Chat

=What is Chat?=

toc Chat, in reference to the Internet, is a text-based real-time program that allows individuals to communicate through the Internet. However, it should not be confused with instant messaging programs as MSN Messenger. Unlike instant messaging where individuals talk with persons on their approved contact list, chat rooms consist of random people that decide to sign on to a specific server. This is why conversations are usually between many individuals at the same time. In recent years chat does not only include text but images and video/audio transmission.

[|mIRC- is an Internet Relay Chat] where people from all over the world logs into different servers. An individual has the option to be part of any room they prefer. All the chatrooms are categorized according to countries or one can personalize a chatroom and invite only those in the same city. The user can log in with a nickname and connect to the server to either chat or also go into rooms where they can download music or videos by requesting to see a directory of recent music. Below its an example of mIRC window.

[|Gmail chat]: this is a new feature provided by google gmail. This feature provides instant messaging services and automatically saves them in under the chat button in your gmail email account, allowing the customer to have access to their chat logs.



Refer to SMS for chatting between mobile wireless devices.

=Why use it?=

=Chat with Phones=
 * It's an easy way to meet new friends.
 * It allows for an informal relaxed dialougue.
 * Individuals are able to share ideas efficiently regardless of distance.
 * Chat is ideal for educational purposes - to collaborate on projects and brainstorm.
 * People possess instant access to information and opinions through chat.
 * Users are able to communicate with experts, authors, scientists, musicians, artists etc. and get a quick response.

Besides using Chat through the internet another form of chat exists through mobile held devices - this is called SMS. Short Message Service allows people to communicate with one another while mobile through the use of text. Why use this instead of chat via the internet?
 * If you are on the go and don't have access to a desktop terminal
 * Allows for fast convenient communication which will be recieved on the other end
 * Is more private
 * If time, place, and other factors are of influence SMS is very flexible

=See Also=


 * e-Mail
 * Instant Messaging
 * MSN Messenger
 * Short Messaging Service (SMS)
 * Web 1.0
 * VOIP