Just got smaller,The World

Deepa Rai
Nakhhu, May 1

The internet has revolutionised how people communicate and how information transmits. It made the world a global village. Everybody is just a few clicks away from everybody else. The best way to remain intouch with loved ones is undoubtedly through chat, time and distance are no longer remain.
Instant messaging (IM) allows users the service of a satisfying synchronous virtual communication. IM, a popular means of instant communication, is of immense value to those whose acquaintances are geographically far away. Conversations usually take place between two chatters, but most software now support ‘chat rooms’ or other ways of communication with multiple people at the same time. The users simply have to log in with the same software to send and receive instant messages with each other. The most popular IM in Nepal are Microsoft Network (MSN), Yahoo!, Meebo, Gtalk, Skype, Facebook, Opera Mini, Mig33 and IloveIM.com, although there are varieties of IM in the world.
Not only the internet has attracted younger generation but also to the older generation too, who have realised its value in keeping in touch with their loved ones in abroad. Kalpana Rai, a homemaker from Dharan, says, ‘’I am uneducated woman and did not know the process of messenger installation and operation. But after my husband went Qatar two year ago. I have grown attracted to this service. Now i voice chat with him from my daughter’s Yahoo account.’’
She adds, ‘’In 21st century nobody has time to write letters and wait for replies when there are such technological options available. I prefer voice chat, which can be accessed instantly at home.’’ The choices of chat software differs according to profession. Deep Shrestha, a well known singer, says, ‘’I mostly use Facebook , MSN and sometimes Gtalk to keep in touch with my family members, cousins, friens in the media and well wishers.’’
For voice chat a webcam and a headset are essential. Krishna yadi, sales executive of Neoteric Nepal which sells Logitech webcams and headsets, says, ‘’The price of external webcams ranges from Rs 2,800 to Rs 14,00, but now people are getting attracted to laptops with internal webcams. The most affordable laptop with internal webcam at Rs 45,000, while HP laptop at Rs 81,000 comes in high-end category. For the price conscious the Chinese webcams and headsets can be had at affordable prices. According to Yadi, the price of headsets ranges from Rs 1,300 to Rs 3,500 and the customers mostly opt for headsets worth Rs 3,500 and webcam worth Rs 2,800.
Those who do not have access to internet flock to cyber cafes to enjoy chatting live within the privacy of personal cabins. Pradeep Sigdel, proprietor of Pradeep Cyber of Nakhhu says, ‘’We serve a variety of customer ranging from students and business people to housewives. Most clients make a beeline for MSN, Yahoo! And Facebook. The students mostly prefer Facebook, business people like MSN and housewives are partial to the Yahoo! Chat. ‘’
Video chat is the closest one can get to a face-to-face conversation. Whichever purpose they mwy be used for, vedio chats have certainly changed the face of keeping in touch with loved ones.