INTERNET CHAT

  What, Where,  How, Why, When

Live chat on the Internet is one of the most exciting developments in cyberspace.  Have you ever felt like the internet was rather cold, impersonal or maybe even a bit lonesome?  Warm, friendly comrades can be found in a variety of chat rooms using numberous types of software.

Some of the chat software alternatives include:

IRC (Internet Relay Chat):  The first internet chat medium IRC is still one of the basic ways to chat in real time on the internet.  IRC is available for Windows '98, '95, 3.1, MAC and UNIX.  Unlimitied users can gather on a selected channel on an irc server for real-time chat..

ICQ:   ("I Seek You"):  On ICQ you can find friends online in real-time as well as send messages, send files, or chat. 

AIM:   AOL has opened its Instant Messenger to non-AOL members on the internet.   Start a Buddy List.  When you log on, you can see which buddies are online.

PowWow:   Chat can be established for up to 9 people at once using text or voice by establishing point-to-multi-point sessions.

MUD (Multi-user Domain):   Mud features chat or games with people interacting with people or objects primarily within "rooms."  Telnet or MUD client can be used.  Java coming soon.

MOO (MUD, Object-Oriented):  A Moo is a Mud where many real time communication actions exist.   Telnet or MUD client can be used.

MUSH (Multi-User Shared Hallucination):   MUSH is an online, real-time, interactive, text-based virtual environment.   Telnet or MUD client can be used

JAVA CHAT:   Java chat rooms too numerous to mention here can be found using a search engine. 

When you are in a chat room select a nickname.  Never give out any information that can identify you (ie. name (first & last), phone number, street address, etc.).  If you meet a "shady" character whom you think doesn't belong in that room, let the channel operator or system administrator know.

Chat rooms can be fun for the entire family.  Education-oriented sites promote individual thinking.  Hobby-oriented sites let you share your interests and expertise with like-minded hobbyists around the world.  But, as with anything on the internet some people may "abuse" a good thing especially at "adult only" rooms.  Therefore it is wise for parents to be sure you know where your children are chatting.  Across the world wide web the good chat sites outnumber the non-family friendly sites.  

Give Chat on the Internet a try.   Who knows, you may like it.

This article compiled and contributed by Carolyn Switzer, Customer Service Representative at The Quest Internet Service, Grand Forks.

 

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