"Use HTML Email With Care"
You know what? Some of it is soooo cool I can't read the text!
Here's a few examples ...
Colored background with colored font.
Cool background with a fancy font.
Wiggly, squiggly animations that distract me from reading the message.
Cartoons of a funny little gnome waving at me.
Beautifully designed pictures of butterflies or flowers on a green background.
And so on.
Look, when I send a business letter by snail mail, I do not use scented note paper. Or a pink envelope. Or include a picture of a a delicate fairy with gossamer wings.
Nor do I use an illegible airy-fairy font!
If you use a fancy font that's on your PC, it can't be read by the recipient if he/she doesn't have the same fancy font on *their* PC. Their PC will show what it thinks is the nearest it has, and displays your message in that font. And the result can be a complete mess.
And using a colored background makes it difficult for most people to make out the text. They may be color blind. They could begetting on a bit with tired eyes. There are a hundred differentreasons why they may have difficulty in reading your emailcomfortably. So they may just not bother reading it at all.
So why try to re-invent the wheel? For decades, newspapers have used black text on a white background. So use Arial or Verdana font (not the default Times Roman - it's curly bits are difficult to read on a PC screen) and write it on a white background.
Email is for communicating your message. Not your ego!
Sorry if that hurts a bit. But if you want to lose friends - orhave your emails trashed as unread - use a fancy blue font on ablue background with a cute green gnome waving his hand at thereader. And throw in a beautiful multi-colored butterfly as well.
Or maybe don't send it at all:-)
In fact, if you use plain text email the problem doesn't arise. And everyone can read it.
*from the THE NEWBIE CLUB INSIDER Issue 115 February 7, 2003
A protocol is a way to get things done without running into stuff. That's a homely way of saying it, but if you apply what you know about the world you live in, you'll see that the electronic world is similar. E-mail has to follow certain protocols in its route around the globe. If it didn't, you'd never get it.
POP3 accounts are always for incoming mail.
The computer hosting your POP3 server does one thing, and does it well. It receives your e-mail, placing it in a special place on a hard drive located on your host's server ("server" is just a
fancy name for a computer that does nothing but serve up pages in answer to your request for information). When you check your mail, your e-mail client (Outlook, Outlook Express, AOL,
Netscape, etc.) sends a request to the server, checking for mail.
If you've got mail, it's downloaded to your computer. Then you can read it without having to be online.
SMTP accounts are always for outgoing mail.
SMTP stands for Simple Mail Transport Protocol. It's the part of the Internet that sends mail. A protocol is followed to ensure safe delivery to the recipient's mailbox, and not some other box.
Web-based e-mail isn't the same as client-based e-mail. OK, the message is the same, but the way you get your mail is different. Web based mail depends on your browser to read mail. You have to log into an account before you can receive, send or read it.
Use web-based e-mail if you plan to travel a lot, and don't have local access numbers. Then you can get your mail from any computer anywhere in the world. All you need is an Internet connection and a browser. Hotmail.com, and Yahoo.com are common examples of web-based e-mail services.
You can have as many email addresses as you can think of. There's no limit to the number of accounts you can set up, though a practical limit will be reached depending your creativity or need for various accounts.
Use aliases to receive email at any name you can place in front of the "@" symbol. Your web host should be able to set this up for you. In fact, it is standard stuff on the Net. All you do is ask your provider about email aliases. If they are a good people, they will explain this to you, or send you resource information. Ever noticed the following addresses: webmaster@domain.com or
sales@domain.com or info@domain.com ?
*from the THE NEWBIE CLUB INSIDER Issue 190 July 18, 2004
"Don't Send Mysterious Emails"
Here's an email I received yesterday ...
'I did as you asked but still had problems".
That's it. Nothing else. Zilch. Zero.
The sender must have thought that I remember every detail of the2 emails I answer each day!
Now I had to send a reply asking what he or she was referring to.
And so on and so on.
Please remember this very simple tip ...
When you answer an email, click the 'Reply' button in your top toolbar. The original email comes up, and you type your message at the top of the page. Then send it.
It's vitally important to do this so that the recipient knows what you're talking about, because he/she can read the original email at the end of yours. It's called a thread.
Do NOT type your reply at the end of the original email. I know it sounds logical, but the recipient has to scroll down to the bottom to read it. And he can't read your message in his preview panel.
Man I get soooo exasperated by those mysterious messages that Icannot understand, because I just can't remember what Janice, orBill, or Harry, wrote to me about yesterday.
One other no-no ...
I get emails with NOTHING in the body of the email itself. Just asentence in the subject line saying something like "I got it".
Got what - scarlet fever?
I suppose it all boils down to being good mannered in your emails.
*from the THE NEWBIE CLUB INSIDER Issue 115 February 7, 2003
"Types of Email Newsletter"
Plain text newsletter
Refers to emails in ASCII format. Plain text
does not include text formatting code. In other
words, it's an 'ordinary' plain newsletter!
HTML newsletter
A newsletter sent in Hyper Text Markup Language. This
differs from a plain text newsletter because it allows
list owners to send media-rich publications that can
include graphics along with text. Text
newsletters consist of ASCII characters only. Since
some subscribers' email clients cannot view HTML or subscribers
prefer not to receive it, an HTML newsletter is generally
offered as an option in addition to a standard text newsletter.
ASCII - An acronym for "American Standard Code for
Information Interchange", used to assign
English characters to numbers.
Rich media ...
Is text content used in sending certain types
of email. It also includes commands for page layout,
graphics, audio, video and animation.
Rich media requires more bandwidth and storage
space than ordinary text.
*from the THE NEWBIE CLUB INSIDER
Issue 103 Novewmber 14, 2002
"Email Pointers"
Don't be rude:
When we were young, most of us were
taught the basics of good manners, like saying
'please' and 'thank you'. So why should an email
message be any different?
And make sure you sign it with your name. Remaining anonymous
does not gain respect.
Be Professional:
Don't use lots of emoticoms when
writing to someone you don't know. LOL and IMHO
may be meaningless to many people.
Use a spell checker:
Most email software has a built
in spell checker. The odd spelling error may
be overlooked by most people, but an email filled with
typos creates a bad impression. So use it. Even though it
may mean spending a few seconds longer before sending
it off.
Check your Tone of Voice:
It is very easy to come across as
rude and demanding in an email. Even if that's
not your intention. So read your message before
sending it off, and try to read it as your recipient would. Remember,
she may not know you.
Be Precise:
Keep your message short and to the
point by all means. But ensure you have given all
the information your recipient needs to act on
your query. Especially when writing to a support desk.
Ask before sending an attachment:
Many people - especially those in
business, will *never* open an attachment because
of the risk of a virus infection. If it's important
to send an attachment, write first for permission to
do so. Even then, some will refuse to accept it - unless they
know you extremely well.
*from the THE NEWBIE CLUB INSIDER
Issue 90 August 16, 2002
"Creating an Email Signature or Template"
Do you find yourself sending emails with the same information in
them? It's gets a bit time consuming typing out the same, or similar,
stuff each time doesn't it?
Or perhaps you'd like to insert a short piece of information at the
end of your emails. This is called a signature file.
Techies call them templates.
Here's how to do it if you use Outlook. Outlook Express is similar,
but you may have to experiment a little.
On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Mail Format
tab.
In the Send in this message format box, select the format you send
your emails in. i.e. Plain Text, Html.
Click Signature Picker, and then click New.
In the Enter a name for your new Signature box, enter a name you
want to identify the template with, eg John's Products.
Under Choose how to create your Signature, select whether to
start from scratch or use an existing signature.
To select a file to base your signature on, click Use this file
as a template and type the path and file name in the box, or
click Browse to select from a list if you already have one. This
can be a letter, or document you store elsewhere on your PC.
Click Next.
In the Signature text box, type the text you want to appear as your
template. This is best done beforehand in notepad or a word processing
program like Word, then copy and paste it in.
Click Finish then OK
NOTE: In Outlook, the template (signature) you have created is automatically
loaded as the default signature. If you want a different default signature
, click Signature Picker and select the one you need from the drop down
box. Assuming of course you have created a selection to choose from:-).
Now, whenever you wish to insert that template into an outgoing email,
place your cursor into the relevant spot in your email, click Insert
in your top taskbar. A drop down box appears. Click on Signature and select
the signature you want to insert into your email.
There are many ways you can customize your template. Just play around
with the editing buttons and see what works best for you.
This works in Outlook. Other email software may differ, and I'm afraid
we can't give specific advice. Just mess around - you'll get there:-)
*from the THE NEWBIE CLUB INSIDER
Issue 133 April 11, 2003
"It Isn't Too Late! Recalling a Microsoft Outlook 2000 Email"
Have you ever sent an email and then
remembered that you didn't add your phone number, an attachment,
or another piece of information that you intended
to include? Or perhaps you sent an email in anger,
then stared at your computer for a few minutes regretting
the way you worded your message. Well, if you're
using Outlook 2000, it may not be too late to get
it back undelivered. To recall and delete an already sent
email message from Outlook 2000, open the message in your Sent
folder, click on Actions, and select Recall This Message.
It's that simple. If the message still resides on your
mail-ISP server, it will be deleted and you'll receive
confirmation that it was successfully recalled.
*from the WVIZ Computer Connections
November 14, 2002
"Your Email Reveals More Than You Realize"
Any email you send is a reflection of
your personality. Even tiny oversights can change the tone
of your message, and upset - even enrage - the recipient
without intention.
Far too many emails are sent without regard to spelling
and grammar, and this gives the reader the impression
that you are unprofessional and untidy. Yes, the Internet
is a 'casual' medium, but that's no excuse for omitting
things like your name, or not saying 'please' or 'thank
you' when asking for help or advice.
As an example, how do you think we at The Newbie Club
feel when we receive an email like this...
how do i copy and paste from word to publisher.
i need a answer quikly.
Notice there is NO introduction. No 'Please'
or 'Thank you. No signature. NO capitalization of
the I's. And it's badly spelled.
However well intended, the email reads as a DEMAND for
free help, from someone who hasn't even made the effort
to present it in a reasonable manner. It even borders
on the arrogant. Even though we wouldn't refuse to answer,
many other people - 'normal' human beings - will probably
REFUSE to answer it.
------ "Yet All It Takes Is A Little
Forethought"
Or even Fivethought! Check your grammar. Use
a spellchecker to correct the spelling. An introduction
and a signature like this ...
Hi, I wonder if you can help me please? Can
you tell me how to copy and paste from Word to Publisher?
I'm desperate to find out and would appreciate your
help.
Thank you.
John Smith.
The second email probably took a few seconds longer to
write, and will invariably get a more positive response.
*from the THE NEWBIE CLUB INSIDER
Issue 96September 27, 2002
Here's a few well used ones.
IMHO ---- In My Humble Opinion
TYVM ---- Thank You Very Much
<G> ----- Grinning
ASAP ---- As Soon As Possible
<S> ----- Smiling
:-) ------- Smiling (yes, two of them)
IOW ----- In Other Words
FAQ ----- Frequently Asked Questions
NRN ------ No Reply Necessary
ROFL --Rolling On the Floor Laughing
*from THE NEWBIE CLUB INSIDER Issue 82 June 13, 2002
Many people assume that the page does not exist. Someone's made a typo. Some fool has messed up!
Well that's not always the case.
I know you're not interested in the techie reasons for this happening, but sometimes if you click 'Refresh', the page will load for you.
You'd be surprised at how often you'll be successful.
If that doesn't work, try returning later and see if it loads.
And sometimes you may find that a page is taking aaaaages to load. The bar in your taskbar is crawling across at a snail's pace, and you feel your eyes beginning to grow heavy and your chin slowly drops closer to your chest. It is NOT recommended that you squirt lubricating oil into the back of your PC. However, the burning smell *will* keep you awake whilst you're staring at a black screen. It's better to try clicking 'Stop' and refresh the page. Sometimes the page loads almost instantaneously.
Why? Coz it's technology, that's why:-)
*from The Newbie Club Insider Issue 114 Jan 30th 2003
"Error Messages"
Some common Windows error messages are less intimidating when you have an idea of what the often cryptic message is referring to. Error messages are rarely if ever displayed because of a mistake you made. It's just Bill Gate's way of passing the buck:-) So the best thing to do is read the following tips, maintain your composure, and take control of the computer!
Invalid Page Fault.
This occurs when the operating system (Windows) fails to actually access information (data) that was requested by one of your programs. It's as if the butler simply went to sleep on the job.
Remedy: Close the offending application that caused the error. Fire the butler. But only temporarily.
Fatal Exception Error.
This happens when a program or the system itself tries to work with sickly data, such as a corrupt file. Files get corrupted if all the ducks aren't lined up just so. Everything has to be absolutely precise, or wham! Fatal Exception.
Nobody was hurt, were they? I hope not!
Remedy: Close the offending application. Sometimes it's Windows. So you have to reboot.
General Protection Fault (GPF).
Your computer has to have enough resources to support everything going on inside. If it runs low, or resources leak into space, you may see a GPF. This may also happen if two applications try to use the same memory location, like two cars attempting the same parking spot.
Remedy: Restart your computer. The memory is cleared. And you continue on down the road.
Runtime Error.
These occur while applications are running. The only way to cure them is to restart the application.
*from THE NEWBIE CLUB INSIDER Issue 200 September 25, 2004
Now here's a few error messages you may see,along with what they mean. If you encounter a message you reallywant to figure out, consult the Microsoft Knowledge Base
( ttp://search.support.microsoft.com ) for solutions.
"The device has been disabled in the hardware. In order to use this device, you must re-enable the hardware. See your hardwaredocumentation for details."
The documentation will only tell you how the device should be set up. It won't help you any with the error message.
This Windows error message is caused by hardware components that malfunction or may be configured incorrectly. Check all connections, try reinstalling the device, or try it in another
computer. If it still gives the same message, it's probably broken.
"Error starting program. There is not enough memory. Quit some programs and try again." There are three possible answers:
a. Your hard drive is too full and can't accommodate more data. Since Windows uses space on your hard drive as virtual memory (in addition to RAM) this could be the cause. Be sure you have at
least 10% of your drive free. On a 10 gigabyte hard drive, that would be 100 megabytes minimum.
b. The Recycle Bin may have too much space reserved. Try decreasing this amount to a lower percentage. The default is 10%.
c. You may need to upgrade your RAM - Random Access Memory.
4. "Cannot find a device file that may be needed to run Windows or a Windows application." Grab the phone and call for help,because this is dial-up networking problem. Reinstall dial-up
networking. How?
Use the Add/Remove programs utility in the Control Panel. Add the dial-up networking program. It's not as easy as sounds, so Iadvise you to try and find a techie-type who can help you out if
this is your problem.
5. "This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down."
This message is designed to strike terror into the hearts of seasoned techies.
There are many reasons for this, but most of the time the problem does not re-occur.
If it does then seek help from your techie. If it occurs every time you use a particular program or piece of software then there is a conflict somewhere.
Unfortunately, as we all know, sometime Windows has a mind of its own and we just cannot determine why a particular event happens.
As I frequently say ... 'Stuff Happens'.
Error messages are there to guide you into the light. After passing through the valley of the shadow of possible doom, you'll enter a new land of understanding. Certain events trigger error
messages - like starting your computer, or trying to run two applications that fight each other for memory locations (known as conflicting applications).
You may never operate without an error message, but at least you'll start learning to decipher them, and may discover theyaren't so bad after all. Especially if you're able to fix thecause!
*from THE NEWBIE CLUB INSIDER Issue 79 May 23, 2002
"This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down." This message can be caused if your disk drives don't have special drivers loaded. Remember, a driver is a little software program that helps Windows communicate with its hardware.
The special driver that communicates with the hard drives is called a 32-bit protected mode driver. Sorry, I can't explain what all that means, but it's not important for you to know. What is important is that you check to see that a certain check box is "checked off" or not.
Click Start, Settings, Control Panel, and double click the System icon. Select the Performance tab, and check the File System settings. If it doesn't say 32-bit, then click the File System button.
From the resulting window, click the Troubleshooting tab. Locate the setting that says Disable All 32-Bit Protected Mode Disk Drivers and click it. This will remove the check mark, and will force Windows to enable protected mode for the disk drives. Here's a picture to help you:
Notice that all of these options are unchecked. This is the default for a new system. But if yours isn't new, or you obtained it from a techie who had some weird setup that required check marks in some of the boxes, this could be the cause of the error message.
Systems change. People install new hardware in older machines, and conflicts can occur. They don't happen consistently, usually, so knowing what to look for in various locations can only help. Hopefully, you'll never encounter a problem like this.
If you're using a Windows based computer (and you are) then you'll want to know that you're an executioner. That's right.We're not talking lethal injections here, so hold on. Whetheryou agree with capital punishment or not, you are indeed doingthe executioner's job ... right on your computer!
Okay, okay. Here's how. When you double click on an icon, you are "executing" that icon's program. You see, icons--thosepretty little pictures that clutter your desktop--all representfiles, programs, sounds, etc. And the word 'execute' means "tostart up."
You'll notice that certain downloads have three letters after them... "exe". That's short for "executable" and means the filewill do something when you double click on it. So you see,you must execute a file to bring it to life. This is totally backwards from what we normally think, but then, isn't thatpar for the course with computers? And golf?
Executable files are very common, and very scary to some. They think that an exe file will contain a virus. And it could. Butviruses are most commonly shared by email. The executableprograms we deliver to you are all virus free. They've beenscanned, were created in a clean environment free for viraldebris, so you can rest assured that next time you execute oneof our e-books, you'll get only clean, refreshing info you canuse to grow even smarter.
Do the double-click. And execute an icon today!
*from THE NEWBIE CLUB INSIDER Issue 197 September 5, 2004
