INSTANT MESSAGING.
Instant messaging also known as IM or IMing refers to the exchange of text messages via a software application or over the internet.
In order to use instant messaging, both users must be online. When one sends a message, the recipient is alerted by a sound and the recipient decides on whether to accept or reject the message. What’s more, two people can have a conversation and get feedback after just a few seconds. Furthermore, there are times when one can receive an instant message from someone else while chatting with another person then he or she can decide to chat with both of them at the same time.
The features offered by Instant message programs include; web links, video, files, streaming content, mobile capabilities, sounds, instant messages, images, chat and talk.
Instant messaging is important because:
-Instant messaging is a fast and suitable way for businesses to send significant information about their work to business associates or partners who may be located in different parts of the world.
-Even when on the road, one can have a business meeting which ensures things run smoothly as always leading to an adverse growth of one’s company.
-Instant messaging offers one the opportunity to be able to search people who may be doing the same profession as them and ask them questions about it. One is also able to search individuals by their location.
-For those who use online business, instant messaging is the best choice for you since you can meet new people or even post a job on the internet for people to reply to it after which one decides whether to hire someone or not by reading their application letters.
Some of the limitations of instant messaging are virus through file transfer, distraction during working hours, costs money and message interception.
There are several types of instant messaging services:
a) Windows Live Messenger 2011.
b) Yahoo! Messenger 10.
c) Digsby.
d) Google Talk which comes with voice chat and text chat.
e) MSN Messaging.
f) Aim Messaging.
g) ICQ Messaging.
Each and every day, more and more people use instant messaging because of its many features, advantages and availability.