Online chat

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Online chat can refer to any kind of communication over the Internet, but is primarily meant to refer to direct one-on-one chat or text-based group chat (formally also known as synchronous conferencing), using tools such as instant messaging applications—computer programs, Internet Relay Chat, talkers and possibly MUDs, MUCKs, MUSHes and MOOes. The expression online chat comes from the word chat which means "informal conversation".

The term chatiquette is a variation of nettiquette and describes basic rules of online communication. To avoid misunderstandings and to simplify the communication between users in a chat these conventions or guidelines have been created. The chattiquette varies from community to community, in general it describes basic courtesy, introduces new user into the community and the associated network culture. As an example, it is considered rude to write only in UPPER CASE, because it looks as if your are shouting.

The following are common chat programs and protocols:

Chat programs supporting multiple protocols:

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