TALK.COM

First off, what is Talk.com? It's basically a chat-room set up by the folks at HotWired. It allows real time chat in a fairly user-friendly enviorenment that is free access. Talk.com can be accessed two different ways, either by using the Java chatroom, or by accessing their server through Telnet. The way I will attempt to lead through, will be how to use the Java chatroom. The use of the Telnet feature requires some knowledge of Unix and I just can't explain it. Sorry!

Accessing Talk.com using Java

To be able to use the Java chatroom, obviously your computer must be able to support Java. People on commercial ISPs should have no restrictions on Java. For those using university or government servers, might encounter some sort of restriction. The more common problem is that Java requires a 32-bit OS like Windows 95. So basically if you're not running the latest version of Netscape or (dare I say it) Internet Explorer on Windows 95, you can't use the Java chatroom.

Step by Step

1. Register to Hotwired - This can be done directly at the Hotwired registration page.
2. Once you have your user name and password confirmed by HotWired. Go to theTalk.com page and click on the box on the left side of the screen that says "Enter".
3. Wait.
4. A login window will open prompting for your username and password. This is the one in the confirmation email sent by HotWired.
5. After your ID has been confirmed another window will pop up asking for you to choose your nickname. This refers to the name you will be known as in the chatroom itself.
6. Pick a nickname and click on OK.
7. After this, you'll be connected to Talk.com and will probably be put into one of the HotWired lounges.
8. To chat, just type your comment in the bar at the bottom of the screen.
9. Press enter to submit your 'voice'.
10. To change rooms, just highlight the desired room and click on change rooms.

Now you should be all ready to try it out. I hope the Step by Step is comprehensive enough for you to start out on the path to chatting. If you have any queries, just direct them to me and I'll see if I can help. Have fun!