INTRODUCTION TO INSTANT MESSAGING

 Instant messaging (IM) is a form of communication over the Internet that offers an instantaneous transmission of text-based messages from sender to receiver. Most instant messaging software include the option for performing file transfers, audio chat, video calling and conferencing, sharing desktops, etc. apart from standard text chat. Instant messaging software is widely used for personal and commercial use. In this session, you will be introduced to the concept of instant messaging, the steps to create an instant messaging account and also work with instant messaging software.

Key Features of an instant messaging are as follows:

• Text Messages can be sent to one or more person (Similar to SMS)

• Audio calling and conferencing.

• Video calling and conferencing.

• File transfers (Not limited to documents, spread sheets, audio files, video files, etc.)

• Message history (Save messages for future reference).

Instant Messaging Account

Participants messaging to each other need to be signed in to the same instant messaging software. To use instant messaging software, a user must have a valid instant messaging account. Instant messaging accounts differ in formats; some instant messaging software such as Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger use email addresses for managing the account and software such as Skype use standard names.

Instant Messaging Services

There are two kinds of instant messaging software – application based and Web based.

• Application based instant messaging software is downloaded and installed on user’s computer. Some of the popular instant messaging software are:

• Google Talk

• Yahoo! Messenger

• Skype

• Windows Live Messenger

• Rediff Bol, etc.

Web based instant messaging software is accessed using browsers such as Internet. Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, etc. Some of the popular web based instant messaging software are: 

• Yahoo! Messenger for the Web

• MSN Web Messenger

• IMO, etc.