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Instant Messenger 10 - Reviews, Rewards,
Accolades or Any Praise, Gripe or Grimace...
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Text Message
Abbreviations - SMS Dictionary Examples
Basically, this is just another expression for sms dictionary, or sms
shortcut. These abbreviations are simply the text messaging shortcuts that people use each and every day to
make sending sms text messages so much quicker and easier. Some of the shortcuts below are only used for
instant messenger messages, or at the end of a text message to convey the mood of the person sending the
text message. Some of the txt msg shortcuts are good examples of how people shorten words when they send
text messages.
So let's take a look at some common text message abbreviations,
then.
SMS Text Messaging Abbreviations:
Anything - NTHING Are you OK - RUOK? Are - R Ate - 8 Be - B Before - B4 Be seeing you - BCNU Cutie - QT Date - D8 Dinner - DNR Easy - EZ Eh? - A? Excellent - XLNT Fate - F8 For - 4 For your information - FYI Great - GR8 Late - L8 Later - L8R Lots of love/laughs - Lol Love - LUV Mate - M8 Please - PLS Please call me - PCM Queue/cue - Q Rate - R8 See/sea - C See you later - CU L8R Speak - SPK Tea - T Thanks - THX Thank you - THNQ To/too - 2 To be - 2B Today - 2DAY Tomorrow - 2MORO Want to - WAN2 What - WOT Work - WRK Why - Y You - U ------------ Happy/Smiley - :-) Angry - :-|| Very happy - :-)) Confused - %-) Tongue tied - :-& Sad - :-( Saintly - O:-) Laughing - :-D Crying - :'-( Surprised/shocked - :-O Screaming - :-@ Kiss - :-* Pig - :@) Clown - *:-) Wink - ;-)
There are more sms shortcuts that could make up a so-called sms
dictionary, but the more words you use the less effective the shortcuts are as people stop understanding
what you're actually saying.
In this case, a short 'vocabulary' is best so everyone knows what is being
said.
Okay. Now it's test time. Let's see if you can understand this sentence
made up of some of the text message abbreviations above, then:
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Top Five Instant
Messengers
With all of the new technology out there and more coming out every day
it's hard to keep up with what's going on. Most people use an instant messenger to communicate from time to
time. There are so many out there and they all say they are the best and they can do this or that but how
do we really know which to choose? What do we really need to accomplish without messenger? Which ones out
there actually do what they say and are safe to use. Here is a list of the top five instant messengers out
there. These are all safe and have proven they are trustworthy and reliable for everyday use.
1. Digsby
Digsby is a free instant messenger for Windows. Digsby supports multiple chat
networks and it allows you to merge your friends and their multiple usernames into one entry. This allows
you to communicate with all of your friends no matter which instant messenger they are using.
When you minimize Digsby and you receive a message it will pop up and
alert you with a bubble that you can respond to. You can also connect it with your email, Facebook,
twitter, MySpace and LinkedIn. They can ll be updated and viewed through digsby.
2. Adium
Adium is a free application for Mac. It is an open source chat client that
supports multiple chat and social networking services. It supports AIM, MSN Messenger, Google Talk, Yahoo
Messenger and many more. Because its open soured it can pull contacts from your address book and use system
themes. This messenger also has a ton of addons. There are thousands of extras that you can download to
customize your messenger. Adium also has a really neat option with their "off the record messaging. This is
a completely encrypted chat.
3. Pidgin
Pidgin is a free application for Windows/Linux. Pidgin is another open source
messenger with a ton of features. You can also download a variety of plugin to enhance your experience as
well. Pidgin doesn't have as many bells and whistles as the rest of the messengers but it has many other
things that keep people coming back. There is also a portable version.
4. Meebo
Meebo is a free web based client. This is a perfect solution to multiple
instant messengers. Instead of having to download an instant messenger you can handle all of your instant
messaging from meebo. You can log into multiple services through this web based client. You can log onto
all of your instant messaging profiles through one area.
5. Trillian Astra
Trillian Astra is an application for Windows. The basic edition is free and
the pro version is $25. This is a very good instant messenger client as is connects you to all of your
other messengers. There are many features but most of them disappear after 30 unless you sign up for the
premium membership.
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Top 3 Instant
Messengers
Depending on who you ask, the top three messengers are going to be
different. For each person who uses an instant messenger there is another one who will use something
different, and enjoy it more, declare that it works better and is more secure.
The top notch and most often used messenger will of course be the MSN
messenger which ships with Windows operating systems. While this version of the instant messenger service
is not necessarily the best, it is the most widely used version of any instant messenger simply, we
believe, because it is included with new versions of Windows operating systems.
Secondary to MSN messenger is Skype, the messenger which also permits
telephone calls and offers discounted rates to callers in multiple countries. Many people are in actuality
not aware that Skype permits instant messaging, but do use the service for telephone calls, which does add
them to the count of total users.
Although AOL Instant Messenger, or AIM as it is called now, was once the
largest as well as internet service provider in the country, it has lost ground significantly, in part due
to the cheaper and better internet services that are currently on the market. As it lost ground as an ISP,
the messenger too began to lose steam. One of three people say that they have AIM installed on their PC but
do not use the instant messaging client.
For sheer numbers, the top three currently in use are MSN, Skype, and AIM
instant Messengers. The three are used by myriad millions of users world wide.
Other clients which claim a share are:
ICQ, the first internet wide messenger, bought out several years ago. Pidgin,
the open source instant messenger which is multi-protocol.
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The Evolution of Windows Messenger and Other Instant Messenger
Services
2010 will see an accelerated rise in the number of people across
both the developed and developing nations who are using Windows Live Messenger to connect with
their friends and family. When we look back at the hand of history its amazing to see the
development of communication over the last 20 years.
During the 1990s much of global communication was based on the
landline based telephone, faxes and telephone faxes. The early 1990s then saw the rapid rise of
consumer mobile phones and internet access. During the early 1990s the web browsers at the time
which were Netscape Navigator, Mosaic and then as time progressed we saw the emergence of
Microsoft's Internet Explorer (the developers of MSN Messenger) and today we see the emergence of
Mozilla Firefox.
However the increase of instant messenger services as a means to
communicate with each other has been an incredible development within the communication
evolutionary process. Today we have MSN Messenger now called Windows Live Messenger, Skype
Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, AOL Messenger also known as AIM instant Messenger, ICQ Messenger and
Google Talk. All of these are now constantly being used by millions of people of all ages across
the world.
The development of instant messengers has further been fuelled by
the rise of fourth generation mobile phones such as Blackberry Messenger, the Google Android Phone
and the Apple iPhone. Such cell phones advancements further allow instant messaging to track people
even when they are mobile. This means people are no longer limited to even having to have a PC to
use instant messaging, opening up instant messenger services to the millions of people in countries
where access to computers is limited by ones financial means.
Another massive benefit of instant messaging is that some
messengers such as Skype Messenger give the ability to actually not only send text messages over
the internet but it also allows people to talk to each over a Voice over IP Network and see each
other as well. The gives Skype a significant first mover advantage over the likes of MSN Live
Messenger, Yahoo Instant Messener (YIM) and AOL Messenger because the ability for people to see who
they are talking to means that companies can rely on Downloading Skype Messenger rather than
expensive video conferencing and web conferencing technology.
Despite the increased competition of instant messenger services,
Windows Live Messenger is still by far the dominant messenger service in the world followed by
Yahoo Instant Messenger. MSN Messenger has fuelled its drive by rebranding itself as Live Messenger
or Windows Live Messenger. AIM Messenger, ICQ Messenger and Google Talk are the further behind in
the pack but still also have their loyal following.
What can we expect for 2010 and beyond. It is hard to see what
other advancements can take place to further expand instant messenger services but clearly one of
the most talked about technologies now is the types of virtual technologies we see in movies like
Minority Report.
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Free Evo Apps - Ten
Great HTC Evo Apps
Looking for useful and fun apps for your HTC Evo phone? Here are ten must
have favorites:
1. Twidroid
Twidroid is a Twitter client for the Android. It includes interface
themes, multi-account support, follower listings, desktop widget, video posting, and more. This is perfect
for all of you tweeting tweeters!
2. 10001
Cocktails
10001 Cocktails lets you search and browse for almost every alcoholic and
non-alcoholic beverage available. Find the perfect recipe for the perfect drink at anytime, anywhere. You
can also post your own beverage recipe ideas and reviews.
3. Note
Everything
Note Everything is so much more than your average "to do list" app. Note
everything lets you make lists not only with text, but with paint, checklist, voice, and photo notes. You
can organize your notes in folders and create shortcuts. This is perfect for the more organized Evo
users.
4. Yellowbook.com Mobile
Search
Search instantly with Yellowbook.com Mobile Search. It even features voice
recognition. Find friends, businesses, or anything else you need in little to no time.
5. Star
Translate
Star Translate is not only a translator, but your own personal dictionary.
You can translate text or do a voice translation. You can even translate an SMS message. There are many
languages to choose from, even
Hebrew, Thai, Hindi, and Arabic.
6. Ringo
Lite
Ringo Lite is a ringtone manager that allows you to select specific
ringtones to a specific contact in your contact list. It's very easy and convenient to use.
7. Meembo
IM
Meembo is an Instant Messaging program that integrates Yahoo Messenger,
AOL Instant Messenger, MSN Messenger, MySpace Instant Messenger, Google Talk, Jabber, and ICQ into one main
messenger. This is a very practical and convenient app. Meembo always saves your history, and it can be
found from anywhere at Meembo.com
8. Pick-Up
Lines
Pick-Up Lines is self explanatory. There are tons of lines to choose from
and you can rate them all. You can even add your own pick-up lines and share them with your
friends.
9. Lyric
Search
This app is perfect for anybody. You can search for lyrics by artist or
song title. The lyrics can be copied and pasted and shared with friends. Lyric Search also allows you to
buy songs from Amazon.com
10. Comeks Fun Photo
Blogger
Warp any average picture into a comedic picture in a matter of minutes
with this app. You can take, edit, and filter photos, add text bubbles, add stickers, and more. You can
share these photos with your friends for everyone's enjoyment.
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Safety on Instant
Messenger Applications & Your High Speed Internet Provider
Tracking your kids' online activities is vital if you want to keep them
safe from danger. Although some parental controls are set up by high speed Internet providers, you need to
take initiative and put your own safety measures in place. Monitoring MSN Instant Messenger conversations
should be high on the priority list.
Windows Live Messenger allows your kids to chat with their friends online,
but it's important to make use of the program's integrated safety features so you know who they are talking
to at all times.
Here's what you can do to set up the safety
features:
1. Select "Tools" from the top of the main screen. Click "Options" to set
the safety features.
2. Choose the option that saves all IM conversations. Under the account
for your child, click "Options" and then "Messages" at the left side. Check "Automatically Keep a History
of my Conversations" and click "OK" to save the settings.
3. Now that you have set up the program to save all conversations, you can
read your child's message history by clicking on "File" in the main screen. Select "View Message History"
from the box and go from there. Now you should be able to read all your kid's IM chats.
4. Increase the privacy setting by going to "Options" and clicking on
"Privacy" in the menu on the left side of the window. In the "Privacy" window select the option, "Only
People On My Allow List Can See My Status and Send Me Messages." Friends can be added to the allow list by
clicking on the "Contacts" tab on the main page.
5. Beef up security even more by tweaking the parental controls. Open MSN
Explorer (not the Messenger application) and enter your name and password. Go to the "Help and Settings"
menu and click on "Parental Controls." The options listed here will allow you to control how your kids use
MSN.
6. Select the feature that sends you an Online Activity Update so you
automatically receive a list of your child's contacts. Under "Parental Controls," select "Change Parental
Controls For a Member Account" and then go to "Supervision" and click "On" for "Online Activity
Report."
7. Control and limit the access your child has to MSN by clicking on your
kid's account in "Parental Controls." Under "Communication" click on "Messenger Access." Change the setting
to "Restricted Access." If your kids want to add new contacts, they have to ask permission first. This
allows parents to know exactly who is on their children's list of chat buddies.
High speed Internet providers offer access to online content for a reasonable price, and make it possible for
people to communicate quickly online. Because of the dangers that lurk on the Internet, it's imperative
that you monitor your kids' online activities at all times and restrict their access to certain features
through parental control settings.
High speed Internet providers don't safeguard every aspect of Internet
browsing, so take the time to set up parental controls, to keep your family safe.
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The Dangers of Instant
Messaging
Instant Messaging (IM) is similar to a chat room, except that it is
usually a one-on-one experience instead of a group activity. This technology notifies a user when a friend
is online, allowing them to "converse" by exchanging text messages. In some ways this can be safe if the
person the child is messaging to is a friend or relative. But IM can spell disaster if the "wrong person"
is on the other end. Like a chat room, people can pretend to be anyone.
Unlike in some chat rooms, there is never anyone else there to monitor
activity. If your child is instant messaging another person, it's as if the two of them are together in a
private room.
The danger begins when a perpetrator creeps around in a public chat room
looking for a child they think is vulnerable. The FBI says that parents and children should remember that a
cyber-sex offender could be of any age or sex. Additionally, the person doesn't have to fit the
misrepresentation of a dirty, unkempt, older man wearing a raincoat to be someone who could harm a child.
While most sexual predators are male, there have been cases of adult women using the Internet and IM to
solicit underage boys and girls.
According to the FBI, when the perpetrator finds someone who seems
vulnerable, they invite the child into a private area of the chat room to get better acquainted. This type
of private chatting is commonly done via an instant messaging service such as MSN Messenger or America
Online (AOL). While not always likely to happen these meetings can be followed by e-mail, phone
conversations and, worse case scenario, a face-to-face meeting.
Keep these simple tips in mind for keeping your children safe while on the
Internet.
• Place the computer in an area of the home where you can easily monitor
your child's Internet activity.
• Regularly ask your kids about their online friends and activities. Be
present in the room so you can monitor the screen and the instant messages your child sends and
receives.
• Consider using a monitoring software program such as IamBigBrother that
hides on your computer and instantly records all instant messages.
While the Internet can offer very positive experiences for your child,
this new medium also can present unsafe situations. Just as you would not allow your child to wander alone
into an unfamiliar territory, you also would not want him or her to interact with strangers on the Internet
without parental guidance and supervision.
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Basic Steps For Setting
Up an Instant Messenger Account
Even though the internet has now been interwoven into popular culture and
communication for many years, many people are just learning how to use instant messenger programs. There
are 6 steps to creating a IM account in order to begin communicating with friends, family, and
co-workers:
- Choose a Program: There are several different free and hosted instant
messenger programs available. Some of the most popular include AIM (AOL Instant Messenger), Yahoo! IM,
and MSN. Visit these IM websites and decide what is best for you. Most business professionals use AIM
and MSN, while the 13-18 crowd usually uses Yahoo!.
- Install the Program: Once you have chosen your program, install it
onto your computer. Once everything is up and running, the program will ask you for your username, or
it will give you the option to create one.
- Choose User Name: Choosing your user name can be a difficult task,
but make sure not to choose anything that could be embarrassing to some of your IM contacts, like,
"BeerPongChamp". Most people just use their full name or some version of it, like
"Kelsey7".
- Fill Out Profile: Once your user name has been set up, it is time to
create your user profile. This is usually a short bio paragraph about yourself. Include your
geographical location, your profession, and anything else relevant to add. Many people also include
their website or Twitter URL. Be careful not to use any personal details, like your address or phone
number, if the profile is visible to everyone, not just those on your buddy list.
- Add Friends: Many instant messenger programs have the option to
search your online email's address book for contacts who already have an account on that program. If
you are using your account for work, email co-workers and ask them if they have a user name you can
add.
- Customize Look: Customize the program's colors, chat window boxes,
and the style of your font by going to the settings menu on your IM program. This will make the program
more personal and give IM a fun flair.
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Uninstall Windows Live
Messenger From Your Computer
When installing the Windows as your computer's operating software, there
are some programs that come along with it including the Windows Live Messenger. However, if you prefer
another instant messaging client, you can uninstall this program from your system.
Windows is one of the most widely used operating system all over the
world. This is used for both personal and business purposes because of the reliability and all of the
features are very user-friendly. Therefore most of the IT professionals prefer to use windows Operating
Systems instead of other like Linux, Unix, Ubuntu etc. Together with the installation of this operating
system comes the instant messenger that is used by many as well - the Windows Live Messenger.
Unfortunately, not everyone is a fan of the said instant messaging client.
Although it would not hurt your system if you have this installed and would not be in use, there are still
some people who prefer to have this program uninstalled.
If you are like them who would like to uninstall Windows Live Messenger
and don't know how to do it, you can simply do so by following these steps:
First step is to go to the Control Panel. If you are not yet familiar how
to go to this user interface that is part of the Windows operating system, you can click the Start found on
the task bar of your desktop. The Control Panel would not only help you to uninstall Windows Live Mail but
it is also where you could manipulate other system setting on your computer at the same time.
Once you are already on the Control Panel, look for the option called
Add/Remove Programs. There you can find all the software that is installed in your computer. This is also
where you could remove other programs as well other than the Live Messenger.
At the left side of the interface, you can find four options. Click the
icon that says Add/Remove Windows components. With just one last step, you are now ready to uninstall
Windows Live Messenger from your computer.
As soon as you click the said icon, it will prompt another box where you
can have another set of options. You can scroll down and look for the Windows Messenger so you could
uninstall Windows Live Mail. Un-check the box of the said program to uninstall it completely. I hope this
article will help you uninstalling Windows Live Messenger
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Download Instant
Messenger Programs - Employee Policies
When a company decides to download instant messenger (IM) programs onto
their employee's computers in order increase communication and efficiency, it is important that managers
and supervisors sit down beforehand and draft a policy statement about instant messaging.
Some of the things that need to be taken into consideration include
downloads, allowable features, chat records, and buddy lists. The more clear the management staff is before
the company workers are allowed to download instant messenger programs, the less confusion there will
be.
Be sure to tell employees what they can and cannot download through the IM
client. Many contacts might send them music or other files not pertaining to work-related issues.
Additionally, if the company is not using a secure or hosted IM client, then downloads may not be clean of
trojans or viruses and employees need to be aware of that.
Many enterprise IM programs that are made for use in the workplace allow
the system administrator to chose which features each user is allowed to use. Extra features like video and
voice chat, whiteboard, and voicemail can be chosen to be used by certain employees only.
Another area that needs to be considered before staff are approved to
download instant messenger programs is privacy. In many cases, these IM programs allow supervisors to
choose to have all employees chat records accessible to management at any time. Also, supervisors can make
it clear to employees that they can also have access to their buddy lists, so they can see who each user is
talking to.
Have guidelines and discipline procedure ahead of time will make sure
there isn't any confusion once the IM program is put into place. Having instant messaging in the workplace
is a great morale and communication booster, but, like any perk, it can also be abused. While many
employees will appreciate the use of instant messaging, make sure that they are aware that it is a
privilege that can also be taken away.
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What is the Difference
Between Text Messaging and Instant Messaging?
Text messaging on a cell phone and instant messaging on a computer are two
totally different ways of communication that have some similarities. Their main similarity, however, is the
fact that they are both easy ways to reach out to another person when talking on the phone just isn't
possible. The following are some of the other similarities and differences between text messaging and
instant messaging.
Typing Styles
Typing in an instant message versus in a text message may be different.
People use shorthand abbreviations, like 'U' for 'you' and '2' for 'too', mostly because there is a message
limit on how many characters a text message can be- 160 for most phone models. Once a text message reaches
a certain number of characters, it will then become a 2-part message, which will be sent as 2 texts, one
immediately after the other. In instant messaging, abbreviations can sometimes be used in order to save
time, but usually average to better typists tend to completely spell out their conversations messages,
especially when talking to a co-worker or client.
Response Time & Delivery Delays
There is sometimes a significant difference in response time between text
messaging and instant messaging. This is mostly because many people are not constantly on their or next to
their phone at all times as they usually are when they are 'online' when using an instant messenger. In
some cases, if a person needs to get a hold of someone for a pressing matter, than using instant messaging
or the phone may be the best choice. In addition, delivery may be delayed more often when using text
messaging as opposed to instant messaging. This is dependent on the type of phone carrier, distance between
the two people texting, and the distance to a local cell phone tower.
No Away Messages
One of the biggest differences between instant messaging and text
messaging is the ability to set an away message when you are not at your computer. This allows people who
wish to contact you to see if you are busy or unavailable, as opposed to them sending a text message,
waiting for your reply, and not knowing when you will be able to respond.
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The Nokia C5 - Messaging
Made Easier
With the Nokia C5, messaging is made much easier. With a design that we
have grown accustomed to for years, this simple mobile phone takes messaging to a whole new level. With the
C5, there are more methods of getting the message through by just calling and text.
With the C5 by Nokia, you get to instantly access your favorite social
networks such as Facebook. With a push of a button, you can update your profile, check on your family and
friend's updates, or voice out what is on your mind, and share it with the whole world. Since the phone has
high speed internet capabilities, you can easily share your captured images and recorded videos using the
phone's 3.2 megapixel camera.
The C5 has more than just a 3.2 megapixel camera capable of capturing
images with a resolution of 1536 x 2048 pixels. It has other features like LED flash, extended depth of
field full focus, 4x digital zoom, and a secondary camera for video calls.
When it comes image enhancing applications, you get flash modes, capture
modes, color tone modes, scene modes, exposure options, light sensitivity modes, white balancing modes, a
full screen view finder, landscape orientation, a photo editor, and direct photo printing. With the Nokia
C5, your captured images will truly only be of high quality.
With the C5, you gain access to an assortment of email accounts. You get
quick access to Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, Gmail and much more. In addition, you get a free Nokia Messaging
Service, Ovi Mail. With this much access to various email accounts on a mobile device, you will no longer
need to check emails on a separate computer.
The C5 makes chat easier. With the Nokia C5, you get to enjoy not one but
many instant messaging services such as Google Talk and Windows Messenger. With this handy mobile phone,
there is more than one way of communicating.
When setting up an email account or instant messenger on a mobile phone is
concerned, this can prove to be quite a challenging task. With the C5, this is no longer a problem. The
phone gives you access to popular email services and instant messaging services. In addition, it allows you
to get everything set up in a matter of seconds.
With a simple design, nothing about the phone will ever be confusing. With
the Nokia C5, messaging is made easier.
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Instant Messaging
Instead of SMS - Windows Live Messenger For Mobile
Windows Live Messenger is becoming more popular than ever these days. And
many people use it on their mobile phones and its available free of charge. Thus mobile users have their
contacts from now on always with them and they can go anywhere and still able to send and receive messages.
Quickly, easily, and are independent of mobile operators.
Nearly 528 million unique users worldwide use the Live Messenger from
their PC installed locally or web based. Now there is the world's leading Instant Messaging Service as a
mobile client currently available for Nokia, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, LG and Samsung.
Once installed on your mobile phone you can access the service
immediately. Incoming messages will be pushed to the phone and visually and acoustically, the online status
of friends is updated automatically. these are just the core functions:
- Send and receive instant messages
- Conversations with several contacts lead
- Several individual conversations in parallel
- Access email online
- Sending and receiving emoticons
- Search for contacts
- Adding, deleting, blocking and unblocking of contacts
- View contacts View
- Change your own status (options: online, busy, offline)
- Own profile (change display name, personal status
message)
- Report Abuse / send feedback (via phone browser)
In few words windows Live messenger is a set of personal Internet services
and software for the communications and information are easy and fun. The services are combined in many
ways: instant messaging, e-mail, photo and file management and calendar functions allow users to pool them
for important contacts, information and interests. With live messenger Mobile and MSN Mobile, the popular
communications and information services to Hotmail, Messenger, liveSpaces, Live Search and MSN for the
mobile device are available. All free of charge and available under all one service.
Windows Messenger also available for, Blackberry devices and the Nokia
Series 40 and 60.
Considering that live Messenger is used by More than 528 million unique
users worldwide. With localized versions available globally in 54 countries and 48 languages. This could be
the end of the SMS I know this number can't be compared to mobile phones users but it increase
everyday.
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How Does Instant
Messaging Work?
There are several ways you can talk to people in person, on the phone, via
e-mail, and instant messaging. There are several programs that come with an instant messenger capability.
You have the two most popular Yahoo instant messenger and aim messenger, which is AOL's instant messenger.
MSN also has an instant messaging program. There is also a program that is called ICQ.
These are all great instant messengers you can use. What is instant
messenger? Well it's really dang cool - it's basically like sending a text message to a person on a cell
phone. And we all know people who love to text on phones. So instant messaging is a way to talk to your
friends, relatives, strangers, bosses or whoever you might want to talk to. Most instant messengers have
ways for you to look for friends who have similar interests, live in certain areas, like the same movies as
you, or several other things. This is one good way to look for new friends. You can talk to people from
other countries. Instant messaging can keep you busy for hours just chatting with friends. It's also a cool
way to keep up with relatives instead of running up astronomical phone bills.
Plus with instant messaging, you can also share pictures with people, and
sometimes funny videos. Instant messaging is really a cool thing, so flex those fingers and get to
typing.
Instant messaging with friends and relatives is as close to talking on the
phone. But it's nicer because at times when you're tired of talking, you may be able to beg off on the
computer easier than on the phone. In fact, a few times with friends who have become long winded and I've
been saying I'm tired and they just keep going on and on. I've actually shut down the instant messenger
program, next time I get on I just tell them that I got kicked off the computer. This happens to so many
people that they won't even question whether or not it actually happened.
It may not be the nicest thing to do, but at times you just are done with
writing. Or another trick to use is to sign in invisible, this way no one can tell you're there, but you
can see who comes online. I do this almost all the tie when I'm working. This way I can avoid the
interruptions.
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Do You Need to Store
Your Instant Messaging Conversations?
While individuals are using instant messaging for several reasons (talking
with co-workers, clients, friends, and family), the big question remains-what do you need your instant
messaging to do for you in order to communicate effectively?
Many instant messengers have a great variety of features-including
screen-sharing, document uploads, and video chat-but many users may not realize that some IM clients can
also keep a log of all chat conversations.
If a user is using instant messaging to communicate for work purposes, it
may be important to have a running log of conversations. In professional chat sessions, co-workers may
share account numbers, invoice totals, or other information that needs to be shared later.
In addition, chat conversations may be needed for other personal
information recollection, including addresses, phone numbers, and even names.
It's also important to note that in some court cases, chat and text
messaging conversations have been used as evidence. While this isn't accepted in all types of courts, it's
another important benefit that may come in handy.
To see whether or not your instant messaging client keeps track of chat
logs, try looking in the privacy or options settings. You can also look in the program file stored on the
computer; this is where the logs are usually stored. Applications like Digsby and AOL Instant Messenger
track chat conversations.
This information may also be found in the readme file of the program or on
the program's website. If you do not want your conversations to be recorded, there are also usually
preferences to turn chat session recording off.
________________________________________________
Yahooo! More Instant
Messaging
In the instant messaging world there are many, many, many instant
messaging systems. All of them are a little bit different. Yahoo messenger is one of the most popular
systems. You have a home page for your account so you can also e-mail your contacts as well as send them
instant messages. There is also a number of other things you can do with your Yahoo profile and
homepage.
As far as the instant messaging goes, you need to sign up for an account,
which you can do at the Yahoo homepage. After you have a screen name and password you need to download the
actually Yahoo Messenger application, this usually doesn't take too long, depending on your internet
connection.
Once you actually have the instant messenger on your computer, you can
either sign in with your normal information that you made when you signed up, or you can go to your account
options and create an "Alias". This is simply another name that you can use when you sign in to your
instant messenger so that other people do not get your full name. This is especially handy if you are going
to be using the chat rooms, where there can be some sketchy characters. Just cause we're grown up doesn't
mean we shouldn't be careful on the web!
In an online business however, you are going to eventually want to invite
a person to become a regular contact and find out who you really are. This should only happen when you do
feel totally comfortable with the person - as in they are not asking you to watch them on webcam
constantly, and they are not just asking for your information. People like talking about themselves, if
they are just trying to get all your information and get your e-mail right off the bat, it should be a red
flag. People that do this may not actually have malicious intentions, but they probably aren't good lead
prospects.
When you do feel comfortable enough with someone, you can invite him/her
to be one of your contacts. You can tell when they are online and they can tell when you are online. You
should have a bit of a conversation with this person first, and learn a little about each other. Your
online business should come up in conversation because one of the first things people ask each other is
"what do you do for a living?".
Yahoo's most interesting feature to me is their chat rooms. Lots of weird
people, but I've also met some very interesting people from all over the world. If you're in an online
business, or would like to be, or just want to meet new people, this is a very effective tool.
Hannah currently lives in Arizona and is a full-time
student, an entrepreneur, and life coach. She also travels frequently to fulfill her
goal of spending time in every country around the world. Always the animal-lover,
Hannah owns a St. Bernard mix that she found at her local pound, and she also has a cat
that she took in when his owner passed away. While she travels and goes to school she
also runs her own online
business that teaches others how to
succeed working for themselves.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Hannah_Whittington
|
________________________________________________
Fun With Instant
Messengers - Downloading Free Emoticons
This article is intended for new computer users who may just be learning
to use email or more interestingly any of the various Instant Messenger programs such as Yahoo Messenger,
AOL Instant Messenger or MSN Messenger.
These programs provide a small floating window that sits on your desktop,
within which you can have a list of "Friends" you may want to communicate with on a regular basis. By
simply clicking on their name you can open a live window through which you can type a message, and if they
are on-line they can, in real time, type a message back to you.
It is an interesting means of communication that can go on for as long or
short a period as you wish, but by its nature it is quite different than any other way of communicating
with someone. It doesn't require the same kind of commitment as a phone call for example, you may only wish
to communicate a short message, and it is a very convenient way to do it and get immediate
feedback.
These programs typically also provide the means to make a computer to
computer, or computer to phone, call. You will need a headset or microphone & speakers to use this but
it is generally free if its a computer to computer call and in some cases free within the continental US if
its a call to a phone.
To make it even more interesting you can have a Video chat in which you
can see and speak to the caller in real time. One of the irritating things to me about video chat has
always been the fact that when you are talking to someone you want to be looking into their eyes, but
because web-cams are typically placed above the screen, in order for them to see you looking at them, you
would have to be looking into the camera, but then you cannot see their reaction. I have always found this
to be awkward. However, not to fear, I predict a technology coming soon from one of your favorite computer
manufacturers (named after a fruit) that may solve this once and for all.
A couple years ago I came up with an idea to solve this problem, imagine a
computer display, it is composed of discrete pixels which make up the image, imagine if every other one of
those pixels was replaced with a pixel sized image capture device (know as charged couple device CCD) these
are what are used in digital cameras to capture an image.
Well what a brilliant idea I had, I started diagramming it and thinking
about calling a patent attorney. Then I thought, let me search the Internet and see if anyone has thought
of this. Well as it turns out, the lead scientist at this computer company (named after a fruit, not the
scientist but the company) had filed a patent on "my Idea" one month earlier.
How deflating, in any case I would not be surprised to see this technology
available any time now, no longer a need for a camera when video conferencing, you just look directly into
the screen, it would be like looking through a window. But I digress, back to Instant
messengers.
Another rather fun tool available in both email and Instant messenger
services is something known as an "Emoticon". These are cartoon like heads with various expressions that
can be inserted into the text of your email or instant message that can communicate a mood or feeling.
These Emoticons are available by the thousands and can be downloaded on-line if you are not happy with the
ones that come standard in the messenger or email program. You can download free emoticons, such as an
emoticon kiss, moving emoticons, animated emoticons, and all sorts of cool smileys They are also available
in 3D versions. You will find many sources for these on-line, many are free, typically you will download a
toolbar that gives you access to emoticons and a variety of related items.
________________________________________________
Download Windows Live
Messenger 9 - Creating a Worldwide Community
Windows Live Messenger 9, created by Microsoft, is an instant messenger
client that is the latest update to an already very popular service. It uses text to facilitate
communication between two people, electronically. For people with Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista,
Windows, and Windows Server 2003 and 2008, they download Windows Live Messenger 9 to take advantage of all
of its basic functionality and recently updated features.
This new and recently updated version is also compatible with Windows
Mobile. Originally named MSN Messenger, it was released on July 22, 1999. Due to the updates and increased
features it was renamed on December 13, 2005 as Windows Live Messenger. It also connects to Microsoft's.NET
Messenger Service.
This can be used by Microsoft products as well as third party client
software. Using proprietary instant messaging protocols, it can be used by anyone with an active Windows
Live ID. This allows people to sign in and communicate with others already active in the network instantly.
When users download Windows Live Messenger 9, they not only get the capability of the instant messenger,
they have access to many of its other new features as well. One of the features that add to its
functionality is sharing folders. This method can be used instead of a direct transfer method to deliver
files to other people on the network.
Users can place the file into a "sharing folder" for a specific person to
access. PC-to-phone calls are also supported by Verizon. For those who download Windows Live Messenger 9,
it is branded as "Verizon Web Calling" it allows for a call to be placed from a PC to a telephone. Until
this time, PC calling had been limited to other PC's. To make Live Messenger 9 more flexible and able to
reach more users, they partnered with Yahoo allowing interoperability between the two messengers. Their
combined user base grew instantly to encompass 40% of users worldwide.
To take advantage of this flexibility, users must download MSN Messenger or Windows Live Messenger 9 to be shown as "available." Even when a user is
signed off, messages will still come to their account and will be available when they come back online.
To appeal to a greater audience, games and other applications can be accessed at the conversation
window. As of May 2007, Live Messenger 9 was also included in the Xbox 360 dashboard update. Players can
see the Gamertags of their friends logged into Xbox live. This allows them to chat during games or while
watching moves. This program facilitates communication on a variety of platforms and media to create a
true worldwide community.
________________________________________________
Using Messenger On Your
Mobile Phone
If you love keeping in touch with your friends through instant messenger
services like Yahoo! or MSN messenger, then the chances are that you also prefer to send SMS messages
rather than using your mobile to chat. In the last few years however, it has become increasingly possible
to connect to instant messenger services directly through your mobile phone, and save money on the price of
keeping in touch.
For most Pay as you go owners and low end contract phone users, the price
of a text message is about 10p once you have used up any allowance that you get. This means that for an
average user sending 10-15 texts a day, the price for a month of keeping in touch with your friends can be
up to £50. When other people use their phones even more, they can find that they have bills for texting of
more than £100 per month.
Sending a single text to your friends in order to arrange a night out can
cost £1, and this soon builds up. There is an alternative though, and this is to use messenger directly
through your phone to keep in touch.
Since WAP phones first hit the market it has been possible to connect to
web based messenger services and chat rooms through your mobile, and as long as you let people know when
you are online, but now th3e main mobile companies have realised that many of their users prefer to use the
IM service that they are most used to, and have begun to package versions of MSN messenger on their mobile
phones.
Depending on the charges for data transfer offered by your mobile phone
company, it is now possible to have your entire text conversation using MSN messenger for a fraction of the
cost that it would be for regular texts, and the enormous benefit of using messenger rather than texts is
that it is possible to connect to all your friends at the same time, and chat about things instantly rather
than waiting for ages for a message to be delivered and responded to. You can also clarify ambiguous
information immediately, rather than having to text backwards and forwards.
Using messenger on your mobile is just as easy as texting, although it
takes a little longer to send messages than it would on your computer because they are harder to
type.
If you want to start using an instant messenger on your phone rather than
texting, check out whether it is compatible, and then if necessary you can download the software, and save
it as you would a regular game.
________________________________________________
Save on Phone Calls -
Making Free Phone Calls Online
Looking to make free phone calls online? In this article I'm going to go
over several tools and devices that makes phone calling online easy and free!
MagicJack
MagicJack, as you may know, is a dongle-like device that you can purchase.
It attaches to your computer via the USB port on your system. Once you have a MagicJack, you can make a
phone call to any local or long distance phone line for free, and anyone who has a MagicJack for free. You
can talk for two minutes or two hours, it doesn't matter! All you need is an internet connection and a
computer (and I'm assuming you do, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this!), and you can make all the calls
you want at no extra charge.
Skype
Skype is a great way to make free calls online, as not only can you chat
online and IM at the same time, you can do video chat with the help of a web camera! You just download
Skype, create a username, and you're set!
However, making phone calls to landline or cell phone numbers is a premium
service that you will have to pay for, so if you need to call actual US phone numbers, I would suggest the
MagicJack instead.
Yahoo Instant Messenger
YIM, as it's called sometimes, has a video chat feature that allows you to
do video chat much like Skype. It's great if you already have Yahoo Instant Messenger, and don't want to go
through the hassle of installing another application. Yahoo Instant Messenger has a bit lower video quality
however, so I'd recommend trying Skype if you want the best video quality possible.
So there you have it, a few great ways to make free phone calls online!
You don't need to pay hundreds of dollars to get in touch with loved ones, just get online and start
chatting today!
Jefrey Peters is a internet entrepreneur who's always
looking for a way to use technology to make our lives easier and more
productive.
He currently is a main content contributor for
GetFreePhoneCalls.com, a
website that aims to help you save money and time using the phone, as well as
getting you in touch with your loved ones and friends for as a low a cost as
possible!
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jefrey_Peters
|
________________________________________________
How Do I Prevent
Distractions and Interruptions?
So let's talk about preventing distractions and interruptions. As you
probably know, distraction and interruption are the ultimate time stealers. If you get interrupted or
distracted, it takes 10 or 20 minutes from when you end the distraction or interruption to just come back
and get back to where you were. So if you get distracted or interrupted every 10 or 20 minutes, you don't
get anything done at all. Who's had that experience in their lives?
I've discovered that there are three big distracters and interrupters in
the modern work environment, especially if you work from home, especially if you work around computers,
especially if you're using the internet while you're working. The big three distracters and interrupters
are cell phones and text messages, instant messenger and Skype and e-mail. So let's talk about the three of
them.
Cell phones and text messages. When you have your cell phone and your text
message just rolling, what does that say to the world? It says, "Distract and interrupt me any time you
want." It's especially bad if you actually answer your cell phone or respond to text messages very quickly.
What I do is I take my cell phone, and I either turn it off or I put it somewhere where I can't hear it. I
never have the ringer on my cell phone turned on because I don't want to hear it. I don't want to program
people that they can call me and reach me, that they can send me a text, and I'll get back to them
immediately. Why? Because then, they'll start expecting it, and I will have to deal with their distractions
and interruptions all day. So turn off the cell phone. Put it on vibrate. Put it outside of your range, so
you can't hear it. It's not around you. Don't keep it clipped to your body. Then, you can work and focus
chunks of uninterrupted time.
The online version of this is instant messenger and Skype. Anything where
you've got a status that you can leave on, and people can ping you or contact you and say, "Hey, can I talk
to you right now?" The answer here is only turn on your availability a couple of times a day. Set aside
blocks of time, maybe from 11:00 to 12:00 and then from 4:00 to 5:00 where you set your status as on, and
you're available.
A nice little trick with voicemail you can do is you can set up your
voicemail so that when people call you, it says, "Hi, I can't take your call right now. I return calls
typically between 11:00 and 12:00 and between 4:00 and 5:00. I'm also available by e-mail and instant
messenger during those times. If you want to reach me, it's urgent, try me during one of those times or
just leave me a message here, and I'll get back to you during one of those times," which is a way to
program people not to just interrupt you and expect you're going to answer the phone. It kind of programs
them to expect to wait a few hours because there's really nothing in the modern environment that can't wait
at least a few hours.
Now, the big one, the big problem is e-mail. E-mail is probably the
biggest consumer of our time and our attention that exists in the modern work environment. The trouble with
e-mail isn't just that there's a lot of it. The trouble is we get addicted to checking it. Even worse than
that, we get the little alerts so that e-mails pop up, and we see them as they're coming in. They go,
"Ding," and then it distracts it. Then, we go click on it, and then it pops up the e-mail, and it makes it
so easy.
So to prevent distraction and interruption with e-mail, I recommend that
you do a couple of things. First of all, don't have your e-mail browser on - don't have your e-mail window
open - unless you're specifically dedicating time to checking and returning e-mail. Especially turn off the
pings and the beeps and the pop ups because that stuff is just a constant racket of distraction and
interruption. If you're like me, you get dozens - hundreds of e-mails every day. If you just do the math,
if you leave on the pop up or the ding or the beep or the thing that pings you, you're going to be
distracted every few minutes all day, and it will literally destroy your productivity.
Even better, borrow from the technique that I gave you a little earlier,
and answer e-mails and return calls during specific times during the day. I call this scheduling your
interruptions. Schedule time where you're going to be doing a lot of this back and forth and where you'll
make yourself available in case people need to kind of reach you in a hurry.
If you start focusing on those big three distracters and interrupters,
which is the cell phone, the instant messenger and the e-mail, and the variations of those, you'll get
yourself a long way down the field to eliminating distraction and interruption. Ultimately, what you want
to do is you want to turn all that stuff off and as Peter Drucker recommends, work in focus blocks of
uninterrupted time of minimum 90 minutes. Any of us can do that. I like to get little kitchen timers or
little digital timers for $5.00 or $10.00. You can get them on amazon.com. Type in there an hour or 90
minutes, and just turn everything off, and just focus on getting one thing done. That's really the ultimate
way to prevent distraction and interruption.
I'm Eben Pagan, creator of the Wake Up Productive Time
Management and Productivity Training Program. If you'd like to watch my 47-minute video
on how to manage yourself and your time and become dramatically more productive, just
go to WakeUpProductive.com and enter your name and e-mail address, and you can watch
this video worth $100.00 for free.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eben_Pagan
|
________________________________________________
Save on Phone Calls -
Getting Free Phone Calls on the Internet
Sick of paying extra for phone calls? This article examines some of the
ways you can save money by using the power of the internet to help you get free phone calls.
Need Free Video Chat? Skype is your Answer!
Skype is a great way of getting free phone calls on the internet because
it allows you to do video chat and IMing (Instant Messaging) for free! You simply install Skype onto your
computer, create your username, add contacts on Skype, and you can then talk to anyone who has Skype as
well!
Use MagicJack for Free Long Distance Calling!
MagicJack is a great way to make free phone calls when you're trying to
call long distance because it's free to make calls throughout the United States. You just plug in the
MagicJack dongle, follow the on-screen instructions, and voila, make calls to anyone in the United States
regardless of distance. You can talk as long as you want at no additional charge, so you'll definitely want
to use this instead of your cell phone when it's practical to do so!
Use Yahoo Instant Messenger to make Video Chat calls as Well
Some of you may be aware of Yahoo Instant Messenger, and use it to IM your
friends and family, but you might not be aware of its powerful video chat capabilities. While Skype does
offer better quality with its video chat calls, if you already have Yahoo Instant Messenger you can make
your phone calls instantly.
So as you can see, there are many ways to get free phone calls on the
internet. Now, just a reminder, make sure you have a headset or a microphone handy whenever you make your
internet phone calls, as otherwise you won't be able to speak to the person on the other end. Happy
Calling!
Jefrey Peters is a internet entrepreneur who's always
looking for a way to use technology to make our lives easier and more
productive.
He currently is a main content contributor for
GetFreePhoneCalls.com, a
website that aims to help you save money and time using the phone, as well as
getting you in touch with your loved ones and friends for as a low a cost as
possible!
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jefrey_Peters
|
________________________________________________
Threats of Free IM
Programs
Even though there is a lot of great things about free instant messengers
like AOL Instant Messenger and Yahoo! Instant Messenger. However, with the rise of advertising and security
threats, the free instant messenger's benefits may not outweigh the risks.
The Benefits
Besides the obvious benefit of a these popular IM programs having the ability
to be downloaded at no cost to the user, there are some other benefits. These may include popularity (most
of your friends have a certain messenger, so you download it too), special features unique to that program
(similies, actions, more robust ways to communicate), and just the way that the service is used.
The Drawbacks
Unfortunately, with great free programs usually comes a fair amount of
drawbacks. The two main consequences include the amount of advertising and the level of security. The
severity of advertising varies from program to program; however ads usually include banner and image ads
placed throughout the program interface and text ads at the bottom of the program.
The level of security is clearly the biggest consequence. Free IM programs
offer little to no security protocols. And because instant messenger programs are free, they are the ones
most used by malicious hackers and spammers who wish to send you to links that contain virus
downloads.
How to Stay Safe
To make sure that you are being safe online, only talk to people that you
know and trust, and do not download any files sent by messenger program unless you are sure they aren't a
virus.
________________________________________________
Publish Useful
Information on Your Website to Get More Eyeballs and Deals
Allow me to cite Yahoo-Nielsen Net Index 2010 recent statistics on mobile
Internet access in the Philippines which grew to five (5 ) percent this year from zero, with instant
messaging, e-mail and SMS driving usage.
Changes in the online behavior of Filipino Internet users - 29.7 million
now - can be categorized into search (the predominant activity), consumption of entertainment content (that
they were able to search, there goes that word again), using Mobile web for email and instant messenger,
social media interaction. They are described as the young and middle-aged users, between 10 and 39 years
old.
The search activity rose to 75 percent from 58 percent, bypassing both
email and texting (SMS). Filipinos send more than two (2) billion text messages a day, making the
Philippines the world's texting capital.
If you have a blog or contribute content to websites, the preceding
paragraphs contained both recent and useful data which your readers would have thanked you for sharing the
figures.
What this means is more than 21-M Filipinos who are online everyday in
search of anything imaginable in this world, could be your potential clients, customers, shoppers,
supporters if you're engaged in any of these -- selling products and services, blogging, creating viral
awareness for an event, running for an elective position, or promoting an advocacy.
Your success as a blogger, publicist or as an online retailer in today's
digital era is hinged on the quality and variety of information you provide on your web page.
If you limit your web content to just announcements of new products and
discounts, events promotions, your profile and that of your company's, teaser ads, these do not pretty much
distinguish you from the competition.
As oft said, "Content is King." Aim to provide informative and uniquely
interesting content to spark the curiosity of your digital audience and keep them interested
through:
• newsworthy tidbits that everybody likes to get updates on, like who's
leading and losing in elections, sports (football, boxing, basketball), rollback in gasoline pump prices
and transport fares
• useful trivia like why and when Mothers' and Fathers' Days are
celebrated, other global historical events that took place on a day that is celebrated as a local holiday
like Independence Day, Labor Day
• practical and easy-to-follow tips that people can learn to do themselves
like making their sites quickly searchable (SEO), website customization, health and wellness maintenance
like how to adjust one's lifestyle to avoid getting cancer of the colon/liver/lungs
• extra information on what to do when the wrong product has been
delivered, so that when the customer is faced with this situation, s/he can already act quickly on fixing
it. Give your customers a sense of having control over things that can go wrong
• if you're selling digital gadgets online, provide price comparisons and
add a buyers guide that includes gadget reviews and simple how-to's on operating the gadgets, to save them
the agony of trying to understand instruction handbooks that are usually published in very fine
print
• adding a genie wish list (an e-commerce shopping cart tool) on your web
shop because your customers' actions will help you determine what goods are popular and move fast. A wish
list can help you decide how to stock your inventory. It keeps shoppers tuned in to what their friends -
who also shop and buy online - like to have
• spotlight customer testimonials (with their permission) because they can
motivate other consumers to try you out
If you become well known for sharing with your Net audience your
enthusiasm for broad-based yet productive information, the potential for converting unique visitors into
returning visitors is strong.
Their interest can lead to enlightened online chats (conversations, if you
like) between you and them and more productive ventures.
Nothing beats enriching people's infotainment experience like what's put
out on the smilds Philippines blogroll or on its Facebook fan page. Remember you're competing for eyeballs
and business on a platform that never sleeps, the Internet.
________________________________________________
The Ways of Internet
Security
Because of being a user-oriented system, the Internet certainly brings
with it a lot of risks that, when not dealt with rigidly, could cause damaging problems. Such risks include
Identity theft, or the theft of one's confidential information to be used for another's financial or social
benefit. These could also include less serious ones like computer viruses and etc.
This is why, a major concern for the Internet industry is Internet
security. There is perhaps no more direct or dangerous way in being subject to these threats than in
Instant Messaging.
Instant messaging is the user-to-user conversation over the Internet in
real time. This could be otherwise known as cyber chatting and is usually common in softwares like Yahoo!
Messenger or MSN Messenger. Instant messaging can be one of the gateway for online thieves to steal
confidential information.
Because of its real time, versatile and dynamic features, it is easy to get
addicted to it.
This fact alone alarms many, especially parents. This is because even an
adult can be exposed to much vulnerability in Instant Messaging. As earlier mentioned, there is that risk
of Identity Theft. However, there are more dangerous risks that involve heinous crimes like sexual
predation, stalking and etc.
These can be avoided though by maintaining Internet Security, particularly
in Instant Messaging. Securing yourself against dangers from Instant messaging need not be complicated.
Simple and small steps can go a long way, and people can continue enjoying the benefits of Instant
Messaging without worry.
Internet Precautions
Several precautions should be observed while over the Internet. Different
rules correspond to different aspects but perhaps the most important rule that applies to all aspects of
sharing Internet information is confidentiality.
Teenagers are especially vulnerable to this as they tend to give out a lot
of information about themselves in the excitement of social networking or instant messaging.
Don't make very obvious screen names. It should not blatantly suggest or
allude to any personal information, no matter how trivial it may seem. These bits and pieces of information
may provide leads to online thieves who are on the prowl for anything theft-worthy.
Do not publish too much information in web sites, especially social
networking sites. Phishing programs are on the look out for email addresses that may soon send you spam
mail. These spam mails may contain adware, spyware, viruses or any other type of malware that can leak
information to hackers. Also, do not just give out these pieces of information online. Hackers can easily
intercept your Instant messages with a friend and get this confidential information.
Do not click on any link you see. This is mostly common in Instant
messaging where, if one of your contacts' computers are infected with viruses, they automatically send out
links to their contacts. Clicking them would infect your computer too. Spam mails have this too.
Check and scan all files sent before opening them. They may contain
malware.
Use a strong anti-virus or anti-spyware program. They scan and fix your
computers for viruses and prevent it from leaking valuable information.
Tina L. Douglas is a skilled writer from California.
With numerous experiences in the field of writing for several financial institutions,
she is greatly qualified across a variety of economic issues. Her notable pieces of
writing involve internet
security.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tina_L_Douglas
|
________________________________________________
Increase Your Output by
Killing Workplace Distractions
We live in a world where distractions are at an all time high. With
technological advances proclaiming their time saving features, we should have more time than ever to get
our tasks done. The reality is, these devices are helping to kill our productivity.
In a blog post last year, popular author Tim Ferriss shared an interesting
fact. Multitasking (checking email while working for example) was more destructive than smoking a joint
before work. Can you believe that? As someone who has worked online for years I don't find it hard to
believe at all.
The three main distractions I have when working online are:
1. Email - Some
people can become almost addicted to answering their emails. I know I used to compulsively check it. What
makes it even worse are desktop mail clients that alert you every time you get a new email. For awhile I
was actually trained like a Pavlovian dog. I would hear my new email alert and I would instantly drop what
I was doing and check my email. It killed my productivity.
My fix was to simply go cold turkey. I began checking my email in the
morning, then at lunch, then at the end of the day. Guess what? The sky didn't fall and I was able to stay
focused on my tasks.
2. Instant Messaging - Everyone I know who is under 40 years of age uses instant messaging in some form
or another. There are a ton of platforms out there: AIM, MSN, Skype etc... I use Addium and that
consolidates all of my other instant messaging platforms. Nothing can kill momentum quite like someone
messaging you. I think one of the biggest pitfalls is when you are doing something mundane. If someone
messages you about your favorite sports team - it is really easy to drop what you are doing and shoot the
breeze for awhile. These moments add up though!
The fix for me was pretty easy. I have my biz partner and another
colleague on AIM instant messenger, that's it. All of my friends and family are on my MSN messenger. When I
am trying to get work done, I will turn off MSN and keep AIM open - making sure I set my status to show I
am only accepting urgent messages. My colleagues understand this means I am in the middle of something
important, so they will send only the most urgent messages.
3. Internet Browsing - If you work online you have constant access to the internet. This is good for a number
of reasons but it can also be a potential trap. I can easily get lost in surfing ESPN.com. It all starts
with wanting to check a simple sports score and then next thing you know I am wading through free agent
rumors for half an hour. Any work momentum I had would be killed.
This might be the hardest trap to fix. I guess I could use some sort of
parental internet filter to control my urges. Outside of that though internet access is pretty important to
the online business owner. I can't shut it down. This is one area where I had to just suck it up and curb
my internet appetite. It was simply a job for my will power. Now I use internet browsing as a forcing
function. I reward myself some ESPN.com time when I finish something I have been working on.
There is no way you can totally avoid distractions. You can definitely
curb them by following some of the steps I laid out but in general you just have to learn how to deal with
them. Try curbing some of your distractions right now, and watch your productivity jump!
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The Importance of Smiley
Faces & Emoticons Online
I'm sure you've seen, and probably even used a smiley or emoticon at least
once in your internet experience. Whether its been an actual picture, or just a series of characters
like:-), you've seen it!
You may be surprised to find out how and why these "smileys" have evolved
in online communication. Well, it should be noted that psychologists have discovered that 90% of human
communication is non-verbal (that's probably not surprising). A lot of communication is perceived through
body language, tone, gestures, etc.
On the internet, whether it's in a forum, blog, email, or instant
messenger chat, there's no mechanism to convey these "non verbal" signals. Hence, smileys! Smileys and
emoticons are used to confer emotion no matter what it is, sarcasm, jokes, anger, sadness, bashfulness,
playful, etc.
The first noted emoticon ever noted is ":-J" which represents tongue in
cheek.
Today, smiley face symbols and emoticons have become extremely popular in
digital communication and have evolved from simple character sequences to simple static images and nowadays
3-dimensional animated smileys. You'll see support for smileys in all modern email providers (example:
Hotmail, Yahoo!, Gmail) and all instant messenger chat applications (example: MSN messenger, AOL messenger,
yahoo messenger, Skype).
The popular blog engine, WordPress also has built in support to convert
character sequences to images (which can be a pain sometimes for bloggers, but this can be easily
disabled).
It's actually cool to learn how something so seemingly meaningless such as
smiley faces can actually have deep psychological implications in communication.
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Cakewalk Messenger - A
Bridge Between Beloved Ones
Accessing messenger is a cakewalk for anyone from any system. Typing the
address in the browser gives instant messenger access with text, voice and web cam support. It is more
simple and stable now.
Mail and Messenger are the wonderful communication media to contact known
members. Mail supports only offline messages. But messenger is designed to contact the person online to
exchange messages. Messenger supports simple offline messages too.
Initially messenger is designed to support only text based message
exchange. Due to its simplicity and less bandwidth consumption, messenger got great popularity in internet
market. Now a days, popular messengers support text, voice and web cam transmissions. Bandwidth consumption
for popular chat application is based on the encoder they use.
Two types of messengers are available on the web.
First type messenger requires native application download and installation
in local system. This type of chat application uses its own encoder and compression techniques for message
transmissions. Both the members are required to install the same application in their own system to
communicate. And, if the member wants to use chat application in different system, once again the
application installation process has to be completed.
Second type of messenger does not require any specific application
installation to use chat application. Instead, they use Browser and Flash features for message exchange
process. Browser and Flash are popular platform to browse websites. Initially, only text transmission was
supported, but now, websites are started to provide text, voice and web cam transmission in this type.
Compare to first one, it is very simple to access and to use.
Popular chat application providers started to provide features to exchange
the messages between both types of messenger.
Second type messengers are getting more popular due to its simplicity and
its availability in any system. User has to simply type website address and the chat application is ready
to use.
Messengers are wonderful platform to contact friends, family and known
members online. Now, accessing messenger is a cakewalk for messenger users, with different types of media
transmissions such as text, voice and web cam. Any system that has Browser and Flash can access online web
media messenger. Type the address and messenger appears on the screen to serve. It is a
cakewalk.
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Online Business Idea -
How to Use What You Know
If you're looking for an online business idea that can generate some
income for you, one of the best places to start is by using the skills you already have.
Now I know that probably sounds pretty vague, so let me
explain...
Chances are you have lots of knowledge. This could be from jobs that
you've worked at, hobbies you love, or just something you've learned within your lifetime thus
far.
Some of these might be:
- Writing
- Website Design
- Accounting or Bookkeeping
- Copywriting
- Research
How these skills can work for you is simply this:
There are lots of small business owners who simply
don't have enough time to get all of their tasks done by themselves. So to help them out, what
they'll do is outsource these projects to someone else. They look for people who can get the job done
for them at a reasonable price.
If you have experience in any of the areas mentioned (or even in areas
that aren't), you could start your very own business yourself selling your services.
- If you have writing experience and you're able to write well, you can
offer this as a service to individuals and businesses who need writing done for their
websites.
- If you're adept at creating websites or blogs, you can offer a
service doing this for someone else.
- If you're experienced at handling office tasks such as organizing,
making phone calls, or creating spreadsheets, you could become a virtual assistant and offer these
services to businesses who need some help in these areas.
Even if you don't want to go to the extent of starting a website of your
own but just want to offer up your services to these businesses, you can look to online resources that will
help you connect with people needing these kinds of services.
Some of these online resources are:
- oDesk.com
- Guru.com
- Elance.com
- VirtualAssistants.com and
- VirtualAssistant.org - who even offers virtual assistant or "VA"
training.
Now, depending upon the type of service you'll provide, you should have
some degree of skills under your belt. It's not necessary to have a traditional educational degree but your
potential clients do like to see that you have some kind of experience that will get the job done. If
you've done work for someone else in the past, see if they'd be willing to give you a testimonial that you
could provide on your own website or within the profile you'd set up at one of the above
resources.
Basic Essentials
There are a few "basic items" that you'll need to get started and most
likely you'll already have these available. Some of them are:
- A Computer
- Reliable Internet Access
- A Telephone
- A way to receive email
- A Website (of course, this is entirely optional if you choose to go
through services like oDesk.com).
Sometimes clients will also want you to be familiar with, and have access
to certain programs. Some of these are:
- A Word processing program like Microsoft Word or Open Office
Writer
- A spreadsheet program like Excel
- Some type of web designing program if you choose to get into web
design. A free one that you can use online is
Kompozer.
Additionally you should consider some kind of instant messaging program
like AOL's instant messenger so that clients can contact you at a moment's notice if they have
to.
An optional program to use as well is Skype which let's you make phone
calls through your computer. And Skype even includes video chat and their own instant messaging system.
Best of all, their software is free.
Getting Started
To get yourself up and running quickly, one option would be to set up a
simple website at a free service such as WordPress.com or Blogger.com or join one of the services listed
above like Elance.com or oDesk.com.
If you choose to set up your own site, and plan on sending a lot of people
there, you'll want to look into getting a website address and web hosting of your own rather than using a
free service. Your own website address just looks more professional than a free one does.
All in all, it's not difficult to get that online business idea going. You
just need to know what it is you want to do, and which direction you'll take; either exclusively offering
services through your own website or by providing services through an online system set up to connect
service providers with buyers.
Need extra help? Get your 100% FREEstep-by-step online
guide for NEWCOMERS & BEGINNERS alike. Go to SimpleSiteGuide.com to grab this resource.
Kristine Wirth is a full-time Internet Marketer who
began her career creating websites in 1996.
She has helped thousands of people understand how to
create websites, use social media tools, and get their head around difficult concepts
such as affiliate marketing and SEO so that they can grow a successful online
business.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kristine_Wirth
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The Astounding Features
of New Blackberry 8520
The new Blackberry 8520 which has been launched in the market has brought
a new trend in the cell phone industry. The phone is loaded with a lot of new features that have changed
typical conception about the cell phone. What's more, the phone is available at the price of around $250.
The phone enables you to pause the music to talk, and mute the calls with the easy to access button. Also,
you can repeat your favorite music again and again.
Apart from them, there are several other features of this state of the art
gadget. So, it is worth checking out what this new phone from the Blackberry has in store for
you.
Trackpad Navigation:
This is a unique feature in this mobile phone that enables the user to
scroll through the menus, info and icons by just gliding the finger on them. By just pressing and clicking
on items, you can navigate to the option that you are looking for.
Easy Media Sharing
With the help of this phone, you can easily take videos and photos as well
as upload them to applications such as Flickr Uploader and the social networking sites such as MySpace,
Facebook and so on. You can also share them through MMS, Blackberry Messenger, messages and other instant
messaging options.
Apple Computer Support
The Blackberry 8520 comes up with the Blackberry Desktop Software for the
Mac users so that you can sync contacts, notes, and calendars with the applications that are your favorite.
With the software you can enjoy the experience of Mac on the smart phone.
Slim and Attractive Design
This new smart phone from Blackberry comes in a smart and sleek design
that easily fits in your hand. The complete QWERTY keyboard makes it very convenient to type texts. The big
and bright display of the phone displays more than 65 thousands colors making it a rich
experience.
Multiple Email Account Integration
With the help of this mobile phone, you can bring your email with you.
This phone offers you the opportunity to add as many as 10 supported professional and personal email ids to
your smart phone. Each time you send, receive and delete any data from your email id, these accounts will
be updated automatically.
Message Service
Like many of the blackberry mobile phones this phone too, offers a number
of different messaging services. It incorporates SMS and MMS. Also, you have the opportunity to carry the
IM or the Instant Messaging applications with you. The list of applications includes:
• Yahoo Messenger for smart phones of Blackberry.
• Blackberry Messenger
• G Talk for Blackberry.
• Windows Live Messenger
• AOL Instant Messenger
• IBM Lotus Sametime
• ICQ and plenty of others.
Also, there are plenty of other features such as the built in speaker
phone, polyphonic and mp3 ringtones, conference calling, mobile phone functionality etc. With the help of
VAD, you can make calls by just saying a word. In short, the phone will stun with its breathtaking
features.
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Buy Nokia 5230 With T -
Mobile Activation Plan
INTRODUCTION
The Nokia 5230 also called as 'NURON' is the first Nokia Smartphone with a
U.S. carrier to offer access to the Ovi Store.
Fully touch screen Nokia 5230 is equipped with wide range of features such as
third generation connectivity, emailing, GPS for turn-by-turn navigation via Ovi Maps and on board virtual
QWERTY keyboard with a wide screen specifically for intensive messaging and Web browsing.
The quad band Nokia 5230 cell phone is available in black and white
color.
It is available with a variety of individual or family plans at T-Mobile
stores. It's time to upgrade your old cell phone to Nokia 5230 with fully touch screen features.
CAMERA & VIDEO
It comes with integrated 2.0 mega pixel camera which supports still photo
capture & video recording capabilities. It is a step down from the Nokia 5800's 3.2-megapixel camera
and it doesn't have a flash. You can record short videos for inserting in MMS messages or e-mail. Various
editing options are available such as white balance and color effects.
DISPLAY SCREEN
The Nokia 5230 is the best cell phone with stunning display screen of 360 X
640 pixels with 3.2 inches wide.
SIZE AND WEIGHT
It weighs 4.0 ounces & its dimensions are 111 X 51.7 X 15.5
mm.
SOUND
The 5230 mobile phone comes with built in music player's so you to use any
Mp3/sound file as a ring-tone, alert tone. It comes standard with external Micro SD slot & standard 3.5
mm audio jack. It has hands free headset which works impressively well.
TALK TIME & BATTERY LIFE
Battery life expectancy of Nokia 5230 is 432 hours for 2G and Up to 432 hours
for 3G. While the talk time mode is Up to 7 hours for 2G and Up to 4 hours 30 min for 3G.
EMAILING
You can configure POP3, IMAP e-mail accounts as well as Exchange via Mail for
Exchange 2008.Variety of e-mail providers are supported such as Yahoo Mail, Gmail, Windows Live and AOL
etc. The Nuron lets you to send and receive emails in the blink of an eye.
INSTANT MESSENGER
It supports a variety of instant-messaging clients such AIM, Windows Live,
Yahoo, Google Talk, and MySpace etc. It serves basic text and MMS messaging functionalities.
UNIQUE SELLING POINT:
• OVI maps
• 3G technology
• FM Radio
ON THE FLIP SIDE, IT HAS:
• No Wi-Fi
• Inferior camera as compared to 5530 and 5800
• No video calling
SUMMARY
With the direct access to Nokia's Ovi Store you can have an access to all
useful apps to turn your phone into the ultimate mobile device. The support for Flash Lite 3.0, allows you
to view Flash content such as YouTube videos from the Web browser. The Nokia 5230 cellular phone has an
average camera capability as compared with those of competing feature phones. Something that attracts the
user is a few elements like the external display, & its low price which helps to lessen its short
comings.
This phone is available at T-Mobile store with Even More and Even More
plus (+) ranging from $39.99 to $59.99 for individual plans and $59.99 to $99.99 for family plans. At just
$10, add a line and enjoy the experience of Nokia 5230.
My name is Austin Krot. I have been working as a sales
marketing manager for the past one an half year. I have been involved in providing the
highest quality service in the industry. We provide free cell phone with inexpensive
cell phone plan.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Austin_Kort
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