What is email? | Experience | Analysis | Back to Homepage
Email, or Electronic mail, has revolutionized the way we communicate and interact with one another. With the mere press of a button we can be in touch with virtually anyone from anywhere around the world. It’s fast, convenient, and now the most reliable form of mailing- as opposed to postal mail which has the tendency to get lost and cost a lot of money.
Email is primarily an internet based commodity, but you don’t necessarily need an internet connection to use it. Many companies have local area networks which allow them to send and receive email within their organization without being hooked up to the internet. More often than not, as long as you have access to a computer, you have access to email.
Email can be used in a variety of ways. Business letters can be sent to coworkers or employees, resumes can be posted, and quick questions or comments to friends can be sent. Pictures can also be included in your mail, as well as links to other websites. Language, of course, differs when it comes to what type of letter you are writing, so be sure to consider if you should be formal or informal.
The first step in starting your emailing endeavors is to find a server and make a screenname. There are many servers to choose from, and most are free to access. For example, Hotmail and Yahoo happen to be the most popular free accounts, while AOL remains one of the most widely used servers despite its monthly bills.
Making a screen name is easy and fast. You go to any of the mentioned servers, click on the link that asks if you want to start an account, and follow the directions. The general questions you will be asked are your name, address, phone number, etc. Then you need to create a screen name to be used as a login to your email account. You can use something simple like your name, or create a completely original one. A secret password is used to make sure only you have access to your account. Be sure to be discreet, and never give your password away.
I have had the same email address for 8 years. I find it is easier to keep an email address, instead of randomly changing it every so often, for the sake of simplicity and not having to contact people to announce your change of address. You could risk losing touch with someone, or missing mail that could be important to you.
My account is through Hotmail, which I have never had trouble with. Most of my friends also use Hotmail as their main servers. Not only do they offer free access to emailing, they also provide up-to-date weather and news announcements, free games, and chat rooms.
Everyone’s email address has relatively the same form. It starts with your screenname (mine is Alexandria_23), followed by @, then the server name (ex. Hotmail.com or Yahoo.com). The finished project resembles this- Alexandria_23@hotmail.com.
I can use my email account to save important letters from the University, my job, and newsletters I subscribe to. I can also instantly connect to family and friends when I don’t feel like using a phone, or contact professors if I need advice on a project.
Emailing is fun, easy and convenient. People today have a lot going on in their daily lives, and the internet has made it much easier to function in this busy world. Now, along with being able to connect to websites, we can connect to people, and receive immediate responses.
Email can be used as an organizer for important papers, an address book (yes, email can hold home addresses and phone numbers), and a fun and cheap alternative to the phone or post.
The only cautionary action needed is knowing how and when to use certain language in your letters. Businesses expect a formal tone and appearance. Abbreviations and run-on sentences will not be allowed. However, emailing friends can be as simple as a one-sentence, or even word, response.
Here is a link to an online tutorial: A Beginner's Guide to Effective Email