Used to send messages from one computer to another

Can be sent between computers on a local area network or between computers on the Internet

Advantages:

• Arrives at its destination in at most a few hours;
• Send and receive e-mail anywhere in the world, at any time;
• One e-mail message can be sent to a group of people;
• Registered e-mail can be sent;
• Can be cheaper than sending mail through the post;
• Can attach a file

Disadvantages:

• Some workers receive so many e-mails that they are unable to answer them all;
• Computer viruses are often sent by e-mail;
• Can send junk mail just as with conventional post