How to Create a Chat Room in iChat

Example of an iChat chat room

In iChat, the chat application installed on Macintosh computers running the OS X Leopard operating system, it is simple to begin a chat with one other person. To create a chat room, however, there are a few more steps necessary. A chat room allows several people, rather than merely two people, to discuss a topic, as is standard in traditional instant messaging.

Instructions

1. Boot up your Macintosh computer, and log in if necessary.

2. 

   Open the iChat application. It is usually present on the system dock lining the bottom of the screen.

3. Click the "File" button at the top of the screen with iChat open.

4. Choose "Go to Chat Room" under the File drop-down menu. Alternatively, use the Command-R hotkey to open this screen.

5. Change the name of the chat room to your preference. This is done in the Room Name text field.

6. Click "Go" at the bottom-right corner of the screen to proceed to the chat room you created.

7. Type a test message in the box below the chat room, and press return to send it. In doing this, you can send a welcome message to those in the chat room, or simply test the functionality.

8. Click the plus sign on the right pane of the chat window. This is used to invite others to your chat room.

9. Choose a buddy (or several buddies) to invite to your room. Wait for them to accept your invitation and enter the room. Once they arrive, engage in a group discussion.

Tips & Warnings

• Reserve chat rooms for topics that require simultaneous communication between more than two people. If you only need to speak to two other people about separate topics, it is better to use two separate, one-on-one chats.

• Never give excessive personal information to strangers online, in a chat room or otherwise.