How to Chat on the Internet

Internet chatting is when two or more online individuals come together to talk inside a chatroom, virtual software, or instant messenger. Chatting is a popular way in which people stay connected-whether it be for business or for family who live many miles apart. While chatting can be fun and entertaining, you must take protective measures against yourself as well to avoid internet stalkers and predators.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 

   Learn your Internet Chatting History. Chatting first began in the year of 1988. Jarkko "WiZ" Oikarinen of University of Oulu, Finland, was the first person to create the first "IRC" (internet relay chat) client. After creating the chat client, Jarkko gathered other universities such as Helsinki, Tampere, University of Denver and Oregon State University together to download the client as well. In a matter of time, all of these universities were communicating via chat. By the middle of 1989, over 40 chat servers existed.

2. Stay in touch. Chatting on the Internet is a great way for individuals, families, and business to stay connected. Business groups or organizations can use chatting to host online business meetings, or to answer any questions that the outside public may have. Families who live within long distances of each other can use chat to stay in touch, and still feel connected even though that are millions of miles apart.

3. Learn the types of internet chatting. There are a few types of internet chat. Some are web-based chatting which offers websites, chatrooms, or virtual like words for users to chat amongst each other. see resources) These type of chats usually require an account with a username and password to enter the website. Other people, especially family members, may prefer more private chat software such as instant messenger, (see resources) where they can just communicate amongst themselves and nobody else. In order to use instant messengers, internet users must download special software to their computer. The other chatter must have the exact kind of software so that they can communicate using the same messenger. Chatting can also be done via a webcam, where other users can see you, or you can see them.

4. 

   Be considerate. If you are going to chat in a web based community or chatroom, then you must have respect for the others who are in the room. Try not to use vulgar or disrespectful language. Do not swear, as there could be younger users within the room. Take turns chatting with others, and do not fill a room with spam (unwanted website or product promotions). These types of actions can get you banner or kicked out of a chatroom.

5. Be aware while chatting online! While internet chat began as something simple and innocent, and a means of communication, the uses of chat have changed throughout the years. Now internet predators log into chat rooms to prey on young children or to steal user information. While chatting can be beneficial, it also can impose a threat for identity theft or internet stalking. You must watch your young children and monitor their internet use if you are allowing them to chat. Talk with your children about the dangers of chatting with strangers. Tell them they should never tell anybody their real name, their location, or even small personal details like where they attend school, their favorite restaurants, or hangouts. If you prefer your children not to chat on the internet, install software applications such as NetNanny or K9 Web Protection (see resources) which can block out websites that you would rather your children not visit. Also while in a chatroom, never reveal your telephone number, social security number, address, bank accounts, or passwords. These are all open sources for somebody to use to create an account in your name. Keep all of your personal account information hidden in a lock box somewhere in your home or a safe place where nobody has access to it. Be sure to change your passwords frequently if you are a member of a chat community.

Resources

• http://www.spinchat.com/
• K9 Web Protection
• Yahoo Instant Messenger