Chat:
Chat is real time communication between two or more people via computer.
Once a chat have been started, either users can enter text by typing on the keyboard and then the entered text will appear on the other person's screen.
Most networks and online services offer a chat service.
Facebook, Skype, MSN messenger, all offer a chat service , but these are linked to instant messaging.....
Instant
Messaging:
Instant messaging (IM for short), consists of sending real time messages to another internet user. This is very much like texting on a cell phone but instant messaging is live and both ursers have to be online at the same time, other then that you can send an offline message.
IM is most popular amongst younger generations but is also used commonly in the workforce as a quick way for employees to communicate with each other. IM is similar to chatting in a private chat room, but instead of anyone being able to join the conversation, IM only aloows you to talk to people who you have accepted as a friend for example, or if you have invited them and they have accepted you. You can easily remove or block people you dont want to be in contact with.
IM sends an alert which pops up on the computer screen when a new message is received.
Most instant messaging services are free, and they require you to type in a screen name so that the suer can be identified to others.
There are some risks affiliated with IM such as catching a virus from someone who ahs sent a file, personal information being stolen, or sex predators seeking victims.... however these risks can be reduced or avoided entirely when the proper precautions are followed.
Example of instant messaging :
( image taken by a screen shot from my own instant messaging service)
Advantages
Messages are sent in real-time and responses are instantaneous.
Cost Savings :
Instant messaging allows real-time communication between two people in any part of the world without having to pay the international or domestic long distance charges associated with using the phone. While many phone companies offer phone plans that allow for unlimited local and long distance, international calls can become expensive. Shipping companies and freight brokering organizations benefit greatly from the reduced cost associated with using instant messaging.
Files/pictures can be sent in instant messaging conversations.
Instant messaging systems offer a safer environment than chat rooms.
You can monitor who is allowed to contact you at any given time and people can only 'add' you if they know your exact hotmail or IM address
It is possible to talk to many people at once which means Work can be done in groups which is good for business purposes or for education.
Instant messaging systems allows people to talk to each other from different countries
Disadvantages / Threats
Emotions cannot be expressed as well as they can be when actually talking to a person.
Hacking , if someone gets into your im account, they can read your conversations and invade your privacy.
Very dangerous for young people who will trust others easily and be taken advantage off.
Impersonating- someone could make account and pretend that it’s someone else than who you think it is.
Viruses:
An instant message connection allows the sender a way of sending you files during your conversation.
While this can be convenient when speaking to your business associates, it can be dangerous if you come across a hacker or Internet criminal. The port left open on your desktop by an activated instant message program invites the delivery of viruses and spyware that can damage your computer and your entire network
While this can be convenient when speaking to your business associates, it can be dangerous if you come across a hacker or Internet criminal. The port left open on your desktop by an activated instant message program invites the delivery of viruses and spyware that can damage your computer and your entire network
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