1. 9/4/01
ELECTRONIC MAIL
9/4/01
Mary Price

2. Electronic Mail (E-mail)
9/4/01
Electronic Mail ( )
A facility which allows text messages and computer files (attachments), to be transferred between computers.
Initially intended for simple text messages.
Now possible to attach computer files – ‘attachments’
Attachments: file or files stored on computer in the form of text, sound, video, digital images, animation
Examples:
a lengthy draft report may be sent to colleagues for comment – not printed until feedback has been received and amendments made
photographs captured using digital camera – sent to publisher for inclusion in annual report etc
9/4/01
Mary Price

3. 9/4/01
Internal
Computers are linked by cable and/or dedicated telephone lines.
messages can be passed between computers linked to the LAN.
Internal – text messages/attachments sent between computers within a single organisation.
Software program required
Host/server used to route messages to the correct address/computer.
9/4/01
Mary Price

4. External E-mail Computers are linked through the telephone network.
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External
Computers are linked through the telephone network.
Messages can be passed between computers anywhere in the world.
transmitted via the Internet
accounts provided by ISPs –
ISPs usually provide 3 or 4 accounts/addresses as part of your subscription with them
program is required
All mail sent/received is routed through your ISPs host computer
Incoming mail for your account is stored on host until you log onto account – mail is then downloaded on to your computer
can normally only be accessed from your own computer through your ISP
messages can be created off-line – link to Internet to send
9/4/01
Mary Price

5. Advantages of E-mail Available 24 hours a day.
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Advantages of
Available 24 hours a day.
Calls charged at local telephone rate.
messages can be transmitted within seconds.
is becoming one of the most widely used forms of text communication within business – it also has much to offer education!
Advantages:
Flexibility - Sent/received at any time day or night to multiple recipients if required
Cost - local telephone call – compare with fax charges
Speed – transmitted within seconds
Attachments – ease of communicating in different mediums compared with alternatives – snail mail/fax where cost and other restrictions apply
9/4/01
Mary Price

6. 9/4/01
Advantages of
Computer files can be ‘attached’ to messages.
One message can be sent simultaneously to any number of recipients.
In education may be used to –
Keep in contact with students unable to attend class
Communicate with students outside of class time – answer student queries about assignment work etc
Circulate course documents – exercises/assignments/lesson notes
Communication with colleagues based in out-centres and outside working hours
Communicate with awarding bodies, colleagues in other institutions, team members etc
9/4/01
Mary Price

7. E-mail Facilities Compose and send simple messages.
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Facilities
Compose and send simple messages.
Compose and send message + attachment – draft reports etc.
Reply to messages received.
Forward messages to others.
9/4/01
Mary Price

8. 9/4/01
Internet
Available through the Internet – Hotmail and Yahoo Mail.
account can be accessed from any computer linked to the Internet.
Internet based –
Freely available by such companies as Hotmail/Yahoo/Eudora
You must link to the Internet to access your account
Just like accessing a website
Commonly used but not suitable for business use
9/4/01
Mary Price