Things You'll Need:
- AIM
- Google Voice
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Step 1
There are several sites out there that allow you to send text messages for free, but most do not actually allow you to receive. However, both AIM and the new Google Voice allow you to send and receive for free.
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Step 2
In order to use AIM for text messaging, you must first download AIM and sign up for an account.
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Step 3
To send a text message, open up a new IM window and type +1 and then the cell phone number. For example, if I wanted to send a text message 999-555-1212, I would type +19995551212 and then type the message in the box. The message will be sent to the person's phone. When they respond, you will receive an IM with the response. You can continue to talk using this IM window.
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Step 4
To use Google Voice for IM, you need to first obtain a Google Voice account. You can then log in, select SMS and type the phone number you want to text. Type the message and click Send. You can refresh your screen to see when the response comes back.
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Step 5
Both Google Voice and AIM can be used on your mobile phone if you have a Blackberry, Smartphone or IPhone. This makes text messaging overseas easy and free.
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Step 6
Both also have their pros and cons. With Google Voice, you must refresh your screen in order to see when a new message comes. In AIM, as long as you are logged on, you will see when the person responds to you instantly. However, you must be logged into AIM to receive text messages whereas in Google Voice the text message will be saved for you if you are not currently logged in.
