Communication between people today has reached the highest level of technology. Advances in computer and mobile development have made messaging possible in seconds (or instantly). This allows people to communicate in real time, while being even hundreds of thousands of kilometers apart. Using the instant messaging system, you can exchange not only text messages, but also images, sound signals and videos. For communications of this kind, a special client program called Instant Messenger is used. Let's figure out what a messenger is, what it can be and what opportunities it provides to modern users.
Messenger: concept
Messenger - from the English "courier" or "connected." These are programs for instant messaging between users. It is speed that is their main advantage over regular email. Here the message is transmitted lightning fast, while the mailbox is updated every few minutes. Speaking about what a messenger is, an important feature should be clarified - it is a client program. This means that the program cannot work on its own, to use it you need to connect to the server (the central computer of the network).
In the first versions of such programs, the recipient saw the message already at the time it was compiled, which was not very convenient, since the user could make a mistake, correct it, edit the sentence, and all this was displayed in the dialog box. Today, the text appears on the screen of the interlocutor after it is fully edited and sent (Enter or "Submit" button). In addition, in modern versions, communication can occur not only through text messages, but also by performing other actions - the exchange of graphic, audio and video files, voice and even video communication (for example, Skype).
Features and types of instant messengers
Every modern person uses at least one, and most often at the same time, several instant messengers. The need for different messaging networks is due to the fact that there is no direct connection between them. Each of the programs was created by a separate group of developers, has its own servers and protocols, features and rules of use. For example, an ICQ user cannot communicate directly with someone using Skype or MSN. However, no one forbids having them both.
Today there are a number of the most popular instant messengers among users. This is Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, MSN, ICQ, AOL, Facebook Messenger, Skype and others. All these are Internet messengers that work when connected to a worldwide network. Messenger can be installed not only on a computer, but also on a mobile device. This became possible with the advent of affordable mobile Internet, as well as with the development of multitasking smartphones. Let's look at the most popular free instant messengers focused on simultaneous work on devices of various types.
Google talk
This is probably the most versatile mobile messenger. It is used in the popular social network Google+ and built-in chat Gmail. This is an open solution supported by other clients working with its protocol (XMPP) - it is QIP, Pidgin, "I. Online", etc. Google Talk is used in Android to solve many problems, and the user is always online and can receive messages even when not using chat. At the same time, to work with the messenger you do not even need to have an account in Google, you can communicate through your Yandex profile, for example.
Facebook messenger
What is a Facebook messenger? This is a product developed by programmers of the popular social network - the only one of the largest instant messengers that is not tied to any particular platform. Thanks to this, his audience more than others, several times. Using this program, you can send messages to both users of the Facebook network, and to e-mail, and even in the form of SMS (for some operators). Any user can receive messages via Facebook Messenger to their email. The mailbox address in this case looks like this: nick@facebook.com.
iMessage
This messenger is a development for all users of Apple technology. The program is integrated into the standard Messages application and has several advantages. So, before sending a message, the system checks whether the user is online and, depending on the result, sends him an electronic message or SMS. Another plus is that you can start chatting on one device (for example, iPad), and continue on another (for example, iPhone). This is possible due to the presence of cloud synchronization.
Messenger
This is a standard messenger for the Windows 7 Phone operating system. It is compatible with both the official Windows Live Messenger desktop client and many other programs (for example, Pidgin, Adium). There is a built-in mail service, chat, cloud version. In addition, an important point is the support of the popular Facebook network. Choosing a contact, the user can independently specify the communication method (SMS, Messenger, Facebook), depending on its availability in a particular network (which the system previously informs).
Recently, such universal applications as WhatsApp Messenger, Viber and some others have become popular. They are available for installation on various devices - Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Nokia, etc.
Conclusion
Everyone knows what a messenger is today. This is an indispensable attribute of modern society, allowing you to build communication and communicate easily, quickly and often for free. Having the Internet today is not a problem; it is everywhere. And therefore messengers are actively crowding out (and quite successfully) SMS as an independent way of communication. The choice of convenient and feature-rich instant messaging networks is growing every year.