Some Obvious Rules of Messaging Conduct

Posted by arlene

Windows XP comes with the latest instant messaging program, called Windows Messenger. Microsoft noticed that this was a niche in which they didn’t have the dominant program, and so decided to issue everyone a copy of theirs. Windows XP nags you to sign up for a Microsoft .NET Passport, a free account that you use to log in to Windows Messenger, the Hotmail Web site, and other Microsoft Web sites. We don’t see the advantage of Windows Messenger over the other instant message programs: It has far fewer neat features than Yahoo Messenger. It does support voice and video, but only with one person at a time.

Sending someone an instant message is the online equivalent of walking up to someone on the street and starting a conversation. If it’s someone you know, it’s one thing; if not, it’s usually an intrusion.

Unless you have a compelling reason, don’t send instant messages to people you don’t know who haven’t invited you to do so. Don’t say anything that you wouldn’t say in an analogous situation on the street.

For some reason, AOL is plagued with childish users who now and then send rude instant messages to strangers or unwilling acquaintances, which is why AIM has its Warn and Block buttons. Not only is it rude to do that, it’s silly: AOL has chat rooms full of people eager to converse on all sorts of topics, rude or otherwise.

Most instant-message programs allow you to send and receive files. Leave the file feature off except when you have a specific file you need to send or receive. Unsolicited files from people you don’t know are generally spam, viruses, or both. Most virus-checkers don’t monitor file transfers via an IM program.

The messages that you send with AIM and other chat programs may appear to be ephemeral, but it’s easy for anyone in the conversation to store the messages. Most IM programs have a “log” feature that saves the series of messages in a text file, which may be embarrassing later.

Finally: If someone tells you to give a series of commands, or download and install a program, don’t do it. And never tell anyone any of your passwords.

Yahoo Messenger

Yahoo, the popular Web site, has its own instant message program called Yahoo Messenger. It’s our favorite, because not only can you type messages and talk using a microphone, you can also see each other if you have web- cams. Better yet, more than three people can join in the conversation. We’ve held six-person voice-and-video conference calls using Yahoo Messenger for a total cost of $0.

To get the program, go to rnessenger . yahoo . com and follow the directions to download and install the program. Yahoo Messenger is available in many versions including versions for Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP, Macs, UNIX, Palm Pilots, and a version that runs as a Java applet in your Web browser — on any system that has a Java-enabled browser. It can also exchange messages with mobile phone users; see the sidebar “IM by phone.”

When you download the program, it installs automatically. To log in, you create a free Yahoo ID for yourself. Go to the messenger . yahoo . corn Web site and click the Sign In link if you already have a Yahoo ID, or click the Sign Up link if you don’t.

A. Adding Voices and Faces

If you don’t want to talk with or see people while you chat — that is, if you don’t mind being limited to typing back and forth with your friends — skip this section. If you do want the audiovisual goodies, read on.

B. Say what? Hooking the sound up

Almost every computer comes with speakers, which are connected to a sound board inside the computer. These speakers are what make the various noises that your programs make (like the “You’ve got mail!” announcement of AOL). Most sound boards also have a jack for a microphone. (Check your computer manual or ask almost any teenager for help with this.) If you don’t have a microphone, you can get one that works with almost any computer. A mike should cost less than $20 at your local computer store or at online at stores like PC Connection.

To test your mike and speakers on a Windows machine, run the Sound Recorder program; try recording yourself and playing it back.

1. Choose Start-All Programs-Accessories-Entertainment-Sound Recorder in Windows XP or Me.
2. Click the red Record button to start recording, and the square Stop button to stop.
3. Talk, sing, or make other noises in between your Start and Stop clicks.
4. Then click the triangular Play button to hear what you just recorded.
5. Click Record again to add onto the end of your recording. Choose File* New to start over and throw away what you recorded.
6. Choose File-Save to save it as a .WAV (audio) file.
7. We like to make .WAV recordings of our kids saying silly things and e-mail them — the recordings, not the kids — to their grandparents.

You can adjust the volume of your microphone (for the sound coming into the computer) and your speakers or headphones (for the sound coming out) by choosing Start-All Programs-Accessories-Entertainment-Volume Control. If a volume control for your microphone doesn’t appear, choose Options-Properties, click the Microsoft check box so that a check mark appears, and click OK.

If you want to test how voices from the Net sound on your computer, type the URL net . gurus . corn/ngc .wav into your browser and see what happens. You may need to click an Open or Open with Default Application button after it downloads. (Yes, that’s John’s mellifluous voice.)

If you can record yourself and hear the recording when you play it back, you’re ready for Internet-based phone calls or chats!

C. I see you!

If you want other people to be able to see you during online conversations, consider getting a webcam. This is a small digital-video camera that can connect to a computer. Webcams come in many sizes and shapes, and prices run from $50 to $500. More expensive webcams send higher-quality images at higher speeds, and come with better software. On the other hand, we’ve had great luck with a $60 webcam for chatting with friends and participating in videoconferences.

Most webcams connect to your computer’s USB port, a little rectangular plug on the back of the computer. Older computers don’t have USB ports. The better cameras connect to special video-capture cards, which you have to open your computer to install.

If you own a digital video camera for taking video of your family and friends, you may be able to connect it to your computer for use as a webcam. Check the manual that came with the camera.

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