A system for using an Internet appliance for sending and receiving digital content files as email attachments includes a system server and an Internet appliance both connected to a communications network such as the Internet. The Internet appliance and system server define communication and control protocols based on server maintained user interface display screens and Internet appliance received reduced keyset keystroke sequences. The protocols define text entry and editing, and option selection and navigation via hyperlinks embedded within the user interface display screens. An email protocol permits selection of server stored digital content files for attachment to outgoing emails and the receiving and viewing-of/listening-to video/audio digital content files that arrive as email attachments. All digital content files are maintained at the server and accessible at the Internet appliance only for viewing via browser and listening. Standard email protocols are used by the server to exchange emails and attachments with standard Internet email severs.