5. Electronic Communication

There are two ways of communicating electronically: by text messaging and by email

 

1. Text Messaging !

Instant Messaging: One form of text messaging is 'instant messaging' which allows you to send text messages to people on their PC's.

You log on to the messaging server and send messages to your group. Some messaging services such as MSN explorer will even let you talk to your group using a microphone.

Phone Messaging: This lets you send short text messages to maximum of 160 characters. These are stored on central computer systems and then forwarded to pagers, mobile phones, and palmtop computers with mobile phone connections.

 

2. Electronic-Mail (email) !

Email can be used to send messages anywhere in the world. It provides instant communication and enables us to contact people quickly and with little cost.

 

Advantages of email

1. Email delivery is very fast, especially when compared to ordinary mail delivered by the postman ('snail mail') . Email can take seconds or minutes not days to arrive.
2. Costs less than surface mail. Most email services are free to the user. The main cost, being the cost of your telecommunications link.
3. If you use web based email you can check your in box any time you want from anywhere in the world where there is an internet connection.
4. Your email is secure because you need an ID and password to access it.

 

Disadvantages of email

1. Viruses can be hidden in email attachments, so care has to be taken in opening attachments from people you do not know .
2. Lots of 'spam' arrives by email. Spam is unwanted adverts, special offers and general junk mail.

 

Using Attachments to transfer files !

If you want to send someone a data file, the easiest way is to send it by attaching it to an email message.

Setting up an attachment is easy. Once you have written your email message, all you have to do is browse your hard drive, and select the file you want to attach.

You can use attachments to transfer almost any kind file to around the world almost instantly.

 

Problems with attachments!

1. Some email providers put limits on the size of file that can be attached to emails.
2. Some people use email attachments to send viruses around networks, so care has to be taken not to open unexpected attachments.

 

 

Netiquette!

Netiquette is a set of rules that govern the way that people behave when using email or a network. There are different versions of the netiquette code, but they all trying to set down the codes of conduct for behavior on the network.

An example of netiquette code:-

1. Do not start flame wars.
2. Do not use bad language, always be polite.
3. Do not post unwanted mail or use email to spam.
4. Be patient with people who use email to ask awkward questions.

 

 

What you have to do!

Answer the following questions under a heading "Electronic Communication" either in your "Brain" or a new Word document.

1. List three reasons why email is so popular.
2. Describe how email can be used for 'spamming'.
3. How is text messaging different from email?
4. Why are email attachment so useful ?
5. Outline any difficulties with the use of attachments?

 

What you should be able to do!

1. Explain the difference between Text Messaging and E-Mail.

2. Give a number of advantages for communicating by E-Mail

3. Describe how files can be transferred using E-Mail.

4. Outline some of the disadvantages to E-Mail

 

Continue to 6. The Internet