1. Always show respect to other people in a chat room. Never send any unpleasant or threatening emails.
2. Most instant messaging programs have what is called the buddy list. Each user’s screen shows a box with the nicknames of the people he/she chats with.
3. The company hopes to have virtual open-plan offices, where researchers around the world can collaborate. Individuals would be represented by avatars, personalized electronic figures with perhaps a name badge or a picture of the owner’s face.
4. Fear of flying is producing a surge of interest in video conferencing, in which business people meet face-to-face even though they are hundreds or thousands of miles apart.