Friday, June 30, 2006
What is instant messaging?
Instant messaging - also known as chat - is a real-time communication system using a special internet protocol. It is an alternative to telephone, but is more private if you are in a public space. Plus, you can conceivably "chat" with more than one person (if you can type fast enough), but it is different from a chat room as each transaction is one-on-one. It is also an alternative to email, especially if you don't need a record of the "conversation".
Why we would use it
Brian and I started using it to keep in contact if one of us is away from the library, and Jenny and I started using it in January to offer reference services (here is an article about it) after we attended a conference last year. Although we have not gotten much "business", we discovered that it was an easy and quick way to communicate about inconsequential or just informational items. Russ then provided his AIM screen name and we realized how useful it could be just to communicate internally.
Instant messaging options
AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) is arguably the most well-know IM provider. Yahoo and MSN (Microsoft) also have instant messaging protocols.
Setting up an account
You don't need any special software to get an AIM account. Go to www.aim.com and click on the Don't have a screen name? Get one FREE! link and following the instructions.
Buddy lists
Instant messaging requires that you maintain "buddy lists" of people with whom you wish to chat. Giving someone your screenname to add to his/her buddy list will allow that person to see when you are online and to initiate a chat with you. You can, if necessary, block a certain person or refuse the chat. These buddy lists follow you around from computer to computer with your account sign-in.
Communicating with chat
It's easy! You have two choices:
- AIM Express - this is a way to use AIM without downloading any software; just use it through your web browser.
- Download the AIM client - you need to have admin privileges on your work PC to be able to do this. (If you want to download, I will come to help you.) One advantage to this method is that you can leave the client on in the background while working in other applications. You will be notified when someone wants to chat with you.
Possible difficulties/drawbacks
- intrusive? someone can invite you to chat at an incovenient time and you will have to respond or block that person
- remembering to sign off or set your message when you are off-line or are otherwise occupied
- you don't type fast enough!
- just one more thing to turn on in the morning...