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Online chat services allow two or more people anywhere in the world to communicate with each other over the Internet, usually not with their voices, as "chat" would suggest, but by typing messages back and forth to each other in real time.

To chat online, all that's required is an Internet connection and access to a good web site. The web site uses a special program called a chat client to enable you to chat

These programs used to just be text-based, several types that were pioneers in the field are still popular today, including Internet Relay Chat (IRC). With the advances made to servers and browsers it is now possible to experience a colourful multimedia environment with the use of sound, music, pictures and video clips. Courses are being taught in virtual classrooms and International business meetings and presentations are taking place using ‘Chat’ technology. However text based chat rooms are still very popular.

Many chat rooms focus the conversation on specific topics, such as health, politics, football and so on. That way people with similar interests can find one another. Sometimes chat sessions can be a lot of fun and can lead to making friends, but they can also be a waste of time. You should also be aware that some chat rooms are adult in nature. Exchanges can be sexually oriented, so parents take note. None of this however, should stop you from trying to chat and the best thing is that it is usually free to do so.