Which step of the email process involves using IMAP or POP?

The step of the email process that involves using IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol) or POP (Post Office Protocol) is receiving. These protocols are specifically designed for fetching and managing emails from a server to a local email client.

When a user wishes to retrieve their emails, they utilize either IMAP or POP to communicate with the email server. IMAP allows users to access their emails from multiple devices while keeping the messages stored on the server, making it ideal for users who need to check their emails from various locations. On the other hand, POP downloads the emails to the device and typically removes them from the server, which may be more suitable for users who primarily access their email from a single device.

Other steps in the email process, such as sending, configuring, and forwarding, do not involve these specific protocols, as they deal with different aspects of how email communication functions. Sending primarily concerns protocols like SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). Configuring relates to setting up email accounts and preferences, while forwarding pertains to redirecting an already received email to other addresses. Therefore, the correct association of IMAP and POP is firmly rooted in the receiving stage of the email process.