Digital Communication Methods and Collaboration Tools

Newsgroups: Communication via NNTP

• Newsgroups are communication systems based on the **NNTP (Network News Transfer Protocol)**.
• Their function is to allow users of a newsgroup to receive text messages concerning a specific topic, downloaded from news servers, directly in their email program. These messages can be answered by users to enhance the content.

Real-Time Communication: Chats

• The term *chat* refers to the Internet service that allows users to maintain instant written conversations with others on the Net.
• Chat services encompass all tools enabling real-time communication between two or more users. This includes instant messaging, client chat programs (like ChatZilla), and Webchat services.

Instant Messaging (IM)

Instant Messaging works similarly to a chat, but typically requires an email account used for sending and receiving messages. Frequently used programs include Microsoft Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk, and ICQ.

These programs offer various functionalities, such as:

• Written conversations.
• Sending files.
• Opening digital whiteboards for drawing online explanations.
• Using loudspeakers, microphones, and webcams for establishing video conferences and telephone conversations.

Internet Forums and Discussion Boards

• Forums are Internet sites, usually associated with web pages, designed to create a space where aspects related to the website's topic are discussed. They are widely used, serving not only as a source of debate but also for training and answering questions on every imaginable topic.
• Users must be registered and logged in (connected to the forum) to participate in a discussion.

Blogs and Weblogs

• Blogs (or weblogs) are websites designed to help administrators publish their news or comments periodically.
• The order of appearance for articles or commentaries (posts) is typically chronological, often displayed in reverse chronological order (newest posts first).

Wiki Pages: Collaborative Knowledge Sharing

• Wiki pages are free, collective production spaces where users contribute altruistically with text to share knowledge.
• Wikis generally do not limit access or require identification for editing content, meaning anyone who browses them can become a collaborator with a single click.