Instant messaging is similar to e-mail, in that messages are sent immediately, but with instant messaging, the user receives the message immediately too, provided the contact is online and logged in. E-mail is often not received instantaneously because mail programs are generally set to check for mail every 30 minutes (or as configured by the user). This is a great alternative to email, especially when you need to hold a conversation using text, voice, and/or video.
If you want to use instant messaging technology, the best option, especially if you think you might want to use video messaging later, is Windows Live Messenger. Windows Live Messenger doesn’t come with Vista though, so you’ll have to download it.
With Windows Live Messenger you can:
* Communicate instantly using text, voice, or video with anyone who has a compatible messaging program.
* Leave written messages even to someone who is offline; they’ll see the message the next time they log on.
* Configure your status on the fly: Online, Busy, Be right back, Away, In a call, Out to lunch, Appear Offline, or you can choose to Sign Out. Your contacts will see your status when they go online.
* Share your personal files, photos, and videos using a Shared Folder.
* Make phone calls to friends, family, and contacts without paying long distance.
Here are the steps to get started with Windows Live Messenger:
1. Download Windows Live Messenger.
2. Get a Windows Live ID.
3. Sign in. [See Image 1]
4. Add a Contact. [See Image 2]
5. Double click any contact in the list to start a conversation. [See Image 3]
6. To have an instant messaging conversation with voice, install a microphone or headset and run the Audio and Video Setup wizard. Repeat this step if you add a Web cam.
7. Work through the Audio and Video Setup Wizard.
Step-By-Step Set up a Microphone and Webcam
1. Plug in the microphone, speakers, webcam, and/or headset, if necessary. Install any drivers and/or software.
2. Click Tools, and click Audio and Video setup. [See Image 4]
3. Click Next.
4. Choose the speakers or headset to use from the drop down list.
5. Check Click here if you are using headphones, if that is indeed the case.
6. Click Play sound.
7. Move the slider so that you can hear the sample music clearly and loudly.
8. Click Next.
9. Select the microphone you want to use from the drop down list.
10. Read the text as prompted. Adjust the microphone volume slider so that the indicator jumps to yellow as you read the text.
11. Click Next.
12. If applicable, select the webcam to use from the drop down list.
13. Click Options.
14. Configure Brightness, Contrast, and other settings to match your needs.
15. Click Close.
16. Click Finish.
