Write

E-mail

Electronic mail, often abbreviated to e-mail, is a method of writing, sending, receiving and saving messages over electronic communication systems.

You can also attach photos and documents to e-mails and include links to websites.

E-mail is great - it’s quick and cheap to keep in touch with family and friends!

Most of the e-mail programs that you need to send and receive e-mails are free.

E-mail requires Internet access and a web browser.

To get started, you need to register and give a few personal details – it’s as easy as that!

Find out more about e-mail.

Documents

Documents can be created and stored on your computer.

This is a convenient way of filing information so that it is easy to find next time you need it.

To be able to create, edit and read documents you will need software on your computer or access to an Internet application.

Types of documents

There are several types of documents you can create including:

• word documents - such as letters, a homework essay or story writing
• number documents (also known as spreadsheets) - for keeping track of expenses and budgets
• presentations - used for hobbies and study

See documents for more information.

Chat

Sometimes you want to chat with someone, but don't wish to phone them.

Instant Messaging

An alternative is to use an Instant Message software.

This allows you to talk to someone in real time by typing and receiving messages.

The software also shows you when other people are online, you can set your status to be online, busy or away.

Using an online chat is good for simple messages and can be more immediate than e-mail.

Find out about Instant Messaging.

Post

Use computers to help with writing correspondence.

Print letters out to post in the normal way.

Sometimes you can re-use letters for different people, for example changing address and by using a computer it is easy to adapt formal letters for different addresses.

Find out more about online services to help with posting letters and parcels.