Tutorial 2: Basic Communication on the Internet: Email

Email: Electronic Mail

Email is a form of communication where electronic messages are composed and transferred across a network.

Emails are sent and received using protocols or rules.

• SMTP: Sending protocol, determines the path an email takes to reach the intended mailbox.
• POP: Receiving protocol, handles incoming mail.
• IMAP: Receiving protocol, retrieved messages from a remote server or large local network.

To route an email message to an individual, you must identify that person by the user name and the name of the mail server that manages email sent to the domain: This is known as an email address: user@domain.com

Most email programs have tutorials that explain how to use their interface.

Gmail Beginner's Tutorial: 

Common Email Program Features  

To, Cc, and Bcc
From
Subject
Attachments
Message Body
Signature

 Netiquette

1. Avoid writing messages in ALL CAPITAL LETTERS BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE YOU ARE YELLING, unless you want to be yelling... 
2. Keep your messages simple, short, and focused 
3. Always include a descriptive subject line and a signature 
4. Don’t assume that everyone you know likes to receive jokes or family pictures. Check with the recipients first. 
5. Use caution when attempting sarcasm or humor in your message
6. Use a spell checker, read your message, and correct any spelling or grammatical errors before sending it.
7. Use common courtesy, politeness, and respect in all of your written correspondence.
8. Don’t overuse graphics and formatting. 
   

 Email Programs

Free

Opera Mail
Outlook Ex.
 Zimbra 

 

Cost

Microsoft Outlook
IBM Lotus Notes  

 

Common Features

Filters for Spam

Forwarding

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