Problem/Solution Essay: how to Retrieve Emails from your Inbox at Work

It might be more baffling than realizing that your companions have just sent you some emails. However, you don't have the foggiest idea how to get the computer system at work to read your email. It doesn't do any good to know that there is help available online because you can't start the machine, and it is embarrassing to ask lab assistants who are busy helping others with complex spreadsheet questions.

Turning the computer on really isn't hard. There are two buttons you need to push: the large rectangular button on the CPU, the case beneath or next to the screen, and the small round button on the screen.

After you press these buttons, it sometimes takes a few minutes for the computer to start up and go through its set-up process and automatically check a few new computer viruses. There is nothing for you to do but twiddle your thumbs while this is happening, so practice your thumb-fidgeting in advance so you look like a pro. If the computer doesn't start up properly, it is likely not something you messed up, and you should try another machine or ask the lab assistant for help.

Eventually, the computer will warm up and a small black box, called a dialog box, should pop onto the screen. Click on the TAB key until the top window on the dialog box is highlighted. Type your username into the box. When you start typing, the highlight will disappear, and your typing should appear. Your username is your last name and the last four digits of your social security number, with no spaces. When you have typed your name, click the Tab key again and the password window will be highlighted. Type in your password, which consists of the first six digits of your social security number- no space, no hyphens. However, your typing will appear in the window. When you are done with everything, then press the enter key, and the computer will open up your account.

When you are finally done, allow the program a few minutes to download your new mail from the system. It should do so automatically, but if it doesn't, you can click on the menu item, an item called Tools at the top of the screen, and click on the item called Send and Receive. Your Inbox will then download your mail. The email you have received should now be in your Inbox. Simply double click on the name of the email message you want to read, and it should open for you.

Remember to sign out of the Inbox program and out of the computer account, or the next person to sit at the computer will be able to read your email and send messages under your name. The Quit command is under the File menu of the Inbox. To shut down the computer itself, hold down the CONTROL key and the ALT key and press the DELETE key on the number pad. You can now click the Shutdown option. Make sure the computer shuts down properly before you leave the computer station.

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