Today the Internet has become an integral part of our
lives and online communications are commonplace... But in order to be
successful in your online exchanges you should be aware of Netiquette.
What does this mean? Netiquette is a set of rules for behaving properly
online, the dos and donХts of online communication, and the informal "rules
of the road" of cyberspace.
When you communicate through cyberspace - via e-mail or
on discussion/chat groups - your words are written. And chances are they're
stored somewhere where you have no control over them. In other words,
they could come back to haunt you. And even if you diligently delete any
messages you send or receive, elsewhere, computer staff can equally diligently
back up the mainframe where your messages are stored! It is wise to assume
that everyone in the world will read your words. Though your e-mail may
initially be sent to only one person, it is very easy to forward a message
to hundreds or thousands of people. It is therefore wise to be cautious!
Do not forward any dumb chain letters to your friends.
Understand that most people have seen those a million times and find them
very annoying.
Never give out phone numbers or personal information
without confirming you are communicating with a reputable party. Never
give out personal contact information of others without their specific
permission to do so.
Always minimise, compress, or "zip" large files before
sending. Many of you do not realise how large graphics or photo files
are. They are large enough to fill someone's e-mail box and cause their
other mail to bounce. Get in the habit of compressing anything over 100,000
bytes. Do not send large attachments to others because you think that
a photo or file is cute, cool, or awesome. Ask permission first.
Don't forward virus warnings! These are nearly
always hoaxes, especially if they tell you to forward to everyone you
know. Rely only on your virus software provider's website for the real
scoop. If you get one of these wacky e-mails from a friend, go to your
virus software site and read what they have to say before you unnecessarily
alarm people. Unfortunately, with the advancement of technology, it is
now possible to get a virus without even opening an e-mail. A recent virus
merely required you to click on the e-mail's subject or (for those who
use Outlook) have your program set to "preview". HINT: turn previewing
off! The need for a 24/7 virus protection software is a must. You
will also need to update your virus files regularly so that your computer
is protected from the latest releases. Get an active program that is always
"ON". This will catch any viruses as they are being downloaded so they
can be quarantined and not infect your system. Update your virus patterns
daily. New viruses are identified daily! Never click on any attachment
or an .exe (example: Happy99.exe or ILOVEYOU) file attached within an
e-mail without checking for viruses. Even if the mail appears to come
from someone you know very well! They may unknowingly be infected
and not aware of the virus on their system that has just been passed on
to you.
Greet your correspondent. Always start your e-mail
with Hello, Hi, Dear, or whatever works for you. A little chit-chat asking
how the other person is, etc. could follow. You may think this to be trivial
or a waste of time, but this is how a civilised society communicates.
Just blurting out your demands or questions without a greeting is just
plain rude!
Always end your e-mails with Thank you, Sincerely,
Take it easy, Kind regards - something! When you ask something of
someone, have the common courtesy to thank them in advance (TIA) and sign
off your e-mail appropriately. If you don't want to type your name every
time, then incorporate it into your signature file that is automatically
appended to the end of every e-mail.
Never just forward e-mail without a comment as to why
you are forwarding it to the recipient. That is rude. If you are e-mailing
for support or asking a question, or requesting assistance from someone,
it would behove you to say "Thank You". Closing with "appreciate your
help" or "thanks in advance" will make the person on the other side respond
more quickly. Then, when they do respond and take the time to help you,
take a moment and send a reply e-mail thanking them for their assistance.
This only takes a minute and will be greatly appreciated! As a general
rule of thumb, if someone takes the time to e-mail you, give them the
courtesy of a return response. By not doing so you appear to ignore them.
How would you feel if e-mail you sent were simply ignored? A short acknowledgement
of their e-mail commenting on the issues in it only takes a moment.
To be continued
