iChat
iChat AV allows users to send instant text messages, audio messages, and do videoconferencing with other users. iChat AV helps you stay in touch with friends, family members, and professional colleagues all over the world.
iChat AV comes with Mac OS X Tiger (10.4) and Panther (10.3). You can purchase iChat AV to use with OS 10.2.8 Jaguar. In OS 10.4 (Tiger), you can have video chats with more than one person at a time and audio chats with up to 9 people.
iChat AV Accounts
In order to use iChat AV you must set up a chat account. If you have an Apple.Mac account, then you can use that. Otherwise you must use an AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) account. While an Apple.Mac account is a paid service, you can sign up for an AIM account for no charge.
 |
Dot.Mac |
 |
AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) Scroll down to find the AIM software for Macintosh. |
When your account is set up you can chat with your family and friends online via text, audio, and video.
Buddy Lists
When in iChat AV you can add friends and family to your Buddy List. People who are currently online with iChat open will show up available in your list. People not online are greyed out.
Bonjour Messaging
Using Bonjour networking technology, you can send text and audio messages with other people in your local network using Bonjour messaging. This involves having a Bonjour window showing connected users in your local network.
The Bonjour window is separate from your Buddy List window. You can also exchange files with people on your network via iChat AV Bonjour messaging. In Mac OS X 10.3, it was called Rendezvous.
iSight Cameras
Using an iSight camera allows you to have a video chat with another iChat AV user on your Buddy List. iSight cameras use FireWire technology and can also be used to import live video into iMovie HD. When connected, an iSight camera also allows you to import audio sounds into your computer. The new Intel laptops and iMacs have built in iSight cameras.
Online Resources
iChat Resources
Apple - iChat AV
http://www.apple.com/ichat/
Apple Discussions - iChat
http://discussions.info.apple.com/webx?14@195.FIX1ahfDovX.0@.4aaaecdd
MacInTouch.com - iChat AV and iSight
http://www.macintouch.com/ichatav.html
Apple - Hardware - iSight
http://www.apple.com/isight/
Educational Uses
Apple - Education - iChat AV and iSight in the Classroom
http://www.apple.com/education/ichat/
