by Jessica Tanner

Created on: November 12, 2009   Last Updated: November 14, 2009

The social networking site Facebook has many fun and interesting features to keep you connected with your friends. Facebook Chat is just one of these many features and is simple to use. Here is how to enjoy Facebook Chat.

First, you must have a Facebook account. If you do not have one you can easily create one by going to www.facebook.com and filling in your information and then clicking 'Sign Up'. Once you are signed up you can begin to manage your Facebook page and start to find friends. Once you have some friends on Facebook is when you are able to use Facebook Chat.

Facebook users are constantly posting status updates, links and writing wall messages to their friends. Using Facebook Chat gives Facebook friends the ability to instant message each other. At the bottom right corner of your Facebook page is where you will find the Chat icon. Click the Chat icon to see which of your friends are also online. If you see a friend that you would like to chat with, click their name, a small box will appear with the profile picture and name of the friend you selected. To begin typing, click by the talk icons in this small box. Your text will appear as you type and just hit enter to send the instant message to your friend.

After your message is sent, your friend will be able to see what you have typed on their screen. They can respond by following the same steps, once they click enter you will be able to see their message to you. The conversation can last as long as you are both logged in. You can also have multiple instant message conversations happening with multiple friends all at the same time.

In the Chat box there are different settings you can preference; Pop Out Chat, Sound, Windows, Names Only and Offline. Click the Chat icon and then click on 'Options' to set your preferences.

By selecting Pop Out Chat the instant message box will appear much larger on your screen. This makes the conversation easier to view. There is a sound on or off option, by clicking the box the sound will play for new messages. Unclick the box for no sounds. You will need to click the box if you want to keep the window open for online friends. Also, if you do not want to see the picture of your friend and just the name click the box for show only names in online friends. The final option for your Chat settings is to be online or offline. If you are using Facebook, but you do not want others to chat with you at the moment click the chat icon and select 'Go Offline'. This way it will appear to others that you are not available to chat. Once you are ready to chat, click the icon again and you will be back online.

By following these simple steps you are ready to use this fun and simple way to instant message your friends through Facebook Chat.

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