Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Video Chat IM Software.

Ratings

Ease of Use

Video Chat software should be easy for everyone to use. Messenger windows should be easy and intuitive to navigate.

Features

Video chat software has many features including video chat, voice chat, instant messaging, file sharing, pc-to-pc calling and much more. Not all software have the same features so look carefully before buying.

Video Features

Video Chat software have two different kinds of video chat when available. Some programs have live video chat that lets you see and hear as if you were in the same room as the other person. Some programs have streaming video that you have to record in segments and then send.

Help/Support

Help and support should be available through user manuals and help documentation as well as email and telephone support. FAQs and tutorials should be provided online.

Features

Contacts/Buddy List

A list that contains all your specified contacts, not anonymous people, on a list.

View Non-Contacts

The ability to view people that are outside of your contact list.

Chat Rooms

A chat with multiple users talking to each other. A chat room can have anyone enter or specified people enter, depending on what the creator of that specific room dictates.

Multiple Windows/Rooms

Multiple windows/rooms can be open simultaneously so you can talk to many people at once.

Video Conferencing

Multiple users all meeting together and talking online using a PC, webcam and the Internet.

Privacy Settings/Hide Mode

Settings that allow you to decide who you want to see you and who can contact you.

PC-to-Phone (vise-versa) Voice Calling

The ability to call someone's phone with your computer or visa-versa.

Text Communication

The ability to talk to someone by writing text messages.

Text Effects

Font attributes can be changed

Emoticons

Small images of smiley faces that you can attach to your text messages.

File Sharing

The ability to send files to someone else via the chatting program.

Edit Profile

The ability to change/edit your personal profile

Auto-Away

The program sets your status at away if you don't use your computer for a specified time.

Custom Interface/Themes

The program allows you to change the interface of the program.

Picture Profile Display

A picture that expresses who you are and is visible to everyone that you talk with.

Message/Video History

A history or log of your messages in the past

Extra Entertainment

Links to extras such as games, news, dating, etc.

Video Email

A video can be sent via email.

Yahoo Messenger Contacts**

Messages can be sent to your Yahoo contacts using the video chat program.

ICQ Messenger Contacts**

Messages can be sent to your ICQ contacts using the video chat program.

AOL Messenger Contacts**

Messages can be sent to your AOL contacts using the video chat program.

iChat Contacts**

Messages can be sent to your iChat contacts using the video chat program.

MSN/Windows Live Messenger Contacts**

Messages can be sent to your MSN/Windows Live Messenger contacts using the video chat program.

Video Features

Live Video

Video chat that uses real time.

Full Screen

The video window can be expanded to cover the entire screen.

Resize

The video window can be resized.

Zoom

The video window can be zoomed in or out.

Help/Support

Email

You can reach customer support by email.

Phone

The manufacturer offers telephone support to its customers.

Forum

An area where you can discuss video chat topics with other customers.

FAQ/Knowledge Base

Find answers to common questions in the frequently asked questions (FAQ) section or other online documentation.

Documentation

The product has a user manual or help documentation to teach you about the video chat software.

Tutorials

Step-by-step tutorials can be found online.

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