Chat Software
Online communication for businesses and home offices
It used to be that parents would pull out their hair at the sight of their phone bill and practically tear the phone out of their teenage daughter's hand while dragging her to the dinner table. Now, today's youth can be found tapping away at their computer keyboards, chatting real-time with multiple friends rather than spending hours gossiping with one. This means more scandalous news for them and a lower cost for their parents.
Instant messaging and online chatting isn't only an adolescent phenomenon, however. It has become extremely popular in all social circles for its convenience, which some argue extends beyond that of the phone or even email. You get the instant response of the phone without having to drop everything else you're doing to attend to a phone call. Whether it's used by a gaggle of girlfriends planning a night on the town or an office department wanting to communicate quick questions or scheduling confirmations without waiting on the phone, chat software is fast, easy and unobtrusive.
Instant messaging is the most popular form of real-time Internet communication in the home. Instant messaging software can be installed to create a contact list and build a profile. This form of messaging is often used in homes as it allows chat with only the friends, family or co-workers you choose, enhancing privacy and safety on the Internet. Recent versions of messaging software also come equipped with fun features such as the ability to send videos, pictures, files and sounds to contacts or to chat through cell phones.
Messaging software is widely available for free; some of the most popular is AOL Instant Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, Jabber, Skype and Yahoo! Messenger. Some instant messengers include video chat software, enabling users with webcams to see each other while chatting; microphones can also add sound. Video chat is also sometimes used in businesses for video conferences.
Chat rooms are another form of live online chat. Rather than download messaging software and add specific contacts to their chat list, users log in to websites and enter rooms filled with other strangers, usually to talk about specific topics. Chat server software can add chat rooms to your website to allow visitors to talk about topics pertaining to your site's content. Live chat software is also handy for online shopping sites, as customers can get the live service of a store from the comfort of their home office. Chat room software can be simple and free for use on personal Web pages, or it can come with advanced features for a professional website.
Instant messaging has become almost as ubiquitous as the telephone in households and businesses, and provides convenient real-time communication for friends, families and co-workers. In an increasingly fast-paced environment, chat not only helps to enhance websites and businesses but also aids in keeping in touch with those who matter most.
Features and Benefits
Chat software provides:
- Real-time communication with the response time of a telephone and the convenience of email.
- The ability to communicate with a variety of friends, family and coworkers at the same time, all while performing business transactions or listening to music.
- Video and sound capabilities for a more intimate chat experience.
- Chat rooms to enhance customer service and build a community among your website's patrons.
Top Choices
- AOL Instant Messaging
- Windows Live Instant Messaging
- Skype
- Volusion
- RealChat
Major Considerations
- Do I want instant messaging for talking only to my selected contacts?
- Do I want to use chat rooms, where I can talk to strangers interested in similar topics?
- Am I looking for personal chat, chat for business conferencing or chat for my website?
Price Range
There is a multitude of quality instant messaging software available for free download. Website chat rooms can be logged into and used for free, as well. However, if you wish to provide chat service on your website, you may have to pay for software. Some software, such as Volusion Live Chat, can be downloaded for free, but the premium edition costs around $30 to operate.
Summary
Internet chat is convenient for its speed and for the ability to communicate with a variety of people at once. Some users claim Internet chat is even more convenient than the telephone. It addresses the needs of a wide spectrum of users, from preteens to businessmen and women. Instant messaging and chat rooms are becoming more and more popular not only for social activities but also for business.
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