| What is E-mail? | Experience | Analysis | Back to Student Page |
| What is E-mail? | Back to Top |
Almost everyone who uses computers, and especially the Internet, has used, or at least heard of email. Email is a unique mode of communication unlike the telephone or sending mail through the post office (also called "snail mail"). However, most people don't realize the extent that email can be used in many different forms.
Email is typically thought of a way for people to communicate and send quick notes to friends. This can be useful in many ways. People can say exactly what they want to say before sending their message. It also elimates the back and forth of a telephone conversation. Often, people may not have time to call someone and have a conversation, but they can write them a quick email to let them know something.
Businesses have begun using email as a staple of communication. In the speed that many businesses run now, many people don't have time to call someone and have a conversation when all they need is to give them a quick piece of information. Email elminates needing to find a way out of the conversation when you need to go. Instead of accepting a phone call whenever it comes, which can often be inconvenient, you can check your e-mail and respond whenever it is most convenient for you.
The language in these different types of email can often be very different. Personal e-mails can often be written in a type of web shorthand. (For example - saying want 2 meet at 3 - mall?