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Official Business lists -- no file attachments

Many Health Science Center Official Business and general announcement e-mail lists have been configured so messages will no longer be able to include attached files. In some instances, the message will be distributed but attached files will be removed. The All HSC mailing list has been configured to reject messages containing attachments so the indiviudal responsible will be aware their note was not delivered.

This action has been implemented for three key reasons:

  1. Attached files can spread computer viruses. Preventing the spread of viruses is good for everyone who depends on a computer to do their work because it helps ensure the security of CoM computer systems and reduces risks for members of these lists.
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  2. People are increasingly using devices other than personal computers to read e-mail. Cell phones, Blackberry's and other such devices do not handle attachments very well. If the important part of your message is in the attachment rather than the e-mail message itself, these individuals are not able to deal with your news as quickly or as easily as they can otherwise.
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  3. Some e-mail systems save a separate copy of attached files in each recipient's mail box. Creating so many files can stress resources which do not belong to the person sending the message.
 

Alternative strategies for distributing your message are available.

  1. Using cut-and-paste techniques to insert text into an e-mail message while it is being composed, should not be a problem for anyone authorized to send messages to these lists.
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  2. If the proposed attachment is too complex for this treatment, you may be able to create a web page to display the same content. Including the appropriate URL in the e-mail note sent to the list will allow interested individuals to obtain more information.

If necessary, seek assistance from your unit's computer support group if you are unable to perform these actions.

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Last updated: Tuesday, 11-Jul-2006 10:45:59 EDT

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