1. COMPUTER MEDIATED COMMUNICATION
A COMPARATIVE REVIEW OF SIX PROGRAMS

2. OUTLINE Introduction AOL Instant Messenger Yahoo Messenger for Windows
MSN Messenger
Windows Messenger
Paltalk
iVisit
Conclusion

4. AOL INSTANT MESSENGER The first messenger program
Two versions reviewed:
Version
Version
Provides: text chat, file transfer, audio communication (limited), sound quality (quite variable)
No video capability

5. YAHOO MESSENGER FOR WINDOWS
Provides: text chat, audio and video conferencing, SCMAC capabilities for second language learners
Used in three different environments: instant message, conference, and chat room

6. MSN MESSENGER AND WINDOWS MESSENGER

7. MSN MESSENGER For Windows 95, 98, 2000, Me, NT4, XP
Provides: multiparty text chat, audio conversation (limited), file transfer, excellent audio capability, high quality full duplex voice communication

8. WINDOWS MESSENGER For Windows XP or Vista
Same features with MSN messenger
Used with a webcam
Provides: remote assistance, application sharing, whiteboard, chat rooms

9. Remote Assistance

10. Application Sharing

11. Whiteboard

12. PALTALK Both free and paid subscriber modes
Provides: chat rooms, adult control, good audio quality, help rooms

13. iVISIT Peer-to-peer architecture Multiparty audio and video
Not a typical sign-in procedure
Provides: user-created rooms and pre-established rooms; recording and playback of a communication session