1 What is instant messaging?
2 When is it best to use instant messaging rather than the web to make an internet relay call?
3 What instant messaging applications can be used with internet relay?
4 Can I use other instant messaging applications besides MSN or AOL?
5 What are my computer system requirements to make a call via instant messaging?
6 Do I need a browser to make an internet relay call via instant messenger?
7 Can the relay officer see my instant messaging user name?
1 What is instant messaging?
Standard instant messaging provides a ‘chat' environment where you can exchange messages in real time with someone else on another computer.
Instant messaging uses a special program (application) which is either provided with your computer or downloaded for free.
2 When is it best to use instant messaging rather than the web to make an internet relay call?
Internet relay using instant messaging is better if you:
- have an older computer, older operating system or limited computer memory
- have limited internet bandwidth eg a dial-up connection only
- a problematic connection
- have problems using or downloading Java, or
- want to make a call from a 3G mobile phone
To use instant messaging, you will need to either:
- download the MSN or AOL application if it is not already on your computer or mobile phone, or
- use a web-based instant messaging site
Instant messaging uses the internet but not the web (ie it doesn't use HTML). Instant messaging doesn't require as much bandwidth as the call page on a website as the data is sent in smaller packets. And, unlike making a call through our website, it doesn't require Java to run the call process.
Once you have downloaded the application you will need to install it by locating the file on your computer (usually it is saved onto your desktop) and double-clicking it to begin the installation. Follow the prompts of the installation program.
After installation has been completed, you will be ready to open an instant messaging account if you don't have one (accounts are free). Simply double-click the icon on your computer to launch the application.
3 What instant messaging applications can be used with internet relay?
MSN Messenger and AOL Instant Messenger (also known as AIM).
If you want to use MSN and it isn't already installed on your computer you just download from here.
There are a number of versions of MSN available for Mac. The best idea is to use the latest but all should work just fine. The details are here.
To download AOL instant messaging (also known as AIM) go here.
4 Can I use other instant messaging applications besides MSN or AOL?
No, internet relay is only set up currently to use these two applications.
5 What are my computer system requirements to make a call via instant messaging?
Instant messaging calls can be made using older operating systems and require less memory than needed for a call through the NRS website.
However, if don't already have an instant messaging application on your computer you will need to download it first. If you only have a dial-up internet connection or limited computer memory, this may take some time. .However, you only have to do the installation once.
6 Do I need a browser to make an internet relay call via instant messenger?
No browser is needed with instant messaging applications once you have the application on your computer. If you don't have the application and don't want to, or can't, download it, then you will need a browser to connect to the application via a website such as http://www.meebo.com/.
7 Can the relay officer see my instant messaging user name?
No
