There are all sorts of ways to talk to other people on the Internet. You can send them E-mail, write to them in "real time" in a chat room or actually talk to them through your computer's microphone.

One of the quickest ways is to use an Internet Relay chat server. This fast server allows you to talk to people around the community and around the world. To use the chat server, you'll first need to download GlobalChat. Go to one of the links below:

For Windows 95 users

For Windows 3.11

For Macintosh

There are other types of Internet chat, in addition to Global Chat. Here they are:

If you're new to using Chat Rooms and you have Windows 95, we suggest you first try using Hotwired magazine's chat site first. Go to:

http://www.talk.com

Once there, click on "join." You'll be asked a bunch of questions, but it's worth it. In return, you'll get one of the nicest chat functions on the 'Net.

If you have Windows 3.11 or Windows 95, we suggest you try Virtual Places, where you are given an avatar (a little smiley face) that floats around in a chat room with other avatars. Just type your message in the message field and it appears for other people to see. You can even have "private talks" with another person. Go to:

http://www.virtualplaces.com

Click on "start chatting." From there, download the software.

For Macintosh users out there, there is a program called "The Palace." (This program also works for Windows 3.11 and Windows 95.) This program calls up beautiful pictures on your screen, where you're given an avatar (a little smiley face) that floats around in a chat room with other avatars. Just type your message in the message field and it appears for other people to see. You can even have "private talks" with another person. (Yes, it's a lot like Virtual Places.) To download the free software, go to:

http://www.thepalace.com

Download software from there; then go back to the page and go to the "directory." Join "The Palace Mansion."

If you want something a bit interesting, try out Microsoft's Comic Chat. You get to pick a character that best represents you, and as you talk, a comic strip is created before your eyes. It's pretty cool and doesn't take up much memory. Download comic chat at:

http://www.microsoft.com/ie/chat/

If you want to talk to friends on America Online but don't want to become an AOL member (and pay the fees they charge), then download AOL's Instant Messenger program. It allows you to chat in real time with folks on AOL. Download the program at:

http://www.aol.com/aim/

And, finally, if you want to try out chatting in virtual 3-D worlds that are rather awesome (and you have at least a Pentium 75 computer and 16 MB of RAM memory), then download ActiveWorlds at:

http://www.activeworlds.com

Ultimate Chat Room Index

There is an Internet site that lists sites from across the world where you can go to chat. The listing is divided by categories, giving you the ability to browse through your favorites. Visit it at:

http://www.geocities.com/siliconvalley/heights/3193/index.cfml

Voice Chat

If you have a soundcard in your computer, you can talk through your computer's microphone to people all over the world - without paying long distance fees. For a free demo of what is called a Internet Phone, download the software at:

http://www.vocaltec.com

For a complete review of 12 top Web Phones, go to:

http://www.cnet.com/Content/Reviews/Compare/Webphone/