In modern times, people have communicated by letter, telegraph, and telephone. But no one method
has become as widespread as quickly as the use of email. Th e fi rst email message took place in 1971,
and according to its sender, Ray Tomlinson, it was probably the following: “QWERTYUIOP.” What
was signifi cant about that? Nothing, really. Th is is just the top row of keys on an English-language
keyboard. Tomlinson was just testing out the system and using a nonsense message. He had no concept
that he was going to start a revolution in communication.