Web2Go

Get the most out of instant messaging (IM) with Web2Go’s express guide.

Many of my computing students are mums and dads or aunties and uncles who’ve heard a lot about Windows Live Messenger or other free instant messaging programs like Yahoo Messenger or Google Talk from the teens and tweens in their lives and want to know more.

Despite its popularity amongst younger ‘Netheads’, instant messenging is a great tool for anyone, at any age, to stay in touch with family and friends.

There are two basic types of online communication – asynchronous and synchronous. Synchronous methods like telephones, instant messaging and web conferencing enable people to communicate at the same time but in different places.

Asynchronous methods such as email, blogging and posting messages to news groups and bulletin boards enable people to communicate with each other in a different place and a different time.

For example, if you send me an email at 9 o’clock in the morning, I may not open and read it until 11 o’clock that night but if we’re both logged in to Windows Live Messenger at the same time we can communicate instantly.

Using an instant messaging program is a fun and quick way to stay in touch. These days you’ve got the added advantage of being able to hear and see the people you’re talking to (rather than just being able to type them a message via your keyboard) thanks to the introduction of VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), mic headsets and webcams.

Lots of people use Windows Live Messenger because it comes pre-installed with Windows XP and Vista. If for some reason you don’t have it installed you can download the latest version using this link. (Of course, if you’d rather try another instant messaging program have a look at Yahoo Messenger, Skype or AIM.)

Once it’s installed you’ll need to create an account and use your new account details to log in. Now the fun begins. It’s time to search for your IM buddies and add them to your contact list. Voila! Now you’re ready to send your first instant message!

If you want to bone up on more of the intricacies of IM before you take the plunge, About.com and how stuff works have great tutorials (covering many different IM programs including Windows Live Messenger), and e-how will also tell you how to use Windows Live Call, how to change your Windows Live Messenger background, how to change your online status and how to create a shared folder to use in Windows Live Messenger.

You might also want to read up about IM emoticons, netiquette and the rules of netiquette so that you can talk an interact like an IM pro.

Have fun and remember to tell Web2Go about your good and bad IM experiences. Catch you next week!