8-bit characters -- why "Composition?

[Markku Kolkka]

Benjamin Sher kirjoitti viestissään (lähetysaika sunnuntai, 3. 
heinäkuuta 2005 15:37):
> Just one more question: Why is this "8 bit character" option
> give for Composition in Thunderbird and not for Reading?

Because it sets the encoding for the messages you send.

> What 
> happens if someone receives a letter written in 8 bit
> character? How does he read it?

The message headers tell the mail reader software which character 
set and encoding are used in the message, and the mail program 
should display the message correctly if it's compatible with the 
current mail standards and the necessary fonts are available.

-- 
 Markku Kolkka
 markku.kolkka at iki.fi