Signature
A signature may refer to any of the following:
1. A sig, signature, or signature block is data used for identification purposes found in e-mail messages. A signature may contain the individual's name or alias, job description, company, e-mail address, position, phone number, URL (Uniform Resource Locator), quote, or joke. Below is an example of the Computer Hope signature sent with all our e-mails.
-- Computer Hope Free computer help since 1998 https://www.computerhope.com
The picture below is an example of a window shown when composing a new e-mail message. In our example, the signature is automatically inserted whenever a new e-mail message is started.
E-mail signature etiquette
- Keep the signature as small and simple as possible. We suggest no more than four lines.
- Your signature doesn't need to be a complete bio. For example, use only the most important number if you have five different phone numbers. Often, a cell phone number is enough.
- Have a divider or empty lines between the signature and the main message.
- Don't advertise more than your web page. Everyone gets bombarded enough by e-mail solicitation.
What is a .signature or signature file?
A .signature or signature file is a file containing a custom e-mail signature. For example, on a Linux system, the file ~/.signature can be edited with a custom signature for outgoing e-mails.
2. When needing to sign a document (e.g., an online mortgage or loan document), a digital signature, also called an electronic signature, may be required. These signatures are digital versions of your signature to verify that you've read through an agreement and agree. Today, because most people on a computer cannot sign with a pen or their finger, you can type in your name as a form of signature.
This signature should not be confused with a digital signature used for encryption. See our digital signature page for further information on this term.
3. Signatures are also often found on online communities and forums as a way for users to identify themselves, something they enjoy, etc. Great examples of online signatures are on the Computer Hope forum.
4. When describing a version of Microsoft Windows or a Microsoft Windows computer, a Signature PC is a computer without bloatware. See our Microsoft Signature Edition PC page for further information.
5. With a virus, a signature refers to a virus signature.