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- Associations
- Community Hubs
- Starting a Blog
- Dating
- Forums
- Friends/Family
- Local Towns
- Religion
- Social Networks
- Making A Difference
And ever want to engage in real-time discussions or chats with people? "Chat" clients are what you'll want to learn about.
Before You Begin - What Really Are These Beasties?
Instant messengers are client-based software (meaning you install it on your computer) that let you communicate in real time with selected individuals. The possibilities are endless - you can set up specific groups like
- Friends
- Family
- Business
- School
- Trade Association
- ...
and populate them accordingly. This allows you to always be in touch.
You can also make friends based upon criteria from Instant messenging sites too.
Here's how to learn more about them.
Step 1 - Choose Your Client
Popular Internet messenging clients you should consider are:
Which one should you use? Well, it depends upon your level of comfort. If you're used to Yahoo, well, go Yahoo. If you're an AOL user, stick with AOL. And so on, and so on.
But wait! An opportunity now arises! (remember, problems are only misunderstood opportunities!). What if your friends and family are on different client networks?
Not to fear! You simply move towards:
Step 2 - Cross Client Platforms
There's free software out there that will allow you to talk with AOL, MSN, Yahoo, Google and just about any other IM clients that are available.
They include:
That's not all you should know regarding Instant Messenging, of course. It's now time for:
Step 3 - For More Information
As always, an educated Internet user is the safest online! Check out:
- 5 steps to help avoid instant message viruses - they could
be viruses in disguise.
- MSN Messenger Antivirus Forum - place to go for help regarding MSN IM viruses.
- Yahoo and MSN Emoticons - quick ways of making cute smilies in IM conversations
- 10 tips for safer instant messaging - excellent ideas for being safe while IM'ing.
- Instant Messenging Planet - everything you want to learn about IMs.
What about wireless Instant messenging? Proceed to:
ZIPIT Z2 All-In-One Wi-Fi Messenger (Black)
Feature: ... WI-FI Messenger, Listen to music, show off your pictures and customize your Z. ...more
Customer Reviews — [1] Rating: 5 Date: 2009-06-06 Summary: ZipIt2's are Great! ... I purchased this for fun, period. Will run Linux in terminal mode fairly easy. Is great at detecting WiFi hot spots. Many WiFi detection units with similar capability cost about twice as much. Plays your mp3's in a nice list with different options in listing. What I use it for mostly is mp3's and WiFi detection. This unit could easily do alot more. Why did the company tie it down and not allow a full GUI OS system on it? That is my only complaint. Please check out CorkyMoo dot com. ...more
[2] Rating: 5 Date: 2009-02-07 Summary: c'mon.... ... While everyone under me likes to gripe and complain about the monthly fee, i actually enjoy it. first off, you have the option of paying monthly, or in one lump some. this to me sounds like the device was originally going to be $150 anyway and Zipit came up with the monthly fee as a sort of payment plan. After the first 12 months, you can continue IM'ing without a plan, but if you need a texting number, you must continue to pay. For a college student like me, a small down payment and small monthly premiums for only ...more
Editorial Reviews — ... Product Description | The Zipit Z2 makes it easy 2 stay in touch with friends. The Z2 lets you text and IM while connected to Wi-Fi all in one cool little device. Chat with up to 99 friends at the same time. With the Z2's MyFriends feature, you can see all your text and IM buddies in one single list. All you you need to get started is a free IM account, WI-FI access, and to activate your Z2 with a service subscription plan. The days of fighting over the family computer are over!...more
Motorola IMFree(TM) Wireless Instant Messenger Companion (56567)
Customer Reviews — Rating: 5 Date: 2005-04-06 Summary: Great Product ... I dont know what other people were talking about when they said that this thing has no range. I have the base in my basement mounted on the wall and i went half way down my driveway which is 600 feet. So i already had this thing working at around 350 feet not even in a direct line of sight. If you are just around your house just outside or in there is hardly no lag at all. ...more
Editorial Reviews — ... Product Description | Free up the family computer without putting a stop to the fun of instant messaging. The portable, convenient IMfree device goes where your kids want to go - from their bedroom to the backyard - without wires or additional monthly fees.IMfree lets instant messengers roam almost anywhere around the house - up to 150 feet from an Internet-connected PC and base station - so your teens can chat with up to six buddies at a time from the comfort of... wherever. Best of all, with the home computer...more
Motorola Wireless Instant Messenger Starter Kit (56566) (56566)
Feature: ... Motorola IMfree Personal Instant Messenger Starter Kit - WIRELESS!!! General Features:; Blue and Silver Color Handheld device Choose from up to 12 popular emoticons; Base Station with attached USB cable Each base supports up to 7 handhelds; Up to 6 simultaneous IM sessions per handheld; Handheld can be registered to other base stations (you can only be registered... ...more
Customer Reviews — Rating: 5 Date: 2006-12-28 Summary: huh?? ... Heyy guys i really want this but i dont know wich one to buy the comapainon or the starter pack thing and is it easier to buy it online or at a local store such as Walmart, bestbuy, Circuit city, etc... please email me at hersheybabe224@aim.com or i.m. me at L0vEsPeLLx37 thanx PLEASE HELP ME!!!! ...more
Editorial Reviews — ... Product Description | Free up the family computer without putting a stop to the fun of instant messaging. The portable, convenient IMfree device goes where your kids want to go - from their bedroom to the backyard - without wires or additional monthly fees.IMfree lets instant messengers roam almost anywhere around the house - up to 150 feet from an Internet-connected PC and base station - so your teens can chat with up to six buddies at a time from the comfort of... wherever.Best of all, with the home computer...more
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