E-mail & Messaging

For most people, a day without e-mail is unthinkable. From instant messaging to e-mail and other notifications, HowStuffWorks explains the devices and technologies that keep you in the loop.

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Email clients like Outlook and Gmail have a handy recall message feature that allows you to delete or edit emails after you've sent them. We'll tell you how to use them.

By Talon Homer

Most of us use the CC function in our email accounts all the time, but do you know what CC actually means and how it works?

By Laurie L. Dove

The perfect email deserves the perfect ending. But what is the right way to close an email? Well, that depends on who will be reading it.

By Francisco Guzman

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Sometimes referred to as the "backstabbing carbon copy," the BCC feature in email allows a sender to copy someone on a message without the recipient knowing. But is there a way for the recipient to find out? And should you really use BCC?

By Nathan Chandler

Gmail is one of the most popular email suites out there today. But if you're not backing up your data, you could be in for a huge loss if the site goes haywire.

By Nathan Chandler

How many e-mails do you send and receive on any given day? Could you imagine if you were taxed for all that digital communication?

By Nathan Chandler

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If your fingers ache from trying to type text messages on your smartphone, you'll be happy to learn how to text from computer. There are many benefits, and it's easier than you think!

By Nathan Chandler

You can organize e-mails by assigning mail to specific files for later retrieval. Learn about how to organize e-mails in this article.

By HowStuffWorks.com Contributors

With a rise in instant messaging, security is important to protect your computer and your family.

By Dave Roos

Instant messaging and e-mail are useful communication tools. And you're either an IM fan or a staunch e-mail loyalist. So which is more popular and why?

By Dave Roos

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The weather can change instantly, depending on your location. Learn how you can receive up-to-the-minute weather alerts, no matter where you're at.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

Are you an instant messaging fanatic? Click here to learn about how Google Talk works.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

On-hold messaging is common with many business telephone systems. Learn more about how on-hold messaging works.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

Windows Live Messenger is an easy to use instant messaging program for Windows. Learn all about it in this article.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

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Prescription alerts reduce the stress associated with taking daily medications. Learn more about prescription alerts in this article.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

Universal messaging makes it easy to access your email, voicemail, and fax in one place. Learn how universal messaging works in this article.

By Dave Roos

BlackBerry Messenger is both entertaining and functional for BlackBerry users. Learn how it works.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

Gmail is an ultra popular, user-friendly email service available from Google. Learn more about Gmail in this article.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

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Meebo's website allows users to access any of their instant messaging services from anywhere in the world. Learn about Meebo in this article.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

Windows Live supports several e-mail programs including Hotmail and Windows Live Mail. Find out more about Windows Live e-mail in this article.com.

By Tim Crosby

Yahoo Mail is one of the largest e-mail providers on the Internet and serves millions of users worldwide. Learn about Yahoo Mail in this article.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

Yahoo Messenger is one of the best instant messaging services available on the Web. Learn more about Yahoo Messenger in this article.

By Diane Dannenfeldt

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AIM, or AOL Instant Messenger, is the most popular instant messaging service available on the web. Learn about AOL Instant Messenger and its features.

By Dave Roos

Email gives us the ability to contact any person in the world in a matter of seconds. Find out how email works and how email servers deliver messages.

By Marshall Brain & Tim Crosby