By Alissa Arford-Leyl
Web Wise
Instant Messaging
Instant messaging isn't the latest pager or voice mail feature, it's a fast and easy new way to communicate over the Internet. The process of instant messaging isn't really a new technology, but it's quickly becoming a preferred way to chat with other people online. Just when you were getting used to e-mail, instant messaging comes along!
What is it?
Instant messaging allows people to send a message directly to your computer screen. It has the same interface as a chat room at a Web site but uses its own software, separate from your Web browser. You can download the free software online at various Web sites.
To use instant messaging, connect to the Internet with your usual software and then you can open up the instant messaging application simultaneously. You must be connected to the Internet and have the application open to receive messages on your screen. With most applications, you can enter in a list of contacts and you will be notified by a sound or visual alert when one of those contacts is either online or sends you a message. Most also allow you to set up discussion groups where you can invite more than one person to participate. Some will let you leave messages even if the person isn't online. Transferring files, sending Web addresses and message forwarding are some features that instant messaging applications may offer.
Popular Applications
Mirabilis' ICQ messaging service was rated as the best messaging software by PC Magazine, offering more features than other packages. ICQ ("I seek you") allows file and Web address transfers, off-line message composition, e-mail notification, message forwarding, multi-user chat, contact lists and many configuration options.
Bob Hohmeier, owner of Hohmeier Auto Body in St. Louis, Mo., uses ICQ regularly. Hohmeier has communicated with his wheel cover supplier using ICQ. "I've used the digital camera to send him pictures as we spoke on the phone."
He can think of many instances where if the person had ICQ, dealings would be made easier. For instance, if he's having problems with his shop software, he has to call up the vendor and have them
e-mail the information to him; whereas, if both had ICQ, they could use the file transfer protocol (FTP) feature and exchange files instantaneously.
America Online (AOL) Instant Messenger is a popular choice for instant messaging. You don't need to subscribe to AOL to download the software, but AOL users have access to more features. PC Magazine rated this as the most intuitive chat package.
Infoseek's PeopleLink is easy to use and great for multiple-user chat sessions. Yahoo's Pager is a new application and also easy to use. The sidebar shows the Web sites where you can download various instant messaging packages.
Benefits
Instant messaging is free, easy to use and fast. All you need is access to the Internet! Since the services are not compatible, you may need more than one service to reach different people. When you register for most packages, you can enter in the e-mail addresses of possible contacts. The company will e-mail information to the contact and state that you have joined and have listed them as a possible contact.
Word of mouth or text of e-mail are the main ways a specific instant messaging service is marketed. If you choose PeopleLink and tell all of your friends about it, and they tell their friends, a lot of people will be downloading the software! ICQ has more than 9 million registered users, and Mirabilis does not spend money on advertising.
If you have any questions about instant messaging, you can contact me on ICQ or PeopleLink. As always, feel free to e-mail your Web-related questions to me at: alissa@asashop.org.
ASA Web Ways
ASA associate and educational members now have access to the Members Only section of the ASA Web site (http://www.asashop.org). All members can find their member number above their name on their AutoInc. mailing label. Please use this number for both name and password. The 1998 Annual Report is now online in the Members Only section!
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