Computer Basics

2 - Applications:  Communications

These programs temporarily connect computers to each other to exchange information. They may use telephone lines or dedicated cables for the connection. This allows you, for example, to work at home on the weekend and transfer all you've done to your computer at work before you leave home.

These are not the same as networking programs where computers are actually linked together all the time.

Most communications programs now include many different communication functions in one interface.

A communications program includes one or more of the following actions:

• sending and receiving files: FTP  (File Transfer Protocol)
• exchanging messages in a group:  chat programs
• private text messages: instant messaging
• voice messages
• video conferencing
• phone calls over the Internet

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

An FTP program manages the moving of files between computers. When you download a file over the Internet, you are using an FTP program. Programs like word processors and HTML editors that can upload files to web sites include this ability without having to use another program.

The image below is for the program WS_FTP, which is a fairly typical FTP program. It shows the folder tree for both the source and destination. You can copy in either direction.

WS_FTP - a program for transferring files

Chat

In a chat program you join a chat room. You write messages that appear in a window that shows all the messages being sent in this chat room. Everyone who is logged in to this room can read your messages.

The image below is for the program mIRC. Each person listed on the right is "in" the room and can write messages and all the others can read them. Recent chat programs let users format their text with color and even with different fonts. People in chat rooms tend to use a lot of abbreviations and smiley faces.

mIRC - a chat program

For more on how to use mIRC: Prometheus Project tutorial on IRC.

Instant Messaging

An instant messaging program notifies you when your friends are online. Then you can send them messages, which they see immediately. Only the one you send the message to can see it and only you can see the messages that are sent to you,  unless you choose to change to a multiple-user mode. Recent versions of instant messaging include the ability to use video conferencing, to play games together with your friends, and even to make phone calls over the Internet. Examples of instant messaging programs are ICQ, AOL Instant Messenger, and MSN Messenger Service.

The image below shows what ICQ messages look like, when there are just a few people messaging. You customize the look of the messages, of course.

ICQ - an instant messaging program

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