29th December 2000

You don't know where that FINGER has been, so don't use it. Have no idea what I'm talking about? No big deal. Certain tools were used to keep in touch with online buddies before "Instant Messaging" was a big hit. As mentioned previously, I use "ICQ" for general business communications, but "MSN" for internal (Lockergnome team) messages. Not to say that Microsoft missed the mark, but ICQ is a more complete client. The MSN instant messenger has one noteworthy feature: graphical emoticons. Yeah, do a sideways smiley and it'll transmit as a yellow happy face. Likewise, a colon followed by an open parenthesis symbol will produce a frown. Now, try typing a letter enclosed within a set of parentheses. "(L)" turns into a heart. "(C)" becomes a coffee mug. "(Y)" thrusts forward a thumbs up. And that ain't all! For a comprehensive list, launch the Help Topics option and search for "emoticons" (sans quotes). Click the "Use emoticons in messages to show feelings" link.