Packet

A packet is a formatted unit of data carried by a packet mode computer network. Computer communications links that do not support packets, such as traditional point-to-point telecommunications links, simply transmit data as a series of bytes, characters, or bits alone.

Mailing List

An automated e-mail system on the Internet, which is maintained by subject matter. There are thousands of such lists that reach millions of individuals and businesses. New users generally subscribe by sending an e-mail with the word "subscribe" in it and subsequently receive all new postings made to the list automatically

Instant messaging

The transmission of an electronic message over a computer network using software that immediately displays the message in a window on the screen of the recipient.

e-mail address

A string, usually of the form username@host.com or username@host.net, that must be entered into the To: field of an e-mail message to ensure proper delivery.

Electronic Mail (e-mail)

A system for sending and receiving messages electronically over a computer network, as between personal computers.

Distribution

Software ready to install. It often refers to a "Linux distribution," which is the Linux OS combined with installation programs, documentation and various utilities in one package

Attachment

A computer file that rides along with an e-mail message. Attachments are widely used to transfer photos, documents, music and videos from one person to another. Attaching a file is the most common way of sending a file to a recipient. All that is required is the file name and location in the computer and the recipient's e-mail address.