Instant Messaging (IM)

With IM, it may seem as though you are having a 'private chat' with someone, but because it's transmitted via the internet this may not be the case. Unfortunately IM programmes don't offer good security so you need to use other programmes to do this. You are more secure if both you and your instant messaging contacts use the same software and take the same security precautions.

With Instant Messaging (IM), you can have a real-time conversation with someone living miles away from you, without spending money on expensive phone bills and calling cards. You may have heard of some of these services: Skype, Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk or MSN to name the most popular ones. With these programmes you can create a contact list (like a list of email contacts) of people who use the same service.