*

Online chatting is extremely popular today. It has become so popular that employers are not allowing employees to use chat programs. Chances are, if you own a computer and have an Internet connection, you have used Internet online chat.

Chatting online has become second nature to us. Online chat programs, often known as instant messaging programs, often come bundles with web software we use. Examples of this would be:

1) Microsoft Messenger: Messenger can be installed with Internet Explorer or when you subscribe to Microsoft online mail system.
2) Yahoo Instant Messenger: YIM is usually installed only when you download the software. They can be tricky bundling it Yahoo toolbar software.

Microsoft messenger and Yahoo Instant messenger are probably the two most well known and used online chat programs. Some of the others are:

1) ICQ: this program comes out of Israel and probably has more features than any other chat program. It is free and is awesome.
2) AOL Instant Messenger: this online chat program was once only available to AOL users. Anyone can now download and use it for free. It is a nice chat program with all of the usual features. There were early rumors that AOL was using the online chat program to gain new members.
3) Java Chat: java chat is a free online java chat room. Anyone with a web site can implement a free java chat room. A very simple java script is added to the html code of your web page. The next time you load the page you will have access to a java online chat session. You can set minimal settings such as user names and passwords, number of chat rooms, open or closed chat rooms, etc. You must have the java runtime engine installed on your computer in order to use a java based chat session. The beauty of a java chat is that it is web based and does not require you to install software. It can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

These are just a few of the chat programs available. There is another chat program I wanted to share with you. It is called Trillian. Trillian is freeware, meaning it is free for anyone to use. What makes Trillian different is that it is compatible with all of the other major online chat programs. This means that you can add friends who are using MSM, AIM, YIM, and others to your friends list in Trillian. It will show you what network they are on but will allow you to chat with them freely. You can also send files and videos or voice chat with them. This ability makes Trillian the only online chat program you need.

Trillian is awesome. Before Trillian I would have to install several programs to online chat with friends who were stuck on using different programs. They were never compatible with each other. Trillian eliminated this problem. Trillian online chat program also comes with a wide variety of features. One new feature that is not offered by other programs is 128 bit encryption. This fantastic feature ensures your messages are kept confidential. Remember, when using an online chat program that is not encrypted your message traffic is transmitted in the clear. This means that anyone can intercept and see the messages that are being sent.
Security is an issue you should think about when chatting online.

Online chatting is a great way to make friends. If you are interested in online dating or adult activity then online chat is the way to do. You do not have to be alone today. With online chat you are just a click away from friends.

There are so many online chat programs that are free, there is no reason not to try one today.

Subject to terms and conditions. Void where prohibited.