Question

An increasing number of people use e-mail (electronic mail) as a method of communication. For many of these people it is gradually replacing other means of communication such as fax, telephone and post.

1. Explain what is meant by the term e-mail.
2. 
   
   1. Which one of the following is an advantage of using e-mail compared to using post?
      

      	Tick one box only
      The e-mail will usually arrive quicker than the post.
      The e-mail can be sent worldwide.
      The e-mail can contain pictures

   2. Give one other advantage of using e-mail compared to using post.
   3. Give one disadvantage of using e-mail compared to using post.

Answer 1

1. Email refers to electronic mail, which means sending a text message attachment/file/picture over a communications network/LAN/WAN/Internet/WAP phone/between computers.
2. 1.  
      

      	Tick one box only
      The e-mail will usually arrive quicker than the post.
      The e-mail can be sent worldwide.
      The e-mail can contain pictures

   2. Advantages compared with post
      • Same delivery time anywhere in the world Tick one box only
      • Free/cheaper to send than paying postage/send attachments at no extra cost
      • Less chance of getting lost
      • Send to many people at the same time
      • Send when ready/immediately (not when post is collected)
      • Check e-mails from many places (worldwide)
      • Don't have to leave the house to send it.
   3. Disadvantages compared with post
      • Problems with computers are more common
      • Can catch/send virus
      • Can’t send parcel/bulky items through email Π
      • Need a computer/Internet/WAP phone, etc.