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Denton Croft
I have received many questions about "virtual social networking" over the past few months. I finally found someone who can describe this phenomenon. One last thing before I turn the column over to my guest author: According to Webster's 11th Collegiate Dictionary, virtual is "being on or simulated on a computer or computer network
What is Twitter? These days, it is not the sound you hear coming from a group of women who have just heard a naughty joke. Facebook is not a photo album and Myspace is not a place in your home where you hide from invading company. Times, they are changing and we are going to help you keep up with the new idea of social networking.
Social networking in the past has been seen as cocktail parties, church socials, or even running into friends at the local grocery store. With the explosion of virtual everything, social networking has taken on a whole new definition. Consisting of virtual communities, websites such as Facebook and Myspace allow you to connect with friends and family as well as others who share your interests and activities. You communicate via email and instant messaging services. On these sites you would maintain a profile that will allow you to post pictures and updates to your activities. You can connect with people from your old alma mater, whether it is an old college mate or your fourth grade lunch buddy.
Another social network site that has received a lot of attention in the media is Twitter. Twitter allows you to send Instant Messages known as Tweets that are text based and allow up to 140 characters. It is not as personal as Facebook or Myspace, however, it can be personalized if this network is more to your liking.
IM or Instant Messaging is not a new thing but has recently had an upswing in popular use. The new cell phones have added to that popularity because you can log into nearly any IM provider from your cell phone and receive instant messages from anyone who has your IM ID or handle regardless of whether they are using their cell phones or are sitting in front of their computer. Popular instant message providers today are Yahoo! Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, and ICQ. If you consider yourself an Instant Message aficionado you can look into Digsby which allows you to log into all of the previous mentioned providers from a single location.
Take an afternoon and search all the available social networks. Who knows, you may really find your fourth grade lunch buddy and discover that he still likes sharing peanut butter & jelly sandwiches with a good friend.
www.facebook.com www.myspace.com www.twitter.com www.digsby.com
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No Computer Classes January Schedule:
COMPUTER I
COMPUTER II
Cost of the 3-day, 6-hour course is $33.00 and includes a student manual. The one-day eMail Basics class is $11.00. Call (727) 847-1290 to inquire or register, or come to the front desk at CARES Elfers Center, 4136 Barker Drive, New Port Richey. Please note the new time of 10:00 am 12:00 pm.
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"Can You Guess Who This Is?
Answer to November's photo:
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