CLC e-mail

A file is a collection of information which has been given a unique combination of three attributes…  ADDRESS… NAME… TYPE

e-mail messages are merely files…  Binary collections of information.

e-mail message files can be transmitted and received by personal computers (PCs) which have access to a network.

These computers need protocols to enable them to exchange files.

i.e.  They need to agree on how they will hook-up.

There are two main protocols for the e-mail service.  Both use the hardware of the Telecommunication Network, personal computers, and software to provide the necessary instructions.

(1) One transfers messages from your file space on your ISP’s server to your computer’s message file space.  It also allows you to prepare and send messages to other file servers on the network.  One name for this protocol is POP3 (Post Office Protocol – Ver. 3).

(2)  The other merely allows you to read your messages via the        World Wide Web… The www protocol.  You also use this protocol to create and send messages.  This is referred to as “Web Mail.”   Your messages reside on your ISP’s server.

Both protocols require software programs (stored instructions).  There are many different programs with many features available for each protocol.

At the CLC we use MS Outlook Express (Windows XP) to manage our messages and e-mail accounts on our server which is located in California.  This is POP3.  For Windows VISTA we will use MS Windows Mail.  Both of these applications reside on the Lab’s computer.

For Web Mail we connect with our server’s account at the following URL.  https://www.hsvclc.org:****   We will use the server’s Squirrel Mail Program.

Discussion of the pros and cons of POP3 and Web Mail will be made.  Which method best fits your needs?

Each class participant will be provided with an e-mail account on the CLC’s server.  You will set up the procedure for managing your e-mail messages.  You will probably forget how to do this by the time you get a new computer at home or switch ISPs; maybe you will remember that this needs to be done.

To gain experience with the various programs (applications for managing e-mails) we will send e-mails to each other, set up address books, message rules, and attach and embed files and graphics.  Although many of us have been using e-mail for some time there is always something new to learn.