Ignore this thread.
This thread was created for the chatroom setup we USED to have --
from May 19, 2008 through June 25, 2009.
At that time, we had the free chatroom, without all the colors and sounds.
Since June 25, 2009, we've had a chatroom that cost us a bit of money for startup costs and an annual fee. Several of the members donated money to pay for this for everyone to use. The current chatroom has colors and sound effects and extra security features.
To enter chat now, just log onto the forums and click on the chat button at the top. No further instructions necessary.
There is no longer a need for this thread. It can stay here as an "archived" thread. If for some reason SOS ever discontinues the extra-features paid chatroom, and reverts to the old chat, you will have these directions available.
There have been some recent posts on the main forum, saying they can't find the chat icon, or ... when they click it, they don't know what to do next.
Here are some screenshots showing things step by step:
STEP ONE:Do this FIRST:
Go to
java.com and make sure you have the most recent version of "java". This is not a separate software. It's an add-on to your regular browser.
When you get to the Java website, be sure to click on the link that asks you to test to see if you have the most recent version. It will tell you. It will tell you how to upgrade.
Even if you already have java, it's best to get the most recent version, for internet security reasons.
Once you've upgraded your java, clear your "internet cache and cookies" and then close all windows of your browsers.
Then you can reopen your browser -- and it will recognize the new version of java.
Now you're ready to follow the directions for entering our chatroom:
STEP TWO:You have to be logged into the forums with your registered username ... BEFORE you click on entering chat.
Once logged into forums, remember to review the chat ettiquette rules:
takeonestepatatime.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=community&action=display&thread=4031
STEP THREE:Click on the Chat button
STEP FOUR:Wait for chat to load.
You
might see the Java logo -- very briefly
You SHOULD see the LOADING image which will display until chat is fully loaded. This might be quick or slow, depending on your connection and your computer, etc.
STEP FiVE:Log into the chatroom itself.
Once chat has loaded, you'll see the area for logging into chat.
Type your user name where I have my name, then hit the logon button.
Remember, you need to log into the FORUMS ... .then follow these steps ... then come to this screen to log into CHAT.
STEP SIX:Look around!
You are now inside the chatroom.
It should look something like this:
STEP SEVEN:Look at where to type your words when you're "talking".
Be sure to type where I have circled in red "Yes".
(WARNING: the blue-circled "no" area will kick you out of chat into Google's website.)
STEP EIGHT:Make Chat easier for yourself.
To prevent yourself from accidentally typing in the Google Search area,do this:
Notice the icons near bottom of chatbox (right above where you type your words):
Click on the icon I have circled, and it will separate the chatbox from the background, and then the chatbox move to cover/hide the google searchbar.
(Once you've separated the chatbox from the background, you'll see the usual "maximize/minimize" icons at top right corner of the little chatbox. You can use that to maximize chatbox to full screen).
STEP NINE:See who else is in chatroom with you.
Look where I've circled.
The names listed are whoever is logged into chat.
You can type in a hello.
If nobody answers, they're off doing something and will return in a bit.
If your name is the only one there, then you are the only person in the chatroom at the moment. You can post a message on the main forum saying you're in chat, and maybe somebody will come join you.
STEP TEN:Chat away and have fun !
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