Email (or E-mail) is short for electronic mail.  It describes the exchange of computer-stored messages by telecommunication.

It relies on having a successful connection to the Internet.

There are three main methods used for generating email

1. An individual composes and sends an email using an email program

2. A list server administrates the automatic sending of emailing lists

3. A website form sends the results to an email address

Some of the drawbacks of email are:

• The potential of receiving unsolicited junk email (SPAM)

• The possibility of receiving a computer virus that can harm your computer

• Sometimes emails are a little too instant and informal - people can fire off emails on the heat of a moment and may regret sending it!  Some folks expect instant replies to their emails

• You normally have to switch on your computer and actively go to check your email

However the use of email has some major advantages over other methods of communication:

It is:

• FAST (often within seconds around the world)

• INEXPENSIVE (you can send a long email for less than 1 penny to anywhere in the world)

• EFFICIENT (you can send one email to 20 different recipients around the world)

• FLEXIBLE (files can be attached such as colour photos, music, faxes, voice messages etc.)

People use email for all sorts of reasons:

• Keep in touch with their globetrotting relatives

• Circulating Minutes or Agendas

• Producing a friendly newsletter

• Asking for advice or assistance

• to receive booking confirmation, receipts and invoices

• to receive orders from a website