Features of email

• automatic reply to messages
• auto forward and redirection of messages
• facility to send copies of a message to many people
• automatic filing and retrieval of messages
• addresses can be stored in an address book and retrieved instantly
• notification if a message cannot be delivered
• emails are automatically date and time stamped
• signatures can be attached
• files, graphicsgraphics: visuals intended to brand, inform, illustrate or entertain, eg photographs, drawings, maps, diagrams etc. or sound can be sent as attachmentsattachment: a file that's 'attached' to an email is called an attachment, often in compressed formats
• webmail and mobile emailmobile email: email accessible from a handheld device, eg a mobile phone can be used to receive and send messages while on the move

Using email

To send and receive email you must be connected to the Internet.

Dial-updial-up: a method of connecting to the Internet that involves 'dialling up' as if making a phone call users pay by the minute, so it makes sense for them to write their emails before they connect to the Internet and to disconnect once they've received their new emails. This saves money.

Broadbandbroadband: high speed Internet access users pay a flat rate monthly subscription, the price they pay is not determined by how long they're online.

Sending email

1. Open the email client, eg Microsoft Outlook, or if using webmail open a browser and enter the webmail address, eg http://www.gmail.com and log in.
2. Click 'New' or 'Compose'.
3. Enter the intended recipient(s) email address(es) in the 'To' field.
4. Write a suitable subject in the 'Subject' field.
5. Write the message in the space below the Subject field.
6. Click 'Send' to send the email.

There's the option to add an attachment, eg a photo.

For security reasons, webmail users should log out once they're finished as the computer they're using might be used by other people who, if they forgot to log out, would be able to gain access to their email.

Receiving email

Email clients and webmail periodically check for new emails. A manual check can be performed by clicking 'Send and Receive' in an email client or by refreshing the page when using webmail.

Email clients download attachments automatically but webmail users must choose to download attachments.

Email on other devices

Today email is not limited to computers. It can be sent from many other devices too, such as:

• mobile phones (using the carrier's network or a wireless hotspot)
• games consoles
• TVs
• public kiosk terminals

With wireless hotspots becoming increasingly common it's easier than ever to connect to the Internet while on the move.