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Chapter 4 - The Internet and Telecommunications

Internet Basics – the components

The main functions of the Internet are the capability to send and receive e-mail, publish and interact on the WWW, send and receive files, and participate in discussion groups throughout the world.

E-mail (electronic mail)

The most used and popular way to communicate through the Internet is by using e-mail. You can send a message to anyone, anywhere, anytime, almost instantaneously, if both parties have access to the Internet. You can exchange e-mail with millions of people all over the world.

E-mail is used to send messages and attached computer files to other Internet users. After the e-mail is delivered, the recipient can reply to the e-mail and also attach files for its return journey. The same message can be addressed to multiple recipients for fast, time saving distribution. E-mail is the primary method for participating in discussion groups on the Internet, such as listservs and newsgroups. See also Chapter 3, E-mail –Killer Application for the Nineties.

E-mail Addresses contain the name and location protocol where the mail will be sent. They have a user’s name, the @ sign, the name of the user’s domain or computer, a period and the type of organization. For example, my e-mail address is This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The user’s name is Michael, the @ sign, the user’s domain or computer is Arkfeld, and the com stands for commercial. Since I have my own domain name - arkfeld.com - my mail can be sent to my domain address. If I change ISP’s, I can keep my e-mail address the same, since I can take my domain name with me to a new ISP.

Never change your e-mail address again! Besides identifying your address on the web, a domain name can be used as your e-mail address. For example, if your domain name is crimlaw.com, then your e-mail address can be This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . If you switch ISP’s, then your domain name and e-mail address will follow you to the new ISP.

When you sign up with an Internet Service Provider (ISP), they generally provide you with the last part of your e-mail address. For example, if you sign up for America Online, the e-mail address would be This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

There are no two e-mail names or addresses the same. Internet addresses can come in all sizes and shapes. Some addresses are long and contain a variety of symbols such as % signs, exclamation points, and so on. If unsure of someone’s e-mail address, try to send e-mail and then call the person to find out if they received it or ask the person to respond if they received the e-mail.

E-mail software lets you send computer files, generally called attachments, along with the e-mail. These attachments can be software, graphic, spreadsheet, or document files. The process of sending attachments is called MIME encoding. MIME stands for Multipurpose Internet Mail extensions.

E-mail Acronyms. The following acronyms are used frequently on the web in e-mails, listservs, etc.:

  • BTW – By the way
  • RTM – Read the manual
  • IMHO – In my humble opinion
  • ROFL – Rolling on floor laughing
  • TIA – Thanks in Advance
  • YMMV – Your mileage may vary

Features and Products. Features to look for in an Internet e-mail program:

  • Automatically checks for e-mail at scheduled intervals while you are performing another task on-line;
  • Filtering features to prioritize your mail;
  • Address book to keep e-mail addresses;
  • Distribution mail lists for groups of users;
  • Templates available for repetitive responses;
  • Folders for organizing your e-mail;
  • Encryption features.
Generally, you can either download and send e-mail using a program like Microsoft Outlook or you can view the e-mail through the Web with any computer using a special protocol provided by your ISP.  If you use a national service such as Google's "gmail' ot Microsoft's "hotmail" then you can check your e-mail from any computer that has Internet access. 

Communication is considerably easier using e-mail to communicate with clients, witnesses, relatives or anyone with an Internet connection.

 

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