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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 Wireless Messenger - Z2A
Feature: ... IM - instant message seamlessly with AOL, Yahoo, and MSN IM accounts - hold as many simultaneous conversations as you dare. Since it works anywhere there is a free, open wireless network, IM all you want for FREE! That's right...FREE!; Chill to your favorite music with MyTunezTM while you IM & text. You can listen to your favorite MP3's or stream internet radio stations.; Show off your latest photos and slideshows with MyPhotozTM; Express yourself with all kinds of cool backgrounds, skins, and themes; Also, more cool features to be announced soon! ...more
Customer Reviews — [1] Rating: 5 Date: 2008-10-01 Summary: a "real" review ... I bought 2 of these last year for my daughters (ages 11 and 13). They work very well and we have had no problems. I signed up for a texting plan also but have since canceled it due to the fact that my kids now have cell phones and use those for texting. My kids do use these for instant messaging though...not as often as I would like considering that I paid the original price of $150 but they do use them. It's nice that they can take them any where in the house instead of having to be at the computer. The keyboard is ...more
[2] Rating: 4 Date: 2008-07-04 Summary: Kid loves it! ... I bought the Zipit Z2A for my 16 y/o son and he loves it. He can chat with his friends from anywhere in the house rather than sitting at his computer. He brings it with him to his friend's homes and to local area hot spots. The biggest issue I had with the Zipit Z2A is that it doesn't come with the mini SD card or card reader to save and transfer music and photos. Other than that its a great item. Additional purchases that are required: A mini SD card to save music or photos. A card reader to transfer music and photos ...more
Editorial Reviews — ... Product Description | ZIPIT S Z2 IS A WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE THAT CONNECTS TO ANY FREE, OPEN W...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
K-Byte Zipit Wireless Instant Messenger - Pink
Feature: ... Requires no service fee or PC; Easily connects to any home Wi-Fi or open (free) wireless network; Features a "MyFriendz Key" to locate online friends; Family-friendly; immune to viruses and pop-ups; Available in a variety of fun colors; PDA; Features: Keyboard Entry, MyFriendz Key to Locate Online Friends, Rechargeable Battery; 320x240 Resolution; LCD Display; Additional Features: Portable Design, Protection Against Viruses and Pop-Ups, Easy Connection to Any Home Wi-Fi or Open Hotspot, No Service Fee or PC Requirement; Also Includes AC/DC Adapter; Dimensions: 4.25Lx8Hx3.6W " ...more
Customer Reviews — [1] Rating: 4 Date: 2007-01-07 Summary: Good for ssh ... These are good for chatting on aim, but with some hacking they can have so many other uses. The zipit is basically an ultra-portable text-only Linux laptop. Versions of the zipit with the old firmware let you install a version of Linux with shell access and useful tools like an ssh client. Unfortunately the manufacture broke this ability in the new firmwares and if you want to play with Linux, you need to get out a soldering iron and modify the hardware. Since the makers of zipit chose to use the free software community's ...more
[2] Rating: 5 Date: 2006-11-10 Summary: KOOL THING ... This thing would be the funnest for kids and teens who use AIM, Yahoo, and MSN frequently. I want this because I can go on my MSN when I'm not at the computer. I'm going to Florida (I live in Iowa) and I could keep in touch with my girlfriends and stuff. So kool. only one question that needs to be answered. I have an email address and password with an underscore...how do i do that? ...more
Editorial Reviews — ... Product Description | This free-service wireless messenger takes the place of a cell phone and a PC when it's time to chat with friends online. There's no monthly service fee - so the user can IM without paying for phone minutes.The Zipit Wireless Messenger is a stand-alone product and does not require a PC. This enables users to chat online while the household PC is in use by others. What's more, the user can instantly connect online within 300 feet of most open/free hotspots.This innovative product features...more
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