As well as email there are a range of other ways of communicating with other people on the internet. The most common of these are message boards, discussion forums, newsgroups, chat rooms and instant messaging.
Message boards, discussion forums and newsgroups host online discussions and allow users to respond to messages posted on online bulletin boards. Usually messages are posted in the form of questions and left in the room for a number of days. Users will return periodically to see whether anybody has answered. To leave a message, you will need to register on the website and assign yourself a username and password. Communication on message boards, discussion forums or newsgroups is conducted through your browser.
Instant messaging allows you to type messages to your friends and get immediate replies. First you need to download a (usually free) instant messaging application. You then create a list of other users you want to message. When one of those users goes online you can begin sending and receiving messages from them. You and your friends will all need to be running the same messaging application to ensure you're able to communicate with each other.
Chat rooms enables immediate communication with other people who are online, through your browser. To join a chat room, you assign yourself a username and ask to be allowed to join in a conversation. Once in, you type messages in lines of text and wait for replies from other people in the chat room. This is great for meeting new people, but you need to be aware that not everyone will be who they claim to be (male / female, young / old).
Engaging with other people online can be fun, as long as you adhere to the following advice:
- Beware who you, or your children, are speaking to (see the later section on Safer Surfing)
- Don't give out personal information, such as your address, your telephone number or email address, and don't send photos
- Be cautious of invitations to meet up in person - meet in a public place and tell someone else where and when you're going
- Avoid people who appear to be making lewd or inappropriate comments
- Don't get involved in flame wars, or online fights
- Never give anybody your personal or credit card details