Chat programs allow users on the Internet to communicate with each other
by typing in real time. They are sometimes included as a feature of a Web site,
where users can log into the "chat room" to exchange comments and information about
the topics addressed on the site. Chat may take other, more wide-ranging forms.
For example, America Online is well known for sponsoring a number of
topical chat rooms.
Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a service through which participants can communicate
to each other on hundreds of channels. These channels are usually based on specific topics.
While many topics are frivolous, substantive conversations are also taking place.
To access IRC, you must use an IRC software program.
A variation of chat is the phenomenon of instant messenging. With instant messenging,
a user on the Web can contact another user currently logged in and type a conversation.
Most famous is America Online's Instant Messenger. ICQ, MSN and Yahoo are other
commonly-used chat programs.
Other types of real-time communication are addressed in the tutorial Understanding
the World Wide Web.
MUD/MUSH/MOO/MUCK/DUM/MUSE
MUD stands for Multi User Dimension. MUDs, and their variations listed above,
are multi-user virtual reality games based on simulated worlds. Traditionally text based,
graphical MUDs now exist. There are MUDs of all kinds on the Internet,
and many can be joined free of charge. For more information, read one of the FAQs
devoted to MUDs available at the FAQ site at
No comments:
Post a Comment