Free Software

ICQ
ICQ stands for "I seek you". It is a popular way to chat. It allows you to register a list of contacts and then alerts them when you are online. To use ICQ, you need the free client software available at:
www.icq.com
Web-Based Chat Rooms
To chat through your browser, you need a version of 3.0 or higher, such as Netscape Navigator 3.0. Navigator has a 4.5 version which we use, that is available for a free download.
America Online
AOL's chat rooms are among the busiest and my least favorite. You need an AOL account to chat.
Microsoft Chat 2.5
This utility has some unique features such as rooms that appear as frames in a comic strip. You can download this program for free at
www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/chat
Telnet
Text-only chat rooms that have a theme. Many computers have built-in Telnet utilities. If you click on a hot link to a Telnet room, your broswer should automatically launch your computer's Telnet utility.
The Palace
Each Palace world appears as a two-dimensional picture, and each person is represented by an avatar. To get the free client software, go to the Palace homepage:
www.thepalace.com
Worlds 3-D Chat
To use the latest program, Worlds Utilmate 3D Chat Plus, you must order the CD-ROM software which costs $9.95. For system requirements, go to:
www.worlds.net/index.html
Active Worlds
This technology allows you chat and design your virtual home in a 3-D world. Free software can be downloaded at: www.activeworlds.com