networking curriculum
support CD for senior
secondary studies

Topics
. Home
. Networking History
. Why network?
. OSI model
. Connecting up
. Protocols
. Technology
. Network types
. Topologies
. Issues
. Design factors
. Economic effects
. www links
. Site map

networking > why set up a network? > online chat

Communications

Online chat

While online chat (such as ICQ, Windows Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger) may be a valuable way for teenagers to discuss what they did on the weekend, it can also be a valuable alternative to the telephone for organisations.

Online chat is synchronous (happening in real time) like the telephone, but it also offers the advantages of being able to transmit files and save the discussion for later reference. It is also far cheaper than making international telephone calls.

Help desk operators now often use online chat to help clients and customers in real time.

Chat can be person to person, or it may involve many people chatting to each other in one chat 'room.'

Recreational chatting, however, can be perilous for young people. While most chatters use an 'avatar', an artificial identity, chatters can masquerade as anyone, and can present themselves in any identity. This can be dangerous to young people who are vulnerable to sexual predators lurking in chatrooms disguised as other young people. Parents need to carefully monitor their children's use of online chat, and teach them never to reveal information that can identify or locate them.

worksheets
. history
. why network
. osi model
. connecting
. protocols
. technology
. topologies (tla)
. issues
. network types
. design
. economics
. economics (cs)
   - solutions -

quizzes
. why network
. osi model
. connecting
. protocols
. technology
. topology
. issues
. network types
. design
. economics

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