi

Thanks.

Bob

 

[hobowankenobi]

Yes....generally speaking when one sets up IMAP, the server will push everything to the mail client. One can organize as you see fit, including filtering/filing older content.

Keep in mind that if you don't set up a mail client to download all messages to your computer, then you have to trust that the server operator (Comcast) will keep all your email forever, and keep your access to it. If you don't trust they will keep everything forever...then the only other option would be to download.

 

[Robert4]

Hello,

Thanks for help with this; much appreciated.
Not too sharp with this "stuff" anymore, I have to admit.

My eMail on my new Mac seems to work well.
If someone sends me one, I get it.

Is there something else I should set up, or verify, per your:
"if you don't set up a mail client to download all messages to your computer,..."

Again, thanks for help,
Bob

 

[hobowankenobi]

Nope. You should be all good.

I was just pointing out that if you log into Gmail with a web browser (not a mail client), the messages stay on the server. Some folks like this some don't. Pros and Cons.

Using a mail client is the safest bet, as you get your mail physically on your computer, and there is still a copy on the server too.