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Understanding the difference between chat, instant messaging and forums

We live in an age of easy access to tools of communication and information exchange. Technology advances have given us computers, and then incorporated methods that would allow us to communicate, whether it be for business/job related purposes or personal use, most of us have utilized chat, instant messaging and forums. Each method is different, yet all of them allow us to interact with other people.

The online chat takes place in a specific program that has specially set up rooms that allow people to enter and type out messages to one another. The person must have an identifiable name and sometimes an access password to enter into a chat or chatroom. Messages go back and forth, in real-time, between members that have entered the chat program, and are visible to all that are present in the chatroom. There are many different programs out there today that have incorporated chat into their features such as: AOL, Yahoo messenger, MSN messenger, ICQ, and even different websites have been able to incorporate chatroom features on their sites.

Instant message or IM, which is another great online communication tool, allows people to interact in a more private manner. It allows a back and forth dialogs to occur between two people, much like a telephone conversation. In fact, many of these instant messaging programs have also included features that allow the person to send voice and video messages, which greatly enhance the ability to communicate online. Many of the same programs that have chat capability also have instant messaging, and this allows people to take a conversation from a public arena to a more private setting. Also, new to instant messaging are features that allow a person to send an instant message to a person who is not actually online, but it will be saved and sent to that person when they do come online, like an answering service.

Forums are found on websites, and allow people to exchange thoughts and information, but typically not in real-time. In other words, you may post your relevant information into a specific forum, and then have to wait for another forum member to read it and actually reply. Forums are moderated for the purpose of keeping order and keeping the exchange of information strictly within the guidelines of the forum and of the specific topic thread. They are great places to go to when you have a problem that needs solving, because it allows you to reach out to a broader panel of people who may have had similar situations, and are willing to lend you their knowledge.

It does not matter which method of communication you choose, because they are all effective means of exchanging information and thoughts. Each method enhances our online experience.

Learn more about this author, Jan Castagnaro.
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