Instant Messengers

Got friends, children, or colleagues many miles away? Instant Messenger is a free and easy way to keep in touch. Instant messaging (IM) is a real time communication tool that allows users to type into a chat box and send the info to one or more other IM users. It is a popular communication among teens, as well as business people because of the instant response possible. Many libraries now use IM as a reference tool. If you've participated in AskAuraria located on the Auraria Library home page, you've already used most of the features.

Four Popular Instant Messengers

Right now, four instant messengers are most popular in the United States. They are:
-GoogleTalk/Gmail Chat
-AOL Instant Messenger ("AIM")
-Yahoo! Messenger
-MSN Messenger

So, how do you choose one? Communication across IM programs is possible, but can get a little complicated.* You may want to find out what kind of account a person you really want to chat with is using before you sign up. Often, people have more than one account because of this issue. One solution is Meebo, which is an IM aggregator (described in the CHALLENGE section). Meebo is designed to let you communicate with others across platforms and access your instant messenger accounts in one location.

To Download or Not to Download
AIM, Yahoo! Messenger, and MSN Messenger have typically required a small piece of downloaded software for use. You may want to download this software. It will only use a small part of your screen when you chat. However, all of the instant messengers we have mentioned now allow you to chat through a Web page, thus you won't have to download anything. Look on the page of the Instant Messenger you are interested in for the Web or mobile versions if you want to avoid downloading the software. For example, AIM offers AIM Express. If you already have a Gmail account (or are interested in getting one) when you're signed into your email, there is an instant messenger built into the left side of the screen.

Getting Started
Sign on to the Web site for one of the messengers. Sign up for a screen name (also called a "buddy name", "display name" or a "user name"). Next, you'll want to find friends' screen names. Most instant messenger services have a feature that searches your email address book to look for friends. Try doing that. Remember that many people may be using their personal email addresses rather than their work email addresses. You can also look for an "invite" feature. When you find someone you want to communicate with, you will add them to a buddy list.


Chatting
To start a conversation, look at your list of buddies. People who are currently available will be clearly marked. Usually their names will be shown in color, while others will be "grayed out." Click on their name, and start chatting in the box that pops up.

Assignment
Your assignment is easy this week. Set up a screen name with one of the messengers. Add at least one buddy, preferably someone else participating in this program. Have a chat. Blog about your experience in your personal blog.


CHALLENGE

Meebo is an IM aggregator; it lets you view/chat with all of your IM accounts from one window. If you use Meebo now or decide to try it, blog about the experience.

* If you want to learn more about communicating across IM programs, you can contact AurThings team member, Karen Sobel.

Return to List of Things