Other Methods of Communicating on the Internet
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* [Show Transcript] HOW INSTANT MESSAGING WORKS
Instant messaging allows you to communicate with other computer users over
the Internet. However, unlike e-mail messages, you can send and receive
messages immediately.
Instant messaging is similar to a telephone conversation; the only
difference is that you are typing your conversation.
Instant messaging works just like a chat room, but allows only your
friends and colleagues to see if you are online and start a conversation.
To use instant messaging, you also need instant messaging software along
with an Internet connection. You can download the messaging software from
the Internet and install it on your computer. For this topic, Windows Live
Messenger is used. Most instant messaging software works in a similar way.
After you install the software, you need to create an account. You need to
provide a user name and password. You may also be asked to provide your
personal details, but this is optional.
After you have created your account, you can log on and add the user names
of your friends and colleagues who use the same instant messaging
application. When you log on, the people in your list will know that you
are online and can send messages to you.
To send a message to someone who is online, you need to double-click the
person's name on the list. A window will open, and you can type your
message in that window. Most instant messaging applications provide a
number of emoticons that allow you to express your emotions through icons.
Most instant messaging applications allow you to change your status, such
as Online, Busy, Away, or Out to lunch, to indicate whether you are
available for chatting or not.
In case you do not want the people in your list to see that you are
online, but you would like to send messages to some of them, you can set
your status as Appear offline. Depending on the application you use for
instant messaging, there can be many more options. GLOSSARY
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A
Access point
An access point is a wireless connection device. It is used to connect a
wireless computing device to a wired network.
Add-ons
Add-ons are programs that help you view files, such as animation, audio,
or video, which are included in Web pages.
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E
E-commerce
E-commerce refers to the business transactions made over the Internet,
such as buying and selling items online.
E-mail
An electronic mail (e-mail) is an electronic form of the traditional
postal mail that allows you to exchange messages and files over a network.
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I
Internet
The Internet is a worldwide collection of public networks that are linked
to each other for information exchange.
IP address
An Internet Protocol (IP) address is a numeric address that specifies the
exact location of a computer on the Web.
ISP
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company that provides Internet
connectivity to individuals, businesses, and organizations.
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M
Modem
A modem is a connection device that allows you to connect your computer to
the Internet. It converts digital information into analog information and
transmits it over a phone line.
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Network
A network is a group of computers that are connected to share resources
and exchange information.
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Online
When a computer is connected to the Internet, it is said to be online.
Online communities
Online communities are formed by groups of computer users who have common
interests and purpose to communicate with each other over the Internet.
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P
Portal
A portal is a Web site that offers information related to a specific topic
in the form of a directory. A portal acts as a starting point to a number
of resources on the Web.
Protocol
A protocol is a standard method of transferring data between different
computers.
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S
Search engine
A search engine is a program that allows you to search and retrieve
information over the Internet.
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The Web
The Web, also known as the World Wide Web (WWW), is a collection of
information that is accessible on the Internet. This information is
arranged logically and stored on computers known as Web servers.
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W
Web address
A Web address specifies the protocol to be used for transferring data
between different computers and the exact location of the Web site. A Web
address is also known as the Uniform Resource Locator (URL).
Web browser
A Web browser is a program that enables you to view and interact with
various resources on the Web.
Web page
A Web page is a formatted text document on the Web.
Web site
A Web site is a collection of one or more Web pages that are linked
together and made available through a Web server. Lesson 4 -
OTHER METHODS OF COMMUNICATING ON THE INTERNET 4.2 - HOW INSTANT MESSAGING
WORKS [11]
