Chat Room Types

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2009/02/02 - Updated: 2023/09/13
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Disability Communication - Academic Publications

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: A description of various types of online chat rooms including the advantages and disadvantages of each. By far the most common and popular chat script is based on java. Java is freely available and comes with virtually every computer sold today.

Introduction

A description of various types of online chat rooms including java, flash chat, voice chat, and the advantages and disadvantages of each. There are several types of chat room variations online today. They include Java, Flash, Mirc, and shout boxes.

Main Content

Java Chat Rooms

By far the most common and popular chat script is based on java. Java is freely available and comes with virtually every computer sold today. To use a Java chat room you must have Java enabled in your browser (some people have Java turned off for security reasons). To turn on Java you will need to find the settings feature in your particular browser eg. Internet Explorer or Firefox.

Java chat rooms load quickly and are reasonably fast to use, some lag maybe noted in very busy chat rooms, if you are using an older computer, and if your Java version is out of date. Java and newly released Java updates for your computer can be downloaded for free.

What are Flash Chat Rooms?

Flash chat is an upgraded version of chat rooms that is becoming more and more popular. Flash chat rooms are powered by the Adobe/Macromedia Flash Player client which has been integrated into a website. By using high quality flash all around smoother design and performance can be obtained. Flash Chat rooms require that the Macromedia Flash Player from Adobe be installed on your computer. You can get the flash player (and player updates) for free for your computer if it is not already installed.

IRC Chat Rooms

IRC or Internet Relay Chat is a true multi-user chat network where people around the globe can meet and talk in channels or in private. Using an IRC client on your computer, you connect to an IRC server, which is in turn connected to one of several IRC networks. Networks have anywhere from tens to tens of thousands of people you can chat with. IRC was one of the very first chat systems on the world wide web. For more information see our article about IRC chat.

Mirc

MIRC is a small computer program that allows you to use the internet relay chat system (IRC), you can simply download the software to your computer and use the software to connect to various servers around the world, to access their chat channels.

Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.

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Citing and References

Founded in 2004, Disabled World (DW) is a leading resource on disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility, supporting the disability community. Learn more on our About Us page.

Cite This Page: Disabled World. (2009, February 2 - Last revised: 2023, September 13). Chat Room Types. Disabled World (DW). Retrieved October 5, 2025 from www.disabled-world.com/communication/chat-types.php

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