Lesson 8
Instant Messaging

There are many reasons for instant messages. Sending instant messages is a great way to communicate with family and friends around the world without paying long distance telephone charges. Many new computer users are surprised when a grandchild sends a pop up message to their screen. This is the best source for information on instant messaging for most. Using instant messaging is more convenient than leaving phone messages.
If you don’t want strangers contacting you on instant messages then be careful when registering to not give out more than just the required information. Also give your sign in name only to those you want to talk to. You will be able to put their names on your list and also see when they have their computer on as well as they will know when you are on line.
You can exchange instant messages to have a private conversation with friends, colleagues and family members on the Internet. Each message you send will immediately appear on the other person’s screen.
 
Instant Message Programs
You need to install an instant message program on your computer to exchange instant messages with other people.
You must use the same instant messaging program as the people you want to exchange messages with.
You can find popular instant messaging programs at the following Web. Sites:
ICQ
www.icq.com

AOL Instant Messenger
www.aol.com/aim

Yahoo! Messenger
http://messenger.yahoo.com     
Yahoo advertises the use of the messenger with your web mobile phone. This helps if you are in a public place and do not want your conversations shared with the rest of the world. You can find  downloads and helps at the sites above. Just be sure you have the family and friends on the same site as you are and you have exchanged the call letters that you are using on line.
Contact List
Instant messaging programs provide a contact list where you can save the identities of people you frequently exchange messages with.  After you add a person to your contact list, your instant messaging program will notify you when the person goes online.