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Distance Collaboration Using Microsoft Chat

Setting up Microsoft Chat for the first time

Microsoft Chat is "freeware" for users of the  Microsoft Windows operating systems. It is included in the operating system installation CD or software but it may not always be installed. To find out if you have it, click on Start --> Programs --> Accessories --> Internet Tools. If it is listed under Internet Tools, you need not install it.

If you do not yet have Microsoft Chat, you can install it from the operating system CD or setup software this way:

1. Click on Start --> Settings --> Control Panel.
2. Double-click on Add/Remove Programs
3. Click on the Windows Setup tab
4. Highlight the Communications item in the list and click on Details...
5. Select (put a check mark) on Microsoft Chat
6. Click on OK
7. Click on OK to install the software.

If Microsoft Chat is not available from your Windows setup package, it can be downloaded from http://www.tucows.com/preview/193891.html.

Try out the Chat program using Start --> Programs --> Accessories --> Internet Tools --> Microsoft Chat. (Press Cancel on the prompts to connect and your application should look like this.)

Connecting to the #UNAccess Room

At the designated time, join the distance collaboration session by connecting to Galaxynet and entering the #UNAccess room:

1. Click on the Connect button. (Or use File, New Connection)
2. Pull-down and select UnderNet from the Server box
3. Accross "Go to Chatroom", type in "#UNAccess". Your dialogue box should look like this:
   
4. Click on OK.  Be patient. It may take sever attempts to connect, and it may take up to two minutes before a connection is completed

Ready to Chat

When you are connected, you may see the following:

There are three sections in your chat screen:

1. The large area is where the conversation is taking place. In this example, the host of the chat room, VisionOff has posted a message.
2. The bottom box where new messages can be typed. This is where you type your message. You simply press enter to "post" the message
3. The right-hand box which shows who are the participants. The person administering the chat has an icon of a gavel next to the name. The administrator or host has the power to remove any participant that violates common "netiquette".

You can quit from the chat by "disconnecting" or shutting down Microsoft Chat.

Good luck in your distance collaboration!

Return to the distance collaboration page

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Last updated 05/12/03. Contact:   info@visionoffice.com