Lesson 4

Issues Related to Email Attachments

Exchanging files with someone else requires a certain amount of knowledge.  In contrast, creating and using files on your own computer is fairly easy. Read on to find strategies for successful file exchanging!

Viruses!

Downloading attached files to your hard disk can introduce viruses: small destructive executable programs, which can severely damage the data on your computer.

It is strongly advised that you purchase, install, use and frequently update a virus program such as:

• McAfee  
• Norton Anti Virus 
• Freeware

AOL users can use AOL's Anti-virus program.

Resources
1. MacAfee, "Recently Discovered Viruses".  http://vil.mcafee.com/newVirus.asp
2. Computer Associates. "Virus Information Center". http://www.ca.com/us/anti-virus.aspx

Operating System Vulnerable to Spyware

Update your operating system regularly with the lastest security "patches" to protect your computer from attachments that may contain viruses and spyware.

• Microsoft Windows: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/search.aspx?displaylang=en
• Macintosh:  http://www.apple.com/downloads/macosx/
   or   select your Apple Menu:  Software Updates

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Attachment File Type Not Recognized

Occasionally you may get error messages when trying to open a downloaded file: "File type unknown" "File unreadable" "The application which created this file cannot be found." A dialog box opens prompting you to identify file type. Example: If your friend on AOL sends you a document using a different word processing program, for example Word Perfect, and you are receiving the document on a different ISP, for example Pacbell, the document may appear like this.

"garbage" file

Reasons -  Incompatibilities 

ISPS	APPLICATIONS	PLATFORM	FILE TYPES
Different "outgoing" and "incoming" file compressions.	Older word processor versions do not work with new versions. "File Type Not Recognized. "	Windows OS and MacOS feature different email program contact-cards, calendars, etc.	Misnamed files do not transfer or properly. User-error!
Solutions Report issues to your Internet Service Provider. Use universal file types. (AOL compression types are "challenging".)	Solutions Use file types that are not dependent on being opened by a particular version. Use "save as" to select more universal file types.	Solution Use cross-platform file types.  Macintosh users, select Windows-friendly options.	Solutions Use file-naming conventions.  Use Web compatible file formats.

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Resource
   Apple (UK and Ireland) "A Guide to Peaceful Co-existence".http://www.apple.com/uk/smallbusiness/mac_pc/ 

Continue!   

Centers for Teaching and Learning, San Mateo Community College District, CA USA    Updated  8/31/2008  by Sevastopoulos