Baslinux mailing list

[James Miller <jamtat AT mailsnare.net>]

On Wed, 14 May 2003 keesan2 AT cyberspace.org wrote:
> From: tplesco AT hotmail.com
>
> Hi Sindi,
>
> The problem with mailchecking is that hotmail asks for a fee if you want
> POP3 access or forwarding.
>
This program does not use pop3.  It is a Perl script that runs through all
the basic moves a java-capable browser would execute to get to the mail.
It then downloads messages, perhaps deletes and does other things before
logging out of the account.  It is not 100% reliable 100% of the
time though, since MSN (and all other major webmail providers) are
periodically changing their protocols to try and defeat these sorts of
programs.  When that happens, a new version of the program must be
installed.  There can be a lull period before the new patched version
comes out.

James