Communicating on the Internet Sagdullayev Pulatbek (Steel) Internet Basics 2 Communicating on the Internet Sagdullayev Pulatbek (Steel)

Lesson 3: Communicating on the Internet Objectives After completing this lesson, you will be able to: Explain how e-mail works. Write and send e-mail messages. Manage e-mail messages. Identify the features of online communities. Explain how instant messaging works. Explain how the Web authoring software is used to create and publish Web pages. Imagine that you work at an organization where the employees are located all over the world, and you need to talk to them frequently. You might also have friends and relatives located in different parts of the world. In either case, you will get a huge phone bill if you talk to them frequently. The Internet provides a quick, easy, and cost-effective method to exchange messages with other computer users in any part of the world. You can use e-mail messages, online communities, or instant messaging, to communicate over the Internet.

How e-mail works Electronic mail (e-mail) is an electronic form of the traditional postal mail. An e-mail message can reach the recipient’s e-mail account within a few seconds. You can also send pictures, data files, audio, and even video clips with your e-mail messages. Electronic mail (e-mail) is an electronic form of the traditional postal mail. Instead of using a pen and paper to write a postal message, you use a software program to create e-mail messages. This software program is known as an e-mail client. After you create the message, a network server acts like a letter carrier to deliver your message to the recipient. A network server is a computer that manages all other computers on a network. Unlike postal mail, which can take several days to reach the recipient, an e-mail message can reach the recipient’s e-mail account within a few seconds. You can also send pictures, data files, audio, and even video clips with your e-mail messages. For example, you can send a family photograph or a small home video to your friends with your e-mail messages.

How e-mail works (cont.) To exchange e-mail messages with other people, you need to have an e-mail address for yourself. You can obtain an e-mail address by opening an account with an e-mail service provider. You need to know the e-mail address of the person to whom you want to send the e-mail message. To exchange e-mail messages with other people, you need to have an e-mail address for yourself. You can obtain an e-mail address by opening an account with an e-mail service provider. Then, you need to know the e-mail address of the person to whom you want to send the e-mail message.

How e-mail works (cont.) E-mail Address An e-mail address has two parts separated by the @ symbol: johndoe@example.com Information Description someone This is the name you use to create your e-mail address. People recognize the e-mail address with the help of the user name. When you open an account with an e-mail service provider, you can specify your user name. The user name that you specify should be unique. The e-mail service provider checks if the user name you provide already exists. If it exists, you need to provide another user name. @ The @ symbol separates the user name from the remaining part of the e- mail address. example.com This represents the domain name of the mail server, where all your e-mail messages are stored. An e-mail address has two parts separated by the @ symbol. The following table explains the different parts of the e-mail address, someone@example.com.

How e-mail works (cont.) In addition to having an e-mail address, you need to ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet. You also need to have an e-mail client on your computer to send and receive the e-mail messages. In addition to having an e-mail address, you need to ensure that your computer is connected to the Internet. You also need to have an e-mail client on your computer to send and receive the e-mail messages. When you create and send an e-mail message, the e-mail client first connects to a mail server. The message then travels from your mail server to the destination mail server over the Internet. This mail server then sends the e-mail message to the recipient’s e-mail account.

How e-mail works (cont.) There are two types of e-mail clients, local and Web-based. Local e-mail clients are installed on your computer, and you can use them to save e-mail messages to your hard disk. Microsoft Outlook® Express is an example of a local e-mail client. Web-based e-mail clients : You can send and open e-mail messages by using the Web-based e-mail client. MSN Hotmail® is an example of a Web-based e-mail client. There are two types of e-mail clients, local and Web-based. Local e-mail clients are installed on your computer, and you can use them to save e-mail messages to your hard disk. Microsoft Outlook® Express is an example of a local e-mail client. You connect to Web-based e-mail clients by using a Web browser. You can send and open e-mail messages by using the Web-based e-mail client, but unless you specifically download a message to your local computer, all messages remain on the service provider’s system. MSN Hotmail® is an example of a Web-based e-mail client.  

Opening a Hotmail account Click Start, and then click Internet Explorer. In the Address bar, type http://www.hotmail.com (http://www.hotmail.com) , and then click Go. To create your Hotmail e-mail address, click Sign Up. In the Country/Region box, click the list arrow, and then click your country or region in the list.

Opening a Hotmail account (cont.) In the E-mail address box, type the user name that you want to appear before @hotmail.com, and then click Check Availability. Type your password in the Password box. Retype your password in the Retype password box. *If you forget your password sometime in the future, MSN provides you an option for resetting your Hotmail password.

Opening a Hotmail account (cont.) In the Secret answer box, type your secret answer. If you have another e-mail address, you can type that address in the Alternate e-mail address box. In the Enter your account information section, type the relevant details in the First name and Last name boxes, and then select your Gender. Click the list arrows for the Month and Day, click the relevant details, and then type your birth year in the empty box.

Opening a Hotmail account (cont.) Click the State list arrow, and then click the relevant item in the list. Type your zip code in the Zip code box. Click the Time zone list arrow, and then click your time zone in the list. Click the Occupation list arrow, and then click your occupation in the list.

Opening a Hotmail account (cont.) Type the characters you see in the picture in the Characters box. Click MSN service agreement and MSN privacy statement to read the agreements. Type your e-mail address as shown in the highlighted text box, and then click I Accept, your Hotmail account is created.

Writing and Sending E-Mail Messages You can create e-mail messages and send them to multiple people in different parts of the world. Each e-mail message is made up of two parts, the header and the body: The header is similar to the envelope of a postal letter. It includes information such as the e-mail address of the sender and recipient and the subject of the e-mail. The body is similar to the letter inside an envelope. It includes the text message and any attachments. You can create e-mail messages and send them to multiple people in different parts of the world by using your e-mail account and e-mail client. Each e-mail message is made up of two parts, the header and the body. The header is similar to the envelope of a postal letter. It includes information such as the e-mail address of the sender and recipient and the subject of the e-mail. The body is similar to the letter inside an envelope. It includes the text message and any attachments.

Writing and Sending E-Mail Messages Practices We will use the email account you created (Hotmail) to learn how to write and send messages. In this exercise, Craig M. Combel is working as a marketing assistant with Trey Research. He has recently opened an e-mail account on Hotmail. He now wants to communicate with his other team members about a trade show.

Writing and Sending E-Mail Messages Practices Step 1 The e-mail program has been opened and the e-mail account has been signed into for you. To begin a new message, click New Message. Step 2 To specify the e-mail address of the recipient, click in the To box, and then type the recipient’s email address. Step 3 To specify the subject of your e-mail, click in the Subject box, and then type a brief subject. Scenario The Hotmail Web site is opened and the e-mail account has been signed in.

Writing and Sending E-Mail Messages Practices Step 4 To type your message, click in the message box, and then type your message. Step 5 To attach files to your message, click Attach. Step 6 The list shows you the types of files you can attach: Pictures, Files, or Contact Information. To attach a file to your message, click File. Scenario The Hotmail Web site is opened and the e-mail account has been signed in.

Writing and Sending E-Mail Messages Practices Step 7 To select the relevant file from your computer, click Browse. For this exercise, click Web Site Insertion Order, and then click Open. Step 8 To return to your message, click OK. Step 9 Just as you end a letter by signing your name, in an e-mail message you can add personal signature information.

Writing and Sending E-Mail Messages Practices Step 10 To send your message, click Send. Step 11 Your message is sent to the intended recipients. To view all the messages that you have received, click Mail. Step 12 All the unread messages are highlighted. To open one of the messages, click on it.

About Online Communities Online communities are formed by groups of computer users. Some Web sites provide tools that allow you to exchange ideas and information in an open interactive forum. Some Web sites allow you to add your responses or views to an ongoing conversation when other users are not online. Some online communities provide a facility for sending e-mail messages about the details of discussions. Online communities are formed by groups of computer users who have common interests and purpose to communicate with each other over the Internet. Some Web sites provide tools that allow you to exchange ideas and information in an open interactive forum. You can participate and interact with other users who are online. Some Web sites allow you to add your responses or views to an ongoing conversation when other users are not online. Some online communities provide a facility for sending e-mail messages about the details of discussions.

Different types of online communities Type of online community Description Newsgroups Newsgroups are online discussion forums dedicated to specific topics. Chat groups/rooms Chat groups or rooms are Web sites that you can use to communicate instantly with other people who have logged on to the same Web site. Blogs Blogs are online diaries or journals. You can post articles, daily events, or your thoughts on any subject. Type of online community Description   Newsgroups Newsgroups are online discussion forums dedicated to specific topics. There are newsgroups available for all kinds of topics such as computers, literature, social issues, current affairs, and more. These newsgroups are called Usenet. Newsgroups are like bulletin boards. They include articles on different areas of a topic, other people’s views on that topic, and announcements of various events or job openings. If you have questions for which you need answers, you can post them to the newsgroup. People will read your questions and reply with their answers or opinions. You can search for a newsgroup related to your topic of interest and subscribe to it. Then, similar to sending e-mail messages, you can log on to the newsgroup and post your messages. The only difference is that everyone who logs on to the newsgroup can read your messages. All discussions related to a particular topic are grouped and linked by a single thread of discussion. So, over a period of time, you can continue a discussion on a particular subject with other people. Chat groups/rooms Chat groups or rooms are Web sites that you can use to communicate instantly with other people who have logged on to the same Web site. When you chat with someone, it means that you type a line of text and then press the ENTER key. The words that you typed appear on the screens of the other participants, who can then respond in kind. You can even use audio and video media while chatting so that you can talk and see the person you are chatting with. You can also transfer files to other participants. There are many chat rooms available that cater to different topic areas. Depending on your topic of interest, you can sign in to a chat room. You need to sign in to the chat room so that other people in the chat room can know that you are online. Blogs Blogs are online diaries or journals. You can post articles, daily events, or your thoughts on any subject. Blogs are like personal diaries, where you can restrict access to people who can view and comment on your postings. You can either post your articles on specific Web sites that allow you to post blogs, or you can create your own Web site.

Instant Messaging allows you to communicate with other computer users over the Internet. is similar to a telephone conversation; the only difference is that you are typing your conversation. works just like a chat room, but it allows only your friends and colleagues to see if you are online and start a conversation. Instant messaging allows you to communicate with other computer users over the Internet. However, unlike e-mail messages, you can send and receive messages immediately. Instant messaging is similar to a telephone conversation; the only difference is that you are typing your conversation. Instant messaging works just like a chat room, but it allows only your friends and colleagues to see if you are online and start a conversation.

Instant Messaging (cont.) To use instant messaging, you also need instant messaging software along with an Internet connection. After you install the software, you need to create an account. You need to provide a user name and password. After you have created your account, you can log on and add the user names of your friends and colleagues who use the same instant messaging application. When you log on, the people in your list will know that you are online and can send messages to you. To use instant messaging, you also need instant messaging software along with an Internet connection. You can download the messaging software from the Internet and install it on your computer. For this topic, Windows Messenger is used. Most instant messaging software works in a similar way. After you install the software, you need to create an account. You need to provide a user name and password. You may also be asked to provide your personal details, but this is optional. After you have created your account, you can log on and add the user names of your friends and colleagues who use the same instant messaging application. When you log on, the people in your list will know that you are online and can send messages to you.

Instant Messaging (cont.) To send a message to someone who is online, you need to double-click the person’s name on the list. A window will open, and you can type your message in that window. Most instant messaging applications allow you to change your status, such as Online, Busy, Away, or Out To Lunch. In case you do not want the people in your list to see that you are online, but you would like to send messages to some of them, you can set your status as Appear Offline. To send a message to someone who is online, you need to double-click the person’s name on the list. A window will open, and you can type your message in that window. Most instant messaging applications provide a number of emoticons that allow you to express your emotions through icons. Most instant messaging applications allow you to change your status, such as Online, Busy, Away, or Out To Lunch, to indicate whether you are available for chatting or not. In case you do not want the people in your list to see that you are online, but you would like to send messages to some of them, you can set your status as Appear Offline. Depending on the application you use for instant messaging, there can be many more options.

Publishing on the Web Web pages are files saved on a network server and made available on the World Wide Web. The process of making Web pages available to other computer users is called publishing. Expert users can create a Web page by using a simple text editor, such as Notepad. Anyone can produce refined pages using specialized Web authoring software, such as Microsoft Office FrontPage® 2003, which makes it easy to publish your Web pages on the WWW.   Web pages are files saved on a network server and made available on the World Wide Web. The process of making Web pages available to other computer users is called publishing. You can create your own Web page and publish it. For example, you can create a Web page that contains information about your interests, hobbies, family, and your work. You can also include pictures, audio, and even video on your Web page. Expert users can create a Web page by using a simple text editor, such as Notepad. Anyone can produce refined pages using specialized Web authoring software, such as Microsoft Office FrontPage® 2003, which makes it easy to publish your Web pages on the WWW.

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