Chatting on Instant Messenger
Instant Messenger services use a part of
the Internet called Chat. Chatting allows you to
"talk" with another user who is also online through an
Instant Messenger (IM) program. Both users must be on line with
the IM program running in order to chat with each other. Most
people type the content of the chat, though some programs allow for
actual speech.
Unlike email, there is currently no
standard for instant messaging. This means that the different
instant messaging services can not "talk" to each
other. If you want to IM (instant message) someone on AIM, you
must have the AIM program. If you want to IM someone using ICQ,
you must have the ICQ program.
All of these are free downloadable
programs (even America Online's AIM service). You must sign up to receive a name and password as you
download the program.
Note: You do not need to be a member of
AOL to use the AIM program.
Note: You can download and run as many
of these programs as you want. You are not limited to just one.
Here are links for each of the programs
listed above:
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