Chat and Messaging Options:

There are many ways to communicate through the Internet -- ranging from email to live audio and video conferencing. This document will focus on real-time communications. If you have questions about email communication, please visit our email basics tutorial.

Instant Messaging:

Keep in mind that most Instant Messenger products are not inter-operable, so if your friend uses a different instant messenger service, you may not be able to reach them with the one you might choose. Ask your friends what messaging service they use and prefer before making your choice.

Instant messaging has become one of the most popular means of communicating. It's as simple as chat, with the privacy of email without any wait. There are a variety of instant messaging clients out there. Some of the more popular ones are:

• AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) -- AOL's Instant Messenger allows you to engage in simple one-on-one chats (essentially a private chat room), format fonts, receive news and stock info on a ticker, and communicate with others. You do not have to be an AOL customer to run Instant Messenger.

AOL Instant Messenger allows you to keep a buddy list to know when your favorite friends are online. You can send them instant messages, chat with them, or even find new friends. To get started with AOL Instant Messenger, follow the steps below:

1. Download and install AOL Instant Messenger for the PC or MAC.
2. Start AOL Instant Messenger and either click "Sign On" to create a new screenname, or enter your existing AOL Instant Messenger screenname and password.
3. Navigate to this page for more detailed instructions on how to set-up your new messaging program.

• MSN Messenger -- Because of its integration with Windows XP, a very large number of people are able to run this instant messaging service. Using the common .NET login, keeping track of your login information with other .NET services is easy and convenient. To get started , follow the steps below:
  1. Download the MSN instant messenger for the PC or MAC.
  2. Run Windows Messenger and sign in. If you do not have a .NET Password, you will need to create one using the built-in wizard.
  3. Navigate to this page for more detailed instructions on how to set-up your new messaging program.

• Yahoo! Messenger -- Similar to other instant messenger services, Yahoo! Messenger allows you to maintain a "friend list" and instantly communicate with others also using Yahoo! Messenger. To get started with Yahoo! Messenger, follow the steps below:

1. Download and install Yahoo! Messenger for the PC or MAC. The setup program will open a window and walk you through the easy installation process.
2. The setup process will ask you for your user information, and you'll be ready to go!
3. Navigate to this page for more detailed instructions on how to set-up your new messaging program.

Audio and Videoconferencing

Audio Conferencing -- If you have a sound card, a microphone, and a C3bb connection, you can do audio conferencing quite easily. You can download a free copy of Microsoft NetMeeting to get started.

Video Conferencing -- It's just as easy to get started with video conferencing. If you have a video input device hooked into your computer (like a TV tuner card or a Webcam), NetMeeting automatically picks that up and allows you to use the software to broadcast a stream of video.