How do I Get an Instant Message?
When you email someone, you don't receive a response until the person you're trying to contact has checked his email and composed a reply to you. Instant messages, on the other hand, are real-time messages you send to others using specific software. Instant messages tend to be shorter and more conversational than email messages. Download instant messaging software onto your computer -- and sign up for an account with the service of your choice -- prior to receiving your first instant message.
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Instructions
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Download and install an instant messaging program onto your computer if you're not using a computer that has one installed. Visit the website of the instant messaging program you'd like to use -- AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger are three common examples -- and click the "Download" button. Follow the instructions that pop up on your computer to complete the installation after the download completes.
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Register an account with your instant messaging provider. Launch the program on your computer and click the "Sign Up" button. Enter a username, your email address, your desired password and your date of birth. Click the "Sign Up" button to complete your registration.
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Sign into the program with your log-in credentials. Enter your username and password, then click "Log In" to begin using the program.
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Add people to your "Buddy List." Ask friends who use the program for their usernames, enter each name and click "Add" to add the person to your buddy list. Accept or deny friend's requests as they come in by clicking "Accept" or "Deny."
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Begin receiving instant messages. Send a message to other users and wait for their replies, or wait for unsolicited messages from them. When you sign on, your screenname will appear in your friends' buddy lists. If a friend has something to say to you, he will send you an instant message.
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