Internet, browsers and email: searching well, browsing safely and writing professional emails

The internet is where you apply for jobs, KUCCPS and HELB, pay bills, learn, sell, and talk to clients. Email is still how most official and professional communication happens: job applications, school and government correspondence, receipts and client work. This unit explains how to use browsers efficiently, search like an expert, stay safe online, and create and use a professional email account properly.

Getting online

Saving data

• Download large files (updates, videos) on Wi-Fi.
• Turn off video autoplay in apps; lower YouTube quality (480p uses far less than 1080p).
• Set metered connections in Windows (Settings → Network → your connection → Metered connection) to limit background updates.
• Use "Lite" versions of apps where available.

Browsers

A browser opens websites: Chrome, Edge (built into Windows), Firefox, Safari (Apple), Opera/Opera Mini (data-saving), Brave.

Essential browser skills

Incognito/private mode

It doesn't save history, cookies or form data on that device after you close the window: useful on shared computers (cyber cafés). It does not make you anonymous: your internet provider, employer/school network and websites can still see your activity.

Keep your browser updated

Updates fix security holes. Chrome and Edge update automatically; restart the browser when prompted.

Extensions

Extensions add features (password managers, grammar checkers, ad blockers). Install only from official stores and trusted publishers; some extensions spy on you or steal data. Remove ones you don't use.

Searching effectively

Google is powerful if you search well:

Checking sources

Not everything online is true. Before trusting information:

1. Who published it? Official sources (.go.ke, .ac.ke, recognised news, the organisation's own site) are more reliable for official information.
2. Is it recent? Check the date; procedures and fees change.
3. Can you confirm it elsewhere? Compare 2–3 sources.
4. Is it trying to sell or scare you? Be careful with sensational claims.

AI chatbots can help explain topics, but they can be wrong or outdated; verify important facts (especially deadlines, fees, legal and health information) on official sites.

Safe browsing

• Look for HTTPS and the padlock before entering passwords or payment details. HTTPS means the connection is encrypted, not that the site is honest.
• Check the address carefully: scam sites use names like ecitizen-ke-portal.com or kra-gov.ke.info. Government sites end with **.go.ke**.
• Type important addresses yourself or use bookmarks, rather than clicking links in SMS or WhatsApp messages.
• Download only from official sources (Microsoft Store, the software maker's website).
• Ignore pop-ups saying "Your PC is infected, call this number" or "You've won a phone". Close the tab.

Email

Creating a professional email address

Your email address is part of your first impression on employers and clients.

Steps (Gmail): go to accounts.google.com → Create account → choose a name-based address → set a strong password → add your phone number for recovery → turn on 2-Step Verification.

For a business, use an address with your domain: info@yourbusiness.co.ke (via hosting email, Google Workspace or Zoho Mail): it looks more trustworthy.

Parts of an email

Writing a professional email

Subject: Application for Accounts Assistant position (Ref: AA/2026/04)

Dear Ms. Wambui,

I am writing to apply for the Accounts Assistant position advertised on
your website on 28 September 2026. I hold a Diploma in Accounting from
Kenya Institute of Management and have one year of experience handling
invoices, M-Pesa reconciliations and QuickBooks entries.

Please find attached my CV and academic certificates. I would welcome
the opportunity to discuss how I can support your finance team.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Kind regards,
Wanjiku Kamau
0712 345 678
wanjiku.kamau@gmail.com

Checklist:

1. Clear subject with any reference number.
2. Greeting with the person's name if known ("Dear Hiring Manager" otherwise).
3. Purpose in the first sentence.
4. Short paragraphs; key details (dates, amounts, references).
5. Mention attachments and actually attach them; name files clearly (CV-Wanjiku-Kamau.pdf).
6. Polite closing and signature.
7. Proofread before sending; check the recipient's address.

Attachments

• Send documents as PDF when the recipient shouldn't edit them (CVs, certificates, invoices).
• Keep total size small (most email services limit attachments to about 20–25 MB); for bigger files share a Google Drive/OneDrive link with the right permissions.
• Scan documents clearly (phone scanner apps make sharp PDFs).

Organising your inbox

• Archive emails you've dealt with (out of the inbox but searchable).
• Labels/folders (Gmail labels: "Jobs", "School", "Clients").
• Star/flag emails needing action.
• Search with operators: from:kra.go.ke, has:attachment, subject:invoice.
• Unsubscribe from newsletters you don't read.

Email etiquette

• Reply within a reasonable time (24–48 hours for work emails).
• Use Reply All only when everyone needs your reply.
• Avoid ALL CAPITALS (it reads as shouting) and too many emojis in formal emails.
• Don't forward chain messages or unverified information.
• Remember emails can be forwarded: write as if anyone could read it.

Phishing: fake emails that steal

Phishing emails pretend to be from banks, KRA, Safaricom, your employer or a delivery company to trick you into clicking a link, entering a password or paying money.

Warning signs:

• Urgency or threats: "Your account will be closed in 24 hours!"
• Sender address that doesn't match the organisation (e.g. kra-refunds@gmail.com).
• Links whose real address (hover over them) is different from the text.
• Requests for passwords, PINs or OTP codes (legitimate organisations don't ask for these by email).
• Unexpected attachments, especially .zip, .exe or documents asking to "enable macros".
• Generic greetings and spelling mistakes (though modern scams can look very polished).

What to do: don't click; go to the official website by typing its address; report the email as phishing; if you entered a password, change it immediately and enable 2-step verification.

Practice tasks

1. Use site: and filetype: to find an official PDF on a .go.ke website.
2. Bookmark five sites you use often into a "Work" bookmarks folder.
3. Create (or tidy) a professional email address and add a signature.
4. Write a professional email requesting a recommendation letter from a lecturer, with an attachment.
5. Find a phishing example online and list its warning signs.

Summary

• Choose the right connection and save data with Wi-Fi downloads, lower video quality and metered connections.
• Master browser tabs, bookmarks, find, history and downloads; incognito isn't anonymity; keep browsers updated.
• Search with specific keywords, quotes, site:, filetype: and time filters; check sources, especially for official information.
• Browse safely: HTTPS, correct .go.ke addresses, official downloads, ignore scare pop-ups.
• Use a professional email address; write clear subjects, polite structured messages, mention attachments, and use CC/BCC correctly.
• Recognise and report phishing.