6. A method for handling electronic mail in a computer system operated by a user, the method comprising: receiving an input from the user; using the input to create an electronic mail message; maintaining a list of attachment indicators, attachment indicators in the list indicating a possible need for an attachment to the electronic mail message; searching text within the electronic mail message for a first attachment indicator from the list of attachment indicators; determining whether the electronic mail message includes the attachment; if the electronic mail message includes the first attachment indicator and does not include the attachment, prompting the user to add the attachment to the electronic mail message; and transmitting the electronic mail message.
17. The method of claim 6, further comprising generating an error signal if the electronic mail message does not include the attachment.