This document provides an overview of email including what it is, why it is useful, advantages and disadvantages, and some basic terminology. Email allows electronic transmission of messages from one device to another. It is commonly used for job applications, online shopping and banking, keeping in touch with others, and entertainment activities. While free, email requires computer and internet access as well as basic skills. Users must also be aware of potential spam and carefully choose appropriate email names and passwords.

1. EMAIL BASICS Grande Prairie Public Library W. 183 rd St.Hazel Crest, IL 60429 708-798-5563 Robinette E. Beavers 9/2007

2. What is Email? Email stands for electronic mail. Simply put, email is the transmission of electronic messages from one electronic device to another. Email can be sent from computer to computer or from computer to mobile device; PDA, cell phone, etc.

3. WHY DO YOU NEED EMAIL? Businesses and government agencies are relying on cheaper and faster ways to reach the population. They now prefer to contact people via email. JOB HUNTING- Many employers will only accept résumés and applications via email. Many job sites and government agencies require registration through email to participate fully in their offerings. FINANCE- Many companies allow you to view your accounts and pay your bills online. Some offer exclusive rebates and coupons and will only send them directly to your email address.

4. WHY DO YOU NEED EMAIL? Continued … ENTERTAINMENT You can purchase tickets for movies, theater and sporting events online. You can also book airline and cruise tickets, as well as hotel and motel rooms . You can shop and play games but only if you register with an email address. PERSONAL USE Keep in close touch with family and friends from across the globe. Share news, pictures and recipes with the click of a mouse.

5. ADVANTAGES OF EMAIL The price of postage and paper keep going up email accounts are free. Email is fast-- most email messages are delivered within seconds. You can send messages to many people all at once

6. DISADVANTAGES OF EMAIL You must have a computer with Internet access. You must have keyboarding and mouse skills. You can get copious amounts of junk mail aka “spam”.

7. SELECTING AN EMAIL NAME Email names are unique! Only one person can register with a name. If you have a common name chances are someone may already have registered with that name. When you register the email provider (Yahoo, AOL,Hotmail, etc.) will let you know if the name you want is available. Example There is only one [email_address] if your name is taken, try adding a number [email_address] or try changing the order of your name: [email_address] [email_address]

8. CHOOSE AN APPROPRATE NAME! You do not have to choose your legal name, you can choose a nickname or a combination of names or numbers. Remember everyone will see your email name. [email_address] may be okay for friends and family but it does not look professional as an email on your résumé. If you want a cute or provocative email name consider setting up more than one account, use one for private correspondence and a more appropriate one for business or school.

9. CHOOSING A PASSWORD PLEASE choose a password that YOU can remember. If you forget your password you will not be able to access your email. A combination of numbers and letters significant enough for you to recall can be used. Your password should be secure do not share it with another person. Do not use your social security number, PIN numbers or any other numbers that are crucial to your personal ID or security.

10. EMAIL GLOSSARY Here are just a couple of terms used in reference to the email Inbox - Where you view email someone sent to you. Compose- The area where you write emails to be sent. Attachment- A file that is sent along with a message. It can be a word processing document, picture, or video. Forward- What you can do when you receive an email message you want to send to another person. Spam- Unsolicited mail- Junk mail! CC- Carbon copy you can send the same message to several people at once and they will see each other’s email address. BCC- Blind carbon copy you can send the same message to several people at once but they will not see each other’s email in the address field.