Day 22

How e-mail works:

For e-mail to be sent it must go threw an e-mail server. On the server is essentially a text file (ex. JSMITH.TXT) for each user that can only be accessed by that user.

When someone composes a message in an e-mail client and then hits send their name, the recipients name, and the text of the message to the server. The server then formats the message so that it is readable and adds it to the end of the recipients text file.

The message is stored on the server until the recipient checks their mail, then their e-mail client retrieves the message and allows the recipient to read it.

Data other than text, such as pictures or audio, is sent in a similar way, it just takes up a lot more space and your e-mail server and client do more to format the data so that it is easier to read and use.

http://communication.howstuffworks.com/email.htm
http://www.ehow.com/how-does_4815237_email-work.html