Chatting On-Line

The Internet is no longer just a way for computers (and occasionally the dedicated computer nerd) to converse. It is now easy to exchange lively dialogs through “live” typed messages and even by direct voice. Chat rooms, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), Web-based chat, and Internet telephony provide options that e-mail and newsgroups do not. They duplicate, or come close to, the telephone without the long distance charges. Private or party line, personal or professional use, while they still aren’t the same as a visit in person, for many they are reason enough to be connected to the Internet.