Communication
Email
Reading your email through an web based interface is alright, but these services
tend to miss out on a lot of the more advanced features. Several software packages
are available that'll let you receive your email on your computer automatically,
and let you manage your email locally. This will give you access to a wider range
of features. Surrey Computing recommend:
- Windows Mail: Previously known as Outlook Express, this is a free piece of
software included with the Microsoft operating systems. Provides easy to use, useful
features.
- Microsoft Outlook: A step up from Windows Mail, the full version of Outlook is the
email client of choice for many professionals. Providing any feature you could ever
require, Outlook is included in most versions of Microsoft Office.
- Mozilla Thunderbird: By the same company as Firefox, Thunderbird is a free email
client that can use extensions to add extra features.
Download
Thunderbird here.
Instant Messaging
Often thought of as being for younger computer users, instant messaging is a genuinely
useful method of free communication on the Internet. More direct and fun than email,
instant messaging can be thought of as being similar to text messaging, sending
short messages to one or more recipients. These days it can also be combined with
audio and video chat, to add another level of communication and entertainment.
There are several popular instant messaging networks, although these days most clients
allow you to connect through multiple networks simultaneously. Surrey Computing
recommend
Pidgin
, a free multi-protocol instant messenger.
Voice over IP
Voice over IP, often writen as VOIP, IP standing for Internet Protocol, is a method
of essentially making a phone call over an Internet connection.
Surrey Computing recommend
Skype
, as a fully-featured VOIP client. Providing features similar to an instant messaging
client, Skype allows you to import a list of contacts from another application,
and find any existing users. You'll then be able to make calls to users around
the world, at very low rates. Business users can also set up premium services, charging
users per minute.