Several non-profit independent NGO networks sprouted up throughout the world during the last decade. Only in the last three years have these independent networks formed together for the exchange of mail and shared electronic conferences. Each network is actually a powerful host computer that acts as a central storage facility for information. The APC networks provide a reliable way to communicate at high speed and low cost with thousands of NGOs in over 70 countries worldwide. Several of the networks offer other services.
Electronic mail is the use of the computer network to send messages or files to other users.
Each user has a unique user name that makes up part of his mail address. The other part of the address is the abbreviation for the system or host where the user collects his or her mail. Each user has a private electronic mailbox on the host computer where his incoming mail arrives. In order to collect the mail the user simply gives commands to the host computer and the messages appear on his or her home computer screen. In order to send a computer message most users prepare their messages with their personal computer before logging in.