Advantages and Disadvantages of E-mail

Advantages
It is far easier and cheaper than using a mailshot to reach millions of different people. It saves paper. Electronic mailing lists are available on a multitude of subjects from Scientology to Astrophysics.

In a school or college environment, it speeds up internal communication once everyone is on the system. You no longer have to rely upon memos, and messages can be filed electronically.

Disadvantages
One major difference between e-mail and letters is that with letters you are guaranteed a certain level of privacy, because the letter is contained within an envelope. With e-mail, the contents are open to read and to be changed (unless encrypted).

Signatures are difficult to verify on e-mail, making it difficult to validate who sent them - security is an issue. In the US a number of employees have been fired due to unguarded comments on e-mail, which were read by their employers. In the case of sensitive data, it is wise to print out one copy.

Contents: E-mail

Skill Check: E-mail