Another useful feature of e-mail is the ability to send a file attached to the e-mail message. This is especially useful when you are working on collaborative projects with colleagues in other locations or when you want to send along a document that you composed earlier. You can attach text files, spreadsheets, database files, and even graphic images to an e-mail message.

A word of caution about attaching files: There are several key issues that you need to be aware of when sending attached file. The first is file size. You want to keep attached files as small as possible. A heavily formatted document with lots of graphics is going to take much longer to send and receive, especially if the recipient is still using a dial-up connection.

The second is the type of document. If the person who receives the file does not have the software that created the file they may not be able to see it. The RTF (rich text format) document type is available in the Save As options of every word processor and results in a file that will be readable on all computers. RTF is the preferred file format for attached documents. Another benefit of using the RTF file format is that it can not harbor and transfer viruses.

Keep in mind that you can only send individual documents and not entire folders unless they have been zipped or stuffed.

It is also considered common e-mail courtesy to include a note in the message body describing the document and the identifying the file format being used.

Let's give it a try!

1. Open your e-mail application and click on "Compose Mail"
   
2. In the TO: box, type bjost@josts.net
   
3. In the CC: box, type your e-mail address
   
4. In the SUBJECT: box, type "e-mail D"
   
5. In the TEXT: box, type This message has a file attached. Describe the file or document and tell me what file format you are using.
   
6. Now, look for an toolbar icon or a menu item that says ATTACH (or Insert or something similar). This is in a slightly different place in each e-mail client so you may have to search a bit to find it. If all else fails, check the Help Files for your e-mail client. When you find it, click the icon or select the menu option.
   
7. Navigate to your My Documents or Documents folder and select any small file from your documents.
   
8. Highlight the file and click Open (Note: Your e-mail client may use OK or Attach in place of the word Open.)
   
9. You should receive some indication that the file has been attached.
   
10. SEND the e-mail message and the attached file.
    
11. Enter the date you completed this activity in your logbook.

The next time you check your mail, the CC: message you sent should be in your mailbox. When you open the message, you should see an indication that there was a file attached to the message.

Each e-mail software application has a slightly different way of displaying and opening attached files. Try clicking on the attached file's icon or file name to see if that opens the attached file. If not, check your e-mail client's Help files for specific information on how to open the attached file. The reply message I will send back this time will include an attached file. Be looking for it!

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