Instant Messaging is a real time communication service. It is enable people to talk and share ideas through data file exchanging in real time. It is not an email which makes us wait to get other response.

The conversation of both parties start when they log in at the same time and communicate by typing text and using picture, which commonly called emoticon, to express their feeling.

This type of communication requires Instant Messaging software which needs to be installed in both parties’ computers. Those software will enable them to talk either it is in the same room, other city, and even other countries. Instant Messaging software connects directly to the internet.

I believe that every human kind needs to communicate their feeling. This type of communication has been widening the definition of communication.

Teenagers who fail to express their feeling with direct communication can benefit from this indirect communication as they do not have to verbally speak up their mind.

There are many company benefits from this software. They can work more effectively and minimal communication cost. But there are also some companies forbid their employees from using instant messaging software because they find that their employees use it to chat with their own friends about their personal problem which will ruin the work productivity.

Instant messaging software have the ability to send or receive files, share photos, do the web research, listen to the internet radio, watching the online video, play online games, share live video via webcam and hold a direct internet call.

To start instant messaging, you need to install instant messaging software. There are various software available such as: MSN messenger, Yahoo Messenger, Trillian, Google Talk, AIM and AOL. I recommend using MSN or Yahoo Messenger because it is very easy to use.

Don’t forget to sign up yahoo account if you use the Yahoo Messenger and Hotmail account if you use the MSN Messenger.

Once you have done with that step, you will need to add friends to your list and start chatting with them. You need to make sure that you have appointment with your friend to meet online.

If you fail to have the appointment, you will not be able to hold a conversation. You will see that you friend’ status is offline. So make sure to have the appointment before going online.