Attachments

A powerful feature of electronic mail is the ability to attach text or graphics files created by other programs. Attachments are separate computer files attached to the e-mail message. The recipient can display, print or save the attachment as a separate document. You can use this feature to send draft documents to a co-author. They can read the document on their own computer, make changes, and return the edited version to you.

Warning
Attachments are also a means of transmitting computer viruses

Text Files

• A basic text file
• .txt

HyperText Markup Language (HTML) Files

• HTML is the language used to create Internet pages
• Some e-mail programs send messages in this format
• .html
• .htm

Word Processor Files

• Word processor programs are usually able to read each other's file format
• They can also read the basic txt, rtf and HTML files
• .doc (MS Word)
• .wpf (Word Perfect)
• .pdf (Adobe Acrobat)
• .rtf (Rich Text Format)

Graphics

• These are the most common graphics file formats
• .jpg
• .mpg
• .gif

Executable Files (Programs)

• May contain viruses – download with caution
• .exe

Multiple File Extensions

• Beware of files with multiple file name extensions – these are often virus-infected!
• “kourtnikova.jpg.exe” is the name of a virus file that tried to masquerade as a jpg file