Mac OS X Leopard - ARCAism

NOTE For more options, see the “Customizing iChat” section, which follows.
Communicating with iChat
While iChat started as a fancier version of AOL’s Instant Messenger client, it has evolved into a
multi-protocol communication powerhouse. The traditional features are still there, but they are
joined by advanced audio and video chat modes, and augmented by integration with other programs
on the system. Right- or Cmd+clicking a name on your buddy list reveals a long list of
options, each one representing a different method of communicating.
NOTE In addition to the buddy list’s contextual menu, you can also initiate communications
with selected buddies from the Buddies menu on the menu bar, or by the menu items’ associated
keyboard shortcuts.
Text Chat
The first option is Invite to Chat... Selecting this opens a new chat window. Typing a message
and pressing Return will cause a window to pop up on your selected buddies’ screens inviting
them to chat. If they accept, you will be able to type messages back and forth, forming a conversation,
as shown in Figure 12-5.
Figure 12-5. Multiple-participant chat room in iChat
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The chat window displays your conversation as it happens, with the users’ buddy icons and
text balloons indicating who said what. To enter a message, just type your text in the text field at
the bottom of the window. When someone is typing, a gray thought balloon will appear next to
their buddy icon, so you know they’re formulating a response and not just ignoring you.
That the chat option is first on the list suggests it’s iChat’s preferred method of communication.
This is a not a coincidence, as the chat mode offers several conveniences over traditional IM.
Chats can involve more than two people. Selecting multiple buddies when initiating a chat
will send invitations to everyone. Anyone who joins that chat will be able to participate in the
conversation.