Glossary
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Work in progress.
Account:
Address: short for e-mail address. The identifier to send someone a message, or to identify where a message came from. Addresses consist of username, @, and a domain. username@example.edu, username@dept.example.edu, user.name@example.edu, etc. See RFC 822. Addresses can point to mailboxes or aliases.
Alias: an address that does not point to a unique mailbox, but forwards messages to a different address. username@example.edu might forward to anothername@ie.edu. Or, username+public@example.edu might be aliased to username@example.edu. (see address+box)...
Attachment:
BCC:
Body:
Bounce/bounceback:
Client:
Domain:
E-mail merge:
Filter: (or "rules" or "actions")
verb: to take various actions on messages based on rules the user instructs their mail program to perform. Depending on the program, actions might include transferring messages, replying with pre-written responses, deleting messages, etc.
noun: the instructions given to the program to perform such actions. ("Why isn't the xyz filter working?")
Gateway:
Groupware:
Header:
Hosting:
Mailing list: a forum administered by a mailing list server allowing messages to automatically be delivered to the subscribers of that list.
Discussion list: each user can send to the list.
Announce/newsletter: only the list-owner (or perhaps a few other approved people) can send to the list
Moderated list: discussion list where a moderater has to approve posts to the list. (perhaps all posts, or perhaps just the first post of a new subscriber).
Mailbox:
server: a store for incoming messages for a user. Might be POP, IMAP, or groupware
client: almost all clients allow the user to create separate folders or mailboxes into which to file messages, either automatically (filters) or manually via menu/keyboard commands.
Return-receipt:
RFC/IETF:
Security:
Server:
Shell:
Sigdash: two dashes and a space on a line by itself, constituting the first line of a signature. "-- "
Signature: Information that can be appended automatically to the end of e-mail messages with standard info such as name, e-mail address, web-page URL, disclaimers, etc. Some argue that putting in the e-mail address is redundant, as this will show up in the "From:" header.
Spam: (also UCE for unsolicted commercial e-mail): Junk e-mail or newsgroup posts, usually sent in bulk.
Switch:
Username:
Webmail:
People/things/companys:
Many times, beginners do not take the time to understand the distinction between many of the below. I realize it can be confusing, but this is an important topic, esp. when I receive e-mails from people indicating all sorts of misunderstanding.
ISP:
Internet Service Provider. The entity giving you connectivity to the Internet. Might be a business, an educational institution, etc. Might *not* be the same as your e-mail provider.
E-mail provider: A company or entity providing you with e-mail address and/or mailbox.
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