What is Chat?

    Internet Relay Chat, or Chat, is a method of conversing with other internet users, in real time, using a chat software program, or a Java plug-in which operates in your current web browser. There are many different chat channels, or rooms, covering every subject imaginable, and a list of the most popular channels starts at CHAT ROOMS.

    Rather than posting a message on a bulletin board, and reading other postings, you are able to post your message in a chat window, and watch others post their messages.

    This makes for some lively dialogue, and a conversation that is much more enjoyable than simply reading messages. You will interact with other chat channel users, and also be able to send and recieve files, such as pictures, using the various IRC chat servers. Most of the Java plug-in chats do not allow you to send or recieve files, however, if you have ICQ, you can exchange files through ICQ.

    A word about file transfers. When you are in a chat channel, and someone tries to send you a file, a warning box will pop up on your screen, asking if you accept or reject the file transfer. Many internet viruses are transmitted this way, so if you are unsure of the person sending a file, reject it. The files are usually marked .exe or .ini. These are program files, and can contain a virus. If someone is sending you a picture, be sure that the file is an .gif or .jpg file. These are extensions used for graphics. If in doubt, just reject the transfer, it won't hurt your computer unless you download and run the file.

    Go ahead and download the chat program that is designed for your operating system, and log into a chat server, and have fun!!