Chatroom secrets, chat, chatrooms and internet communities.

Most chatrooms are small communities. People in chat rooms have their own language in the same way bars and clubs have their own lingo.  Chatrooms can be a great places to socialize, "speak your mind", see what others have to say or just have fun. 
* Year 2007 updates:
This page is pretty old but still has some useful tips for people who want to use internet chatrooms. The most important thing people need to know is that You can get viruses and other junk on your computer if you just click on every link you see in chat. There is free chatroom anivirus software if you search google. Free virus protection for all the different messengers will be helpful. And just avoid getting your heart broken with unrealistic relationships with people too far away from your location unless one of you are willing to relocate if you fall in love. I guess that's my new comment. 
The unique chat faces are neat if you want something unique.
CHAT ROOM FACES, 

You can add comments/ opinions on Our New Message Board Here or just see what other people say.
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At times it could get frustrating or lonely if you're a slow typist or don't understand the terminology that is used in chat. Chat rooms are fun because you can usually say what ever you want and not have to deal with the social pressures of your physical appearance. In chat rooms you can also avoid dealing with peoples reactions or face-to-face rejections. Chatrooms are very freeing.

In recent months, voice chat has become pretty popular. You can actually talk with a microphone with people in chatrooms (this is also a convenient way to make long distance phone calls without paying). You can do it at yahoo chat and other popular rooms.

Most people in chat get a sense that they can type anything they want without consequences but be aware of not annoying others because there are some people who can "get to you" through the internet specially if they know a lot about computers or the internet (hackers, vindictive, cruel or vengeful). In general, there aren't many problems in chat as long as people aren't completely disrespectful towards others. Everyone just goes in chat rooms to socialize or pass time.

Different chat names

Most people in chatrooms know each other by name ...and can be tracked down by name. Beware of any suspicious behavior from other chat rooms (like people who know things about you even though you don't know them) and other signs of hackers or stalkers). Sometimes chatters change their chat name to hide who they are or sneak around. So if someone knows things about you that you never told them it might be someone switching names to stalk you or bug you. You can usually "ignore" anyone who's bothering you using chat room tools but not always. It's best to be a very careful and keep yourself and computer safe instead of pretending everything is okay and end up hurt or having your computer attacked or destroyed.

Making friends

If you're seeking a good friend you may eventually get involved with, you may want to have a "homepage" with your expectations and interests instead of typing over and over again to different people in chat. It can be a great way to filter out people who you aren't compatible with! Add whatever you want to it. Just be careful not to divulge too much. Chatrooms can be really wonderful. Be very cautious with the people you associate with because there are many people who can mess up your computer if you piss them off. Make sure to have virus protection and other basic securities that keep your computer safe from computer hackers that attack, defend or punish people who they don't like. A safe place to meet people is at libraries to be safe or to make others feel safe. 

CHAT ROOM FACES, CHAT TERMINOLOGY

Chat room Safety and Security

Another chat room secret is to get "security software" and install it in your computer to prepare for possible trouble makers or attacks from chat hackers who can freeze or invade your computer. The problem is that many trouble makers can actually use a chatroom to get into your computer and mess around with it, or worst. Some people can get into your computer through chat and use your computer as if it was theirs or give it a virus. One of the best way to protect yourself is to get security software from your local computer store or GET a Firewall. A firewall is like a lock on your computer door. If you own a PC I can recommend a great one and it's free to download over the internet.
(In most cases you should not download software from the internet if you don't know what it is but you can find safe software by checking out it's review in PCWrold Magazine website or other reliable companies).
The Free firewall I recommend is called
ZoneAlarm from Zone Labs
(I think they are the best for basic home users). It also teaches you while it protects you.
Visit Zone Labs .com here
(the link to the Free product as near the bottom of their page). You can get the more advanced firewall at your local computer store or download it from their site but I strongly recommend finding out if you internet provider will allow it.
You may also want Virus protection software or other security software that filters internet threats. Mc Affee has software called "Internet security" which comes with chat and IM security but you should make sure your computer can handle it (a PC with a Pentium 2 processor with 600 MHZ or higher for best results)

More security tips are in my Menu page or just keep reading about chatrooms bellow.

Women in chatrooms can expect the following:

Women in chatrooms are usually approached by many men depending on their name, attitude and so on. In most chat rooms, people can send personal messages to each other that no one else can see . Sometimes people can act weird and inconsiderate because there's very few consequences even when they don't behave "properly". If things get out of hand there's usually ways to "ignore" or block out people who may be bothering you in chatrooms.

Most of the time, people in chat rooms share pictures or homepages via email as they try to get to know each and start friendships. Sometimes long distance friendships or relationships form and people may choose to meet one day or just continue on line relationships. Most of the time people just sit in chatrooms and read what others are typing and eventually find a person to talk with. To insure a good reputation and stay safe you must follow basic social rules and take the precautions you would in real life while socializing in chatrooms. If you stand by what you say, you will gain respect...but if you start wavering people might just think of you as untrustworthy. 

Its essential to know that chatrooms are new places where people can socialize so don't let weirdos or perverts  scare you away from the great experience that is "chat". I've seen many people run away from chat because they were harassed by perverted men but it's best to just ignore them and not run away like a coward even if it means you need to get a new name or buy software that will protect you and your computer. Many men can get pretty annoying and aggressive in chatrooms but when you assert yourself honestly and explain you are not interested or you ignore/block them, you'll see that most people just move on and might change (just beware of those who might just change their name and try to bug you with a different name). If you take many precautions and change your name when chat becomes overly troublesome, you can enjoy chat. Again, be cautious with some people because you may already know them and they might just be going by a different name (it happens all the time). 

Men in chatrooms can expect the following:

Men will get little or no attention in chat rooms if their too shy and passive. Chatrooms are usually kept interesting by those who don't fear talking to others and can type fast. People who've chatted for months know little tricks and know how to make friends. Many times women al ready have a bunch of chat friends since socializing is something women specialize in doing (naturally). For men, arguments might start for the slightest things. People can start "screaming" at each other with their fingers and if you pick a fight with the wrong person...your computer may get bad visitors. Just be cautious and make sure to have some kind or "security software" in your computer to prepare for possible trouble. Well, many women know that men with computers have money so they may pretend to like you just to take your wallet. Beware of online greedy gold digging women.  Chat rooms can be a good places to express your thoughts with out having to deal with all the stresses of being "socially correct" and so on. Chatrooms are there for you to share your thoughts and as an alternative to talk in person.

View free advice, tips and learn about other internet and PC secrets in my Internet secrets menu - here