Email is short for 'electronic mail'. Similar to a letter, it is sent via the internet to a recipient. An email address is required to receive email, and that address is unique to the user. Some people use internet-based applications and some use programs on their computer to access and store emails.

Key benefits and features of using email

  • It's quick – your recipient receives your email as soon as they go online and collect their mail.
  • It's secure.
  • It's low cost.
  • Photos, documents and other files can be attached to an email, so that more information can be shared.
  • One email can be sent to more than one recipient at a time.

Karen Maxwell is a Digital Unite tutor and assessor/trainer of computer accessibility.