There are different types of computer based conferencing.
Mailing lists are a form of e-mail conferencing.
They allow you to send a single message to many people at once. For example, if you send a message to a list, the next time someone checks their mail they will see your message. If they live overseas, that may not be till the next day, so if they respond you may not get their message until a day or so after you sent yours. Mailing Lists provide a forum for discussion on particular topics and in doing so provide an opportunity to meet people of like interest. Mailing lists are quite simple to use.