Within some of the e-mail messages that you receive, you may see a paperclip icon next to the message when you look at it in the inbox.

 

 

This means that there is a file attached. In the reading pane, you can see more details about the file:

 

 

In the above figure, you can see the attachment field. It contains the file’s icon, the same of the file, its extension (which along with the icon should give you an idea of what type of file it is) and its size.

 

So how do we get access to this attachment? Well, if you right-click on it, you’ll see a menu (see the figure to the right). The options are pretty self-explanatory: you can open it, print it, save the file, or copy it. (The remove option is only available if you’re forwarding or re-sending a message.) You can also open the attachment just by double-clicking the file. (If you open the message, you will see the same attachment field in the new window, with the same options available if you right-click on it.)

 

Once you double-click on an attachment or right-click on it and click open, it will open in its own window, and usually with its own program.

 

But wait! Before you open that attachment, there are some things you should know. Most importantly, not all attachments are good. A lot of people have gotten viruses by opening e-mail attachments. Here’s what you can do to protect yourself (and your poor computer!):

 

-       Only open attachments from people you trust.

-       Check the file name. If it’s something weird like, “I LOVE YOU!” you probably shouldn’t open it.

-       Save the file to your hard drive and scan it with your antivirus software.

-       If you’re in doubt, just don’t open it!

 

Outlook will also protect you by refusing to open certain types of files (like executables, files which are actually small programs).