Editing Chat net

A '''chat net''' or '''IM net''' or '''instant message network''' is just a network of [[terminal device]]s, each with an [[IP number]] usually, that is used by [[chat code]] to set up interactive text conversations between users.

Because it allows for [[rendezvous]] and [[synchronization]] of activities, such as in a "[[flash mob]]", a chat net is useful in many types of [[activism]].  

Because it also integrates easily with [[pager]] and [[radio broadcast]] and even [[voice]] technology, chat nets will almost certainly be at the core of any [[healthy signal infrastructure]] that relies on people moving around.

The [[ICQ]] network is almost an ideal chat net since it does not store one's contacts on a central server, and so they remain private only to the clients.  This can be accessed by [[Trillian]], [[Jabber]] and ICQ's own client.  Trillian is the ideal [[front end]] under [[Windows]] because of its [[128-bit encryption]] over ICQ, and the fact that you can set up an ICQ account in one click.  This is enough security for any [[healthy buying infrastructure]].