pop3/imap server - possibly stupid question

[Ian Laurie]

On 08/15/2004 01:58:26 PM, Alexander Dalloz wrote:
> Am So, den 15.08.2004 schrieb Samuel Sieb um 5:31:
> 
> > Ian Laurie wrote:
> > > Am I correct in thinking you cannot retrieve root's email
> > > remotely from a Linux box using pop3 or imap, even when APOP 
> > > authentication is active?
> > > 
> > > It would make sense I suppose, my pop3 server works for
> > > all users except root.
> > > 
> > On most current systems, root can't even get email, it gets redirected 
> > to another user.  What mail server and pop server are you using?
> 
> That is a bit curious and misleading answer. Of course root van get
> email.
> 
> The reason why root can not contact and read mail using POP3 or IMAP is
> a security reason. The same reason why root is not permitted to login on
> FTP. 

Alexander, thanks, this is what I thought, just wanted it confirmed.  We cross posted,
I addresses Samuel's "misleading" answer.

BTW I don't *need* to collect root's email remotely, I just wanted to confirm
why *academically* it could not be done.

Ian