There are basically 2 types of E-mail systems out there.

The computer based system whereby when you "open" the E-mail it is downloaded to your harddrive. At that point the worm or virus can start doing its thing.

But , how about the internet based system-Hotmail for instance? Since we don't DL the file we just look at it up in cyberspace what then happens as far as the worm getting into place? I imagine that the virus writers have ways to invade either system just fine. That was my answer to someone who asked me--he is thinking the web based is more safe etc.

Any ideas on this--Thanks

I am curious on this too. I like normal downloaded mail better but I have about 7 free emails accounts like yahoo,gmail,fastemail........

I still think a virus can get on your pc by them??

Awesome question

Either E-mail application works the same way. You have something installed on your computer, and when you go to a site, it looks at your cookies, sees who you are, and (if you have remember password) will log you into their server, where it will tell you if you have mail or not. Typically, when you are reading an E-mail, it will load some files into your temporary folder, so that you can read it faster (usually pictures, sounds, or links). When you leave the E-mail client, then the cookies and temporary files stay on the computer, but your client can only read them.

Where they differ slightly is when you d/l attachments, where the vast majority of the infections take place.