How to use SSL?

[Skribly]

This is probably very simple, which is probably why i can't find it anywhere.

My server has SSL available.  How do I use it?  I have to make a credit card order form for a client.  Do I just add an 's' to the URL (https://) or is there more to it?

Furthermore, is the information still secure if i have it sent to an outside email or forwarded from the  domain's email?  Or is it only secure until it reaches the server/ domain's email?

I've found loads of info on what SSL is, but nothing on how to use it!

Thanks

[Musicman]

Hi,

yes it is just the small 's' that makes all the difference.
And yes, there are probably thousands of small businesses where the credit card data is sent to the server via a secure channel - and then emailed to the shop in the plain.
If you have a real mail account with the same company that hosts your site, you can probably retrieve your mails via a secure channel.
Also you should consider using some online card processing service, so the card details are never sent to your site - you get the client's address if required and a message from the service that the money has been collected.

Musicman