Editor's
Corner:
A Short Cut for E-Mailing Incompatible Text Attachments
Dr. E. Brian Smith
I hope that you find the newest look and feel of SWSO newsletter to be helpful in a number of ways. It is my hope to support our SWSO by using the unique benefits of current technology to quickly deliver information that can be used as a spring board to professional growth.
I would like to discuss a methodology for submitting information for inclusion in future SWSO newsletters by answering the very simple IT (Information Technology) question, "How can I send information, via the internet, so it can be distributed to my colleagues in the quickest and most effective way?" The solution is simple for some--and quite difficult for others--because of the different levels of computer expertise within our group. I will divide this discussion into three parts: attachments, text (words), and images (pictures). In this issue I will discuss e-mail attachments.
Microsoft's Word program has become the most common tool for creating simple text documents. Those members using a PC (as opposed to a Macintosh) on a regular basis are probably more familiar with Word. You probably know you can create and save your article as a Word document, attach it to an e-mail message, and send it to me with little problem.
For those of you who are beginners, there are simple tools that can help you find your way. At many local book stores, you can find low-cost, single-page, laminated instruction sheets that will save you considerable time compared to reading a lengthy manual. You will learn how to "Save" your material as a Word document. Then you can connect to the Internet and create a new e-mail message. Next, click the "Attach" button, locate your previously saved document, attach it, and send it via e-mail to whomever you want.
For those Macintosh users who would like to submit information but don't use Microsoft Word, there is another simple method for sending text via e-mail. This procedure uses the "Copy and Paste" method to add text into the body of an e-mail message. This method is most beneficial because it can be used by anyone... even PC users.
The short cut is easy to learn if you already know how to "Copy and Paste" text. In case you did not know, most text can be manipulated by selecting (highlighting) it with the mouse. To do this, simply click at the beginning of a section of text, hold the mouse button down, and drag the cursor across the text you want. When the mouse is released, the text will stay highlighted. It can now be copied. Find the "Edit" menu option at the top of the screen, and click it. A menu will appear, including the option to "Copy," which temporarily create a copy of the highlighted text in a holding area on your computer, called the "clipboard." Just like it sounds, the "clipboard" can hold a piece (or clip) of information for later use. Next, proceed to open a new e-mail. Now click on the blank message and again, click the "Edit" menu item at the top of your screen. This time, select the "Paste" option which "pastes" whatever you stored on the clipboard into the e-mail message. You are now ready to send your message.
I hope this little short cut makes it easier for those of you who have difficulty sending Word documents to each other and perhaps may take some of the headache and intimidation out of the web mail process. I know many of you would like to submit newsletter information such as inserts, calendar notices, council reports, etc. Remember our world is moving toward "real-time information," and submitting information quickly and easily is key to successful communication.
Please send your comments, suggestions, and any information for inclusion the newsletter to my e-mail address at e_smith@sbcglobal.net. Thank you.