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Appendix A. Differences from RFC 1725

This memo is a revision to RFC 1725, a Draft Standard. It makes the following changes from that document:

  1. Clarified that commands are case-insensitive.

  2. Corrected statement about the QUIT command in the AUTHORIZATION state.

    • The previous specification incorrectly stated that QUIT could only be issued in the TRANSACTION state
    • Clarified that QUIT is valid in any state
  3. Enhanced description of the exclusive-access lock.

    • Added details about when the lock must be acquired
    • Clarified behavior when lock cannot be obtained
  4. Clarified the behavior of the STAT command.

    • Specified that deleted messages are not counted
    • Provided clearer explanation of the response format
  5. Enhanced security considerations section.

    • Added warnings about cleartext password transmission
    • Provided more guidance on APOP implementation
  6. Corrected various editorial errors and improved clarity throughout the document.


Summary of Changes:

SectionChange TypeDescription
CommandsClarificationCase-insensitivity explicitly stated
QUITCorrectionValid in any state, not just TRANSACTION
LockingEnhancementMore detailed exclusive-access behavior
STATClarificationDeleted message handling
SecurityEnhancementAdditional security guidance

Note: This revision maintains backward compatibility with RFC 1725 implementations.