How did we ever get by without the convenience of the internet? It has revolutionized everything from sending birthday cards, to how we pay our bills and communicate with professional colleagues. Distance learning is making a college degree an affordable and scheduling reality to more and more people. We go online to shop for groceries, research a term paper and plan our vacations. The internet literally puts the world at our fingertips, but along with all these advantages, there are some rules of the road emerging along the Information Super Highway.

As one woman in New Zealand discovered, over-use of the cap key, bold letters and using color for emphasis in emails to fellow workers can be interpreted as harassment. Based on several complaints, the company she worked for terminated her employment. She went to court and subsequently was awarded a settlement, but this case has opened the discussion about what constitutes proper communications etiquette in the workplace.

While email makes communication easy, quick and casual, business experts agree that the basic rules of business etiquette need to be observed. Like your mother probably told you, never write anything you wouldn’t want to see on the front page of your local newspaper – and this goes for the internet times ten! When you are at work, communicating with your colleagues, keep your emails professional and to the point. Resist the impulse to make editorial comments or express emotion by using capitol letters, italics, bold lettering or colors – and don’t use punctuation to make funny faces. (Do we really have to remind you about this one?) In a mean, lean business climate, it is important that you project a professional, pleasant demeanor in the workplace – both on and off line.

One way to make sure you have all the tools to present yourself at your best on the job is to enroll in a business program that has business etiquette in the curriculum. On-line communications happen at warp speed, and you want to make sure you know how to best present yourself to your co-workers and your boss. Sites like Top Colleges can give you a broad overview of business programs that can give you that winning edge.

And while we are on the subject of on-line business conduct, remember that many employers are using social networking sites to reference prospective employees. What does your Facebook or My Space reveal about you? Or, to put it a little differently – do you really want all that information about you, the Jello shots and Cancun up there for all the world to see?

The internet and on-line communications have revolutionized our worlds – both business and personal. But remember, there are still rules of conduct and civility to be observed. Keeping your communications – on line or off line – courteous and respectful is fundamental in establishing a good relationship with your co-workers and your boss. And for goodness sake, be careful before you hit the ‘rely to all’ function – you want to establish your career, not your status as a punch line.