Online chatting allows users to communicate in real-time through typed messages. It works using chat servers that allow messages to be quickly received and posted, and chat clients that users download to connect to servers and see messages. There are three main types of online chat - web-based chat rooms where users discuss topics, instant messaging between contacts, and Internet Relay Chat involving joining channels. Asynchronous chat like forums allow time delays between responses. While chatting connects users, it also has risks like not knowing other users' identities and potential for cyberbullying.

1. PRESENTATION
REPORT
ON
ONLINE CHATTING
SUBMITTED TO: SUBMITTED BY:
Mrs.Amandeep Kaur Deepika Verma
Gurvinder Kaur
Shaveta Verma
1

2. Introduction
Online chat is a form of communication that utilizes computer programs that allow for
two-way conversations between users in real time (events that occur in cyberspace at the
same speed that they would occur in real life).
Typically the users will connect to a chat server using a chat client and meet in a chat
room. Once the users are in the same chat room, they can converse with one another by
typing messages into a window where all of the other users in the chat room can see the
message. The user can also see all of the messages entered by the other users.
Conversations are then carried on by reading the messages entered by the other users in
the chat room and responding to them.
How does online chat work?
The technologies that allows users to converse in real time via typed messages are
the chat servers and the chat clients. These special servers allow the messages to be
quickly received and posted so that the chat clients can receive the messages and display
them in the window on the users' computers. Fortunately, most chat clients are relatively
inexpensive shareware programs, and there are a number of chat servers that let the user
connect to them for free. Online chat could be an alternative to meeting in a traditional
classroom. While all of the participants would still be able to freely converse with one
another, they would carrying on the conversation from the comfort of their own home,
thus avoiding the expense and inconvenience of traveling to another place.
Chat server:
A chat server is a specially equipped computer connected to the internet that allows users
with chat clients to converse with one another via typed messages in real time. There are
a great number of chat servers which let users connect for free. Some of the more popular
chat servers are dal.net, under.net, etc. You can find a list of many chat servers on
the chat resources page.
2

3. Chat client:
A chat client is a software program that allows users to connect to chat servers and
communicate with other users via a chat room. The majority of chat clients are shareware
programs easily downloadable from various sites on the internet, and they are available
for a wide variety of computer platforms.
Typically, a chat client supplies the user with a means of connecting to a chat server, and
then the program lets the user communicate with other users via a window where
messages are shared. Most chat clients also have smaller windows which show the
number and identity of the other users in the chat room, and some of the more complex
programs even allow users to choose icons and sounds to represent them in the chat
rooms.
Types of Chat
1. Synchronous Chat: Text only web based synchronous forum that enables
multiple users to be online and in the same online "room" typing their comments
to each other. As soon as the user clicks "enter" his/her text message appears
immediately on the screen of all users who are in the "room." Messages appear in
the order in which they were entered.
2. Asynchronous Chat: Asynchronous Chat is way of saying Forum, Message
Board or Bulletin Board.
Synchronous Chat
There are three types of online chat:
• Web-based chat rooms:
o Virtual forums that allow for messages to be written and read in real time
by all individuals present in the “room”. A chat room is usually devoted to
a particular topic such as movies, sports, emerging technologies, and
others.
3

4. o Web-based chat rooms can be located throughout the Internet on pages
such as fan club websites, online gaming sites and personal websites,
among others. Individuals can discuss a variety of topics, including
computers, games, movies, music. Many popular search engines have their
own chat platform and can be run under most operating systems, provided
that the software that allows you to communicate with others in the chat
room has been installed.
• Real-time chat:
o Real-time chat, sometimes referred “instant messaging,” offers users the
ability to communicate in real time with individuals who have been added
to a “buddy” list. Generally, the chat is centered on an actual conversation
as opposed to a theme which would be found in a web-based chat room or
an Internet Relay Chat channel.
o Real-time chat is messaging software that lets you communicate with
friends and colleagues in real time. Features include a quick launch bar,
music file support, and a new answering service. Some versions also work
with Internet Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)/Internet Protocol (IP)
connections, allowing communication behind firewalls (see NETWORK
fact sheet for more on TCP and IP).
• Advantages of Instant Message Programs are:
o You can be alerted when your friends, family or chat partners are online.
o You can leave messages for Chat partners when they are not online.
o You can send files, share web site information, and surf the internet
together.
o You can arrange a group chat so additional users of the software can join
in on your chat session.
o The Cost = free. Many Instant Message Programs are free!
4

5. • Below are some of the most common Internet Message Programs.
Instant Messaging Clients (IM) iChat
Google Talk ICQ
Adium Kopete
AOL instant Messenger Miranda
Ebuddy MSN Instant Messenger
Pidgin Yahoo Instant Messenger
Psi Trillian
• Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
o Internet Relay Chat allows users to communicate in real time with
individuals located throughout the world who belong to the same network
(connected to the same server). IRC differs from real-time chat in that
conversations are centered on a particular theme within a network of
people s/he is not likely to encounter in real space.
o Internet Relay Chat requires a specific program that allows a user to
download the software, select a nickname, choose and connect to an IRC
server using that software. Once the application is downloaded and a user
is connected to the server, they can choose from a large selection of chat
channels covering many topics. Private communications can also occur on
IRC however the message is not be completely secure from other users.
Then, you can choose one of the thousands of channels (virtual rooms)
available. The content of many IRC chat areas are uncensored and,
because they are publicly accessible, attract a diverse range of people.
o IRC Clients:-
 Most popular Pirch – for PC
 Virc – for PC
 IRCLE – for Mac
• When to choose Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
5

6. • If you want to chat with random people from around the world. (note: you can
also log on to different IRC servers around the world to chat with people from
specific regions).
• If you want to enter themed chat channels
• If you want to chat with large groups of people
Asynchronous communication
Asynchronous communication is the relay of information with a time lag. Discussion
forums and email are two examples of how asynchronous communication is employed in
online learning. It is very helpful to communicate in this way, because students have
plenty of time to formulate thoughts. By communicating via email, students are able to
respond in detail to a question or topic that they might have answered incompletely in a
real-time conversation. This time lag in communication helps students internalize
information by giving them time to research certain ideas or merely extra time for
contemplation. The main disadvantage to asynchronous communication is time lost
waiting for a response.
Advantages and Limitations
Advantages of Internet chatting:
• You meet new people
• You exchange your views about certain subjects
• You can relax because you don't have to see the person physically
• If you are shy this is a way of making friends
• You can treat some special friends you've met like pen pals, but you are chatting
instead of writing letters like they use too 20 years ago
Disadvantages of Internet Chatting:
6

7. • You just never know whom you are talking too. It could be an older man who is a
pervert and acting out like he is young.
• You may trust this person and give out your full name; address; email addy; your
phone/cell number. This is very dangerous! Tell me nothing when it comes to
your identity.
• You may think you are falling in love with the person you are chatting with, but
could live thousands of miles away and long distance relationships seldom work
out.
• If you are shy you are far more vulnerable to being hurt by someone on the Internet
and may slip up giving them too much information which they could use against
you and cause a myriad of problems for you.
• Cyberstalking is at it's peak especially among teens. This means a group of kids
(just for the heck of it) pick on one person and it's really getting out of control.
There are threatens (often the group of teens will act on their threats if they live in
the same area.)
• Cyberbullying is another problem. This is where one, two or more teens picks on
another teen and constantly calls them names. Being young and stupid they don't
realize what they have done and the suicide rate connected with this is going up in
leaps and bounds.
Difference b/w the three are:
Irc IM WEB-Based
7

8. • In Irc one has to connect • In IM one has to build • Web-based Chat For
to a server. one’s own list of users this kind of chat one has
• In Irc one has to join a or chat-buddies by to enter a web-site that
chat room and normally inviting them to join. offers this service. Such
talks in that chat-room There is no need to log sites are Yahoo.com,
or better still a onto any server or chat- and other sites that offer
“channel” Irc channels room and chat is not chat as an add-on to
are moderated and have moderated. attract traffic.
their own rules of • With certain IM clients • Web-based Chat
acceptable behavior – one can even leave an MSN.com used to offer
the owner or creator of offline message (eg. such a service but it
the channel is the ICQ) gradually closed down
moderator. its chat rooms on the
premise – not certain if
true or not – of abuse
(pedophilia or
pornography) The
interface looks more or
less like an Irc client.
Conclusion
These days everything on the Internet is going social. As more and more people are
becoming accustomed to sites like Facebook and Twitter, the demand for social features
is on the rise. People want to be able to communicate with one another, share content
easily and feel as if they are a part of the content they are consuming.
8