Instant Messaging
VPchat offers its members an instant messenger program or IM that operates much like the other major players in this space such as AIM, Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger, and Trillian.
Any student of evolution knows that many species have come and gone in Earth’s history. Dinosaurs, giant armadillos, and saber tooth tigers have all disappeared or adapted. Technology follows a similar path. Phone booths, telegraph machines, and event snail mail all seem just a little bit antiquated.
Instant messaging is the most recent Tyrannosaurus Rex on the electronic swamp. Billions of people all over the world use instant messaging to communicate with family, friends, co-workers, and companies. Now people can open a little screen on their computer’s desktop and participate in an exchange of ideas and information immediately.
The most common instant messengers can be found across the Internet:
AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)
AIM allows people to send messages, pictures, MP3s, and video to their contacts instantly. AIM also empowers users to share files, engage in live video clip conversation and personalize the actual look and feel of the software.
ICQ Instant Messenger
ICQ Instant Messenger was the pioneer in instant messenger technology. Created in Israel in 1996, ICQ was the first to allow users to sent text messages, files, and links. ICQ’s popularity grew by leaps and bounds. It is estimated that 300 million people downloaded the software in 2004 alone. Finally, ICQ is actually a clever play on the words, “I seek you.”
Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
IRC is a little bit different than other instant messaging systems. While users can still communicate one-on-one, IRC is used by larger groups of people with a particular interest. IRC has notably been used as a communication tool during the first Iraq War and by many Muscovites as the Soviet Union began to fall.
MSN Messenger
MSN Messenger is a favorite among home users with Hotmail accounts. It’s compatible with both the Windows and Macintosh platforms. There is a business oriented version of the software that requires that users or companies pay for the service. However, if you are simply using the program at home, the download and use of this product is free.
Yahoo Instant Messenger
If you Yahoo, you’ll know about their instant messaging system. Yahoo users can be notified any time they’re online that they have instant messages and regular email.
Trillian Instant Messenger
The next great development in instant messenger technology is to allow users of different types of clients (AIM, Yahoo, ICQ, IRC, MSN) to talk to each to her. With one simple download Trillian users have access to all the most popular instant messenger clients and users without having to change the way they use the technology.
Instant Messaging tips
