Messaging software: What type of software package enables users to send and receive electronic mail over a network of computers and workstations?

Introduction / Context:
Electronic mail (email) is a foundational network application that predates the modern web. It involves client software, server components, and protocols that enable message composition, transport, storage, and retrieval. This question checks recognition of the correct software category for email functionality.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Users need to send messages over a network.
• Workstations and computers are interconnected.
• We focus on the end-user application category rather than the underlying protocols.

Concept / Approach:

An electronic mail package provides the features needed for composing, sending, receiving, and managing email messages. It may use SMTP for sending and POP3/IMAP for retrieval. The package may include address books, attachments, and filtering. Other software categories do not provide the specific messaging functions described.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

Classic examples include Eudora, Outlook, Thunderbird, and groupware like Lotus Notes. All center on email composition and transport via standard mail protocols, confirming the category match.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Memory resident package: Describes TSRs or resident utilities, not mail.
• Project management package: Focuses on scheduling and tasks, not messaging.
• Data communication package: May provide terminal emulation or file transfer but not necessarily integrated email services.
• None of the above: Incorrect because an electronic mail package is exactly correct.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing generic communication software (for example, terminal emulators) with full email clients. While both run on networks, only the email package implements mail protocol workflows.

Final Answer:

Electronic mail package