How to Use Instant Messenger

Instant messaging has become one of the go-to ways to communicate with friends and family. Using instant messenger services are free of charge, and the only requirement is to have a computer with Internet access. However, for those unfamiliar with instant messenger, there are a few important fundamentals that will help enhance the online messaging experience.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Sign up for an instant messenger service if you currently do not have one (see References below for links to AIM and Yahoo! Messenger). Download the appropriate messenger. You will be instructed how to do the download once you have completed signing up for the free service.

2. Launch the instant messenger. Sign in with the user name you created, as well as the password.

3. Add friends by clicking the icon at the bottom of the window containing a "+" as well as the outline of a person. This will bring up a new window. Search for the person either by screen name, phone number or nickname. Click "Add" and the person's screen name will be added to your buddy list.

4. Double-click the buddy icon of the person you want to send a message to. You can tell if the person is online because the icon will be in color. If the buddy icon is in black and white or gray, the person is offline. When you double-click the icon, a new window will appear. Type the message you want to send, and then click "Send."

5. Create an "Away" message by clicking your "status" (typically the status is "Available"). This will bring up a list of predesigned messages. Create your own by clicking "Edit Away Message." Here type in your desired away message.

6. Log off by either clicking "File," "Log Out" or by clicking control, clicking the doc icon (when using Mac).

References

• AIM
• Yahoo! Messenger

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish