SharePoint alerts are email notifications that are sent by SharePoint when something changes in a document library, Sharepoint calendar, or list (ie. Issues log, task list, announcements, contact list, office supply request list). Alerts can be setup for:
- Whole lists or library
- Individual item (folder, document, or item such as a task or event)
- Sharepoint Search
Alerts come in e-mail or as text messages to your mobile phone, at the interval you specify, to let you know when specific items change.