Email protocols are standardized methods that allow computers to send, receive, and store email messages. The most common protocols include SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol) for sending emails, and POP3 (Post Office Protocol) and IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) for retrieving them. These protocols ensure that emails are transmitted efficiently and can be accessed from various devices. SMTP works by transferring outgoing messages from the sender's email client to the recipient's email server. In contrast, POP3 downloads emails to a local device, while IMAP allows users to access and manage their emails directly on the server. This flexibility helps users stay organized and connected.