In Gmail, you can mail anybody quickly. You know that, and for any type of message that does not require instant feedback it is just perfect.
More Email Quick Tips
Gmail is Also Google Talk
In Gmail, you can also chat with anybody quickly, though. Gmail includes an instant messaging client that lets you talk to Gmail users as well as other people connected to the Google Talk network right from your browser, right from Gmail.
The chat conversations you have in Gmail (or using another client connected with Google Talk) can be recorded, archived and searched just like email threads. And, like chatting itself, chatting in Gmail is easy.
Chat with Somebody (or a Group) in Gmail
To send somebody an instant message in Gmail:
- Locate the contact.
- If you want to chat with somebody with whom you exchange emails often, they will appear in your Quick Contacts panel automatically.
- You can also use the Search, add, or invite field in the Quick Contacts panel to locate somebody by name or email address.
- Alternatively, open an email from the desired sender or locate them in the Gmail Contacts.
- Hover your mouse over the contact name or email address.
- Select the Chat button on the sheet that comes up.
- If you can only see Invite to Chat, the contact has yet to accept instant messages from you. Click it and follow the steps.
- If a contact is offline, the ball next to their name will appear gray instead of green (online), orange (away) or red (busy). Send them an email.
- Type your message and hit Enter.
- To add more people to your chat:
- Click Options in the chat window.
- Select Group chat.
- Type the desired contact's name under Add a person to this chat.
- Click Invite.
Include AIM Buddies Into Gmail Chat
To log into AIM with your AIM or AOL screen name and exchange instant messages with AIM buddies:
- Click Options at the Chat box's bottom.
- Select Sign into AIM®.
- Type your AIM or AOL screen name under AIM screen name:.
- Enter your AIM or AOL password under AIM password:.
- Click Sign in.
- Now click Done.
