Google Lets You Chat

If you use Google Gmail then you may be interested to know that Gmail also offers chat in the form of IM (instant messaging). Google Talk is a chat IM program that you can either use through Google Gmail or though the Google Talk chat IM client. Chat right from your Google Gmail or chat using the IM client. Both are simple to use and help you keep in touch with your friends. Using Google Chat on Google Gmail

Over on the left side of your Google Gmail page you'll see the Google Talk bar. You may just see your name with an arrow in front of it under the Contacts link. By clicking on the arrow you'll open up your contacts list. From here you can chat with or send emails to anyone in your Gmail contact list.

When you move your mouse over your friend's name a small window pops up. This pop up will have a few options on it. You can send your friend an email message from here or chat with your friend from here. Clicking on the Chat button on the pop up will cause another pop up window to appear. This is the window you'll use to chat with your friend. Just type your message into the little pop up window and hit enter on your keyboard to send the message.

Your friends can send you messages using Google Talk too, of course. To see messages sent to you from your friends just click on the link called "Chats" underneath "Inbox" and "Starred" in your main Google Gmail menu. If you want to see messages from only one of your friends, move the mouse over your friend's name in the contact list, like we did before. When the pop up comes up click on the More link and then click on "Recent Conversations". Only that friend's messages will show up now. Using Google Chat on Google Talk

When you download the Google Talk IM client you'll have an easy to use IM that you can go to and chat with. The Google Talk IM client is a separate window on your computer that lets you chat and IM with your friends. It's like a real time chat program and an IM client all in one. The Google Talk IM client will also let you know if you have new mail on Google.

All your Google contacts will already be added to your Google Talk IM client, so you don't have to add them. If you do want to add other people you can, just click on the "Add" button and add their IM name. They would, of course, also have to either have Gmail or Gmail Talk in order for you to chat with them on Gmail IM. Deleting people from your list is just as easy. Right click on their name and click "Remove".

When you click on your friend's name on Google Talk, your chat box with all your past conversations with that friend will pop up. Your cursor will be in the typing box so all you have to do to send a message to your friend is start typing. Hit enter when you're finished typing and your message will be sent. If your friend is offline when you send the message, it'll be saved until they come back online. Then they'll get your message. If your friend is online when you send the message you two can chat. Real time chatting is just like talking on the phone, with your fingers. Just sit and chat and have fun.