[RandyG]

Howdy folks!

I have been living in Ireland for 4 years now, and my brother in Florida has finally gotten Internet Access. I am trying to find a handy way to "talk" to him and my Mom. Email is Okay, but if we would like to speak to each other in "real" time, then it isn't good enough. I know about IRC chats, and some Website chats, but don't have too much experience with them.


What I am really looking for is some advice on different ways to be able to communicate with someone, utilizing existing Internet connections, in "real" time. This would also have to be something simple enough that I can explain it to my brother and mom, as they aren't experienced enough to be labelled computer newbies. they are infants just starting to open their eyes.


Thanx for any advice and input.

Randy

[jthelpless]

Hello Randy,

I use and very much like msn's instant messenger its easy to set up you do have to have a hotmail account because they use a passport.. but its free you can (type)chat or if you and your brother also have a mic use can use voice chat I haven't tried any of the others IM's but I don't imagine much difference between any of them.

http://messenger.msn.com/

Hope this does the job for you. BOL!

[RandyG]

Thanx for the suggestion. Have you had any problems with it? I have not heard much good about MS Instant Messenger, but now that I think about it, I can't come up with any reasons. I must go trolling to dig up more info on it.


Any other suggestions by anyone of good, secure, private chat rooms that don't cost?


IRC? How would one go about setting up a channel for their own use?

telnet?

[jthelpless]

I havent had any problems with it, I guess they had a server go down but I was unaffected by it. They got it fixed now thats about the only problem that ive have heard about. Anyway just a suggestion good luck with your search.


yahoo also has an IM but I have never used it. who knows it might be better.

http://messenger.yahoo.com/

[Cozz]

I live in Holland and my family live in Wales.
We chat regurlarly using ICQ.
When my mum installed it in her pc, I gave her a quick phone call to walk her through some of the options and since then she has had no problems.

[RandyG]

Thanx for the input guys. Both of you are talking about Instant Messaging programs, and it seems that is exactly what I'm looking for. I think I will go with ICQ, as it addresses a lot of the privacy issues I was referring to with jt's mention of MS Instant Messaging. ICQ also seems to offer a lot more utilities, but i suppose I will just have to try it and see.


Thanx again.

Randy

[Cozz]

your welcome m8e.
hope you spend many happy hours chatting with your family. If you need some help send me a message through ICQ, my number is in my profile.