STEP-BY-STEP

Chat in an instant - over the internet

ICQ is an instant messenger program which lets you know when friends are online. Here's how to start chatting with it

Email might be fast, but if you want to chat to others over the internet, instant messaging is even faster - and ICQ is the most popular tool for it. The ICQ software can be downloaded from www.icq.com - click on the button labelled Get ICQ for Free and follow the instructions to download the program. When it's copied to your hard disk, double-click on it and follow the simple on-screen instructions.

STEP1
After you've completed the set-up procedure, it's time to run the ICQ program. From the Windows Start menu select Programs and then click on ICQ. A warning message pops up pointing out that ICQ can be vulnerable to certain internet security problems. If you're happy to continue, click on the OK button.

STEP2
Before you can use ICQ you need to register. Make sure your Internet connection is running. In the ICQ Registration Wizard, select 'I would like to register and receive a new ICQ' and click on Next. The next dialogue box will ask how you connect to the internet. For most of us that's through a modem, so select that option and click on Next.

STEP3
You're asked to provide some information about yourself so that you can be found by other users. Type in your name, email address and a nickname you'd like to be identified by in the boxes provided. We'd recommend that you select the option to keep your email address private. Click on Next.

STEP4
The next dialogue box asks for personal details, such as your interests and location. You don't have to give out any information you don't feel comfortable disclosing. Leaving your age and gender blank will lessen the risk of attracting unwanted pests. Click on Next. Next, ICQ asks if you'll take part in market research - click the appropriate option and then hit Next.

STEP5
You need a password to protect your ICQ number. Type one in the boxes provided, then select the ICQ Privacy level you're comfortable with. We recommend the highest level, so that you're asked for your permission before anybody can contact you. Make your selection, and click on Next. ICQ now registers your information. After a pause, you'll be told the ICQ number that other members can use to contact you. Write this down somewhere safe and click Next. You're then asked for the name of your outgoing mail server so that ICQ can deliver mail services to you. However, you can leave this blank for now Click on Next. The registration process is now over and ICQ is ready to go. Click the Done button to proceed and use ICQ.

STEP6
Now that you've completed the registration you can look for a specific ICQ member. The easiest way to search is by typing a friend's email address into the box that appears on your screen. If you know their ICQ nickname or number, you can search that way too. Then just click on the Next button. ICQ will offer to send them an email if they're not already a user.

STEP7
If ICQ finds the person you're looking for, it pops up a new dialogue box.
Select the ICQ member by clicking on their details and then click on the Send Message box in the Enter Message area of the box, type in your message and click on the Send button. And that's it - now you're online and chatting!