Internet e-mail provides a way to get
information quickly to anyone who subscribes to the
service. E-mail is a basic capability and is
available as part of standard packages offered by
many internet service providers. In addition to
composing and sending notes, internet e-mail provides
a means to send attached binary files, such as
compressed images, word processor documents, and
spread sheets. But for attachments to work properly,
all parties must either be equipped with standards
compliant software or be part of a closed user group
running the same non-standards based mail system.
E-mail servers provide the post office
function for their subscribers. Mailboxes are filled
with incoming mail addressed to the holder of the
mailbox. Subscribers retrieve their mail by having
their mail client software contact the server and
request that the mail be downloaded to the local PC.
Messages can be retrieved selectively or in bulk, and
can be removed from the mailbox or copied to the
local machine without removing the copy from the
mailbox.
Some servers provide the capability of
automatically replying to incoming mail. This feature
can be useful in situations where you desire to
acknowledge incoming mail, such as sending an
acknowledgement to someone who is reporting a problem
or requesting additional information.
A "vacation" feature offered by
some servers permits subscribers to reply to incoming
messages with an announcement that the subscriber
will not be checking e-mail until a later date.
Some mail servers also provide a list
server capability that can be used to host forums.
Servers with this feature automatically distribute
e-mail messages sent to a list name to the people who
have subscribed to the list. Lists are set up around
a theme or topic. People interested in the theme
subscribe to the list and are able to participate in
a forum atmosphere with the other subscribers.
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