Abstract: A method for automatic, direct and secure data transfer, in particular for the transmission of electronic mail includes transmitting data from a first terminal to a first microcomputer system, which is directly assigned to the first terminal. The data is processed in the first microcomputer system and transmitted, either immediately or subsequently over a data transmission line, directly to a second microcomputer system, which is directly assigned to the second terminal device. The data is processed in the second microcomputer system and transmitted either immediately or subsequently to the second terminal device. The microcomputer systems receive, send, store or process data regardless of the operational status of the first terminal device or second terminal device. The invention allows direct and automatic data transfer, i.e., without the engagement of a central computer between the terminals (e.g. PCs) on a data transfer path.