Laurawrites.net

The email system of the world seems very complex to many users. It shouldn't be. Your email is usually handled by two servers through your internet service provider.

The SMTP server is an acronym for Simple Mail Transfer Protocol. This is your “big, blue mail box,” where you send your letters. This is the online postal service taking your letters through all weather.

The POP server is an acronym for Post Office Protocol. The pop is the "mailman" who delivers your email to your Inbox.

You can find your virtual postal service information by opening your Inbox and moving to Tools>Accounts.

Click on your email account and click “Properties.”

Under the “Servers,” tab you should see your information. It will look something like this:

 

Pop.mydomain.com

SMTP.mydomain.com

Some ISPs recommend these settings for their users:

 

Mail.mydomain.com

Mail.mydomain.com

This is just fine, as well.

There are several rules for sending email:

1. Never send sensitive information in an email! The typical email system is not secure and shady folk can catch an email while it's in cyberspace.

2. Don't “skimp” on the correspondence. You are authoring a letter, even if it is virtual. Use full words and plain English, as you would on paper.

3. Mind your manners! Use the same etiquette you would in “real” life when writing someone.

4. Never send account information, passwords, or other private information in an email. These articles of information should ONLY be used if encrypted or on a secure server (look for a tiny lock icon in the bottom right area of your browser window).