How to Use Yahoo IM

Originally known as Yahoo! Pager, Yahoo! Messenger is a free instant messaging program that allows you to communicate with your friends and family via instant messages. You can use Yahoo! Messenger to send pictures and files, voice chat and video chat with anyone using Yahoo! Messenger. In addition, Yahoo! Messenger contains a feature that allows you make friends and talk with other Yahoo! users in Yahoo! chat rooms. If you are new to Yahoo! Messenger, it is important to know how to download, install and set up your Yahoo! Messenger, add friends to your messenger and send an instant message.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Download, Install and Set Up Yahoo! Messenger

1. Download Yahoo! Messenger from the Yahoo! website.

2. Install the program using the default settings.

3. Click the "Start" button and click "All Programs."

4. Click the "Yahoo!" folder and click "Yahoo! Messenger" to open the program.

5. Enter your Yahoo! ID and password in the corresponding fields. If you do not have a Yahoo! ID, click the "Get a New Yahoo! ID" link at the bottom of the messenger and follow the directions to obtain a new ID. Click "Sign In."

6. Click the "Messenger" button at the top of your Yahoo! Messenger and click "Preferences." Edit the preferences to change your Yahoo! Messenger's skin, color and fonts, alerts and sounds and privacy settings.

Add Friends to Yahoo! Messenger

1. Click the "Contacts" button at the top of your Yahoo! Messenger and click "Add a Contact." Type the Yahoo! ID or email address of a friend and click "Next."

2. Select a Messenger List group for your friend. If the proper group is not listed, you can create a new group by typing the group name in the box.

3. Type a brief introduction in the corresponding field and click "Next."

4. Click "Finish."

Send an Instant Message

1. Double-click the name of the friend in which you want to send an instant message.

2. Type a message in box at the bottom of the instant message box. Click "Send" or press "Enter" to send the message to your friend.

3. Click the "Photos" button at the top of the instant message to send your friend a picture. Yahoo! Messenger allows you to display the picture directly on your instant message screen.

4. Click the "Voice Call" button at the top of the instant message to start a voice chat. You must have a microphone attached to your computer for this option to work correctly.

5. Click the "Video Call" button at the top of the instant message to start a video chat. You must have a web cam attached to your computer for this option to work correctly.

6. Click the "IMVironments" button at the top of the instant message to add a background to your instant message.

7. Click the "Activities" button at the top of the instant message to play a game with your friend in the instant message.

Use Yahoo! Chat

1. Click the "Messenger" button at the top of your Yahoo! Messenger.

2. Click "Yahoo! Chat."

3. Click "Join a Room" and choose a room from the list.

4. Click "Go to Room" and click "Enter Chat" when the room loads.

5. Type a message in box at the bottom of the chat window. Click "Send" or press "Enter" to send the message to the chat room.

6. Double-click a name to start an instant message.

7. Right-click a name and click "Ignore" to a person. You will no longer be able to view what the person types in the chat room or receive instant messages from the person.

Resources

• Yahoo! Messenger: Download