a portable memory device is provided that is capable of easy connection to a personal computer via a universal serial bus port or similar port . stored to the memory of the device are an email program and certain information necessary to access an email account and simple mail transfer protocol information ). email is accessed by connecting the portable memory device to a personal computer that is connected to a network and executing the email program residing on the portable memory device . embodiments of the present invention thus provide a highly convenient , secure system and apparatus for users to access , view , save , send and transport electronic communications .