How to Send Instant Messages From Mac to PC

Instant messaging has been around for nearly 50 years, although back in the 1960s it was done on a Compatible Time-Sharing System (CTSS). Nowadays, instant messaging is done on home computers all over the world. It is a quick and easy way to send a message in real time and get a simple reply. Instant messaging between a Mac and a PC can be done as long as they both have the same software for the instant message client. There are a lot of instant messaging clients that cater to both Mac and PC, from Skype to Yahoo Messenger.

Things You'll Need

• Mac- and PC-compatible instant messaging software for Mac or PC
• Internet connection

Instructions

1. Download a Mac- and PC-compatible instant messaging software for your Mac or PC (see the Resources section of this article).

2. Install the Mac- and PC-compatible instant messaging software on your Mac or PC. Follow the installation instructions for your operating system.

3. Open the Mac- and PC-compatible instant messaging software on your Mac or PC. Double-click on the program to open it. On a Mac, the program will be in your Applications folder on your hard drive. On a PC, the program will be in your Program Files folder on your C: drive.

4. Create a new account in the program if you do not have one already. Follow the instructions to create a new account in the Mac- and PC-compatible instant messaging program.

5. Sign in to the Mac- and PC-compatible instant messaging program. Fill in your account name and password and press "Sign In."

6. Find your friends and family in the search option of the Mac- and PC-compatible instant messaging program. Add your friends and family to your list of contacts.

7. Start an instant message with a friend or family on either a Mac or PC. Select the person you want to talk to and press the "Chat" button.

8. Type into the text box and press "Send." You are now instant messaging from Mac to PC.

Tips & Warnings

• Skype, MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, and AIM ofter Mac and PC support and they are all free.

• Make sure the instant messaging program you download has support for both Macs and PCs.

• Both members need to be signed on to the instant messaging program at the same time to be able to instant message from Mac to PC.

References

• The History of Electronic Mail: CTSS

Resources

• Kolabora: Instant Messaging Tools and Technology: A Mini-Guide