| Chapter 10. Viewing Attachments | ||
|---|---|---|
 | Part IV. The View Message Page |  |
| Chapter 10. Viewing Attachments | ||
|---|---|---|
| | Part IV. The View Message Page | |
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Table of Contents
Messages you receive may include "attachments" -- files which are attached to the message, but which are not part of the message-body as we usually think of it.
Below is an example of a message with 3 files attached. Note there are 3 instances of the word "Attachment:" to the left of a block of text.
Each attachment contains a clickable link which displays the name of the attached file, and a cautionary note reminding you of the potential vulnerabilities represented by opening attachments from unknown sources.
You should always take care in opening attachments--even those which appear to be from individuals you know and trust. Viruses, Worms, and other malicious software will often "masquerade" as being "From:" someone you may know, and thus trick you into opening an infected file which may in turn destroy important files which were already on your computer.
These malevolent messages can even go further, lurking on your computer for extended periods, and using it as a base from which to try to spread to other computers.
If there is any doubt at all, call or e-mail the person who supposedly sent you the file, and check with them as to whether they really sent it.
And, if you are not already doing so, it is imperative that you install anti-virus software on your computer, and keep your virus definitions up-to-date.
To open a file attached to a message you receive, simply click on the file-name link. Your browser will open a familiar window asking whether you would like to Open the file (and if so, with what program) or Save to Disk.
If you think you may want to keep the file(s) attached to this message, you should give serious consideration to downloading it/them to your workstation ("Save to Disk"), and deleting the message from your mailbox. File-attachments typically take up a disproportionate amount of storage space. Since your GatorLink account has a limited storage allocation, it is probably not the best place for long-term storage of large files.
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| Chapter 9. View Message-Commands: Detailed Descriptions |  | Chapter 11. Replying and Forwarding |