Instant+Messaging

**group5 | **


 * Instant Messaging (IM) **

Instant messaging is one of the many ways of communicating.

Definition: a type of communication that allows you to create a private chat room with another person in real time.

Instant messaging has become popular because of the real-time conversations. E-mail works, but isn't as fast as someone might need it to be. This generation seems to think fast is the way to go. For instant messaging to work both users must be online. Other wise it is basically sending another e-mail.

Often IM programs include these features
 * Chat- Creat a chat room wiht friends or co-workers
 * Web links- Share links to your favorite sites
 * Video- send and view vidieos, and chat face to face with the other user
 * Images- look at an image stored on your friends computer
 * Sounds- play sounds for your friends
 * Files- Share files by sending them directly to your friends
 * Streaming content- real-time or near-real-time stock quotes and news
 * Mobile capabilities- send instant messages from your cell phone