Facebook is a wonderful online development, which helps bring far-flung family and friends together, as well as allowing you to make new friends and share your interests. However, if you’re thinking that Facebook is all about posting “Wall messages” or sending your friends updates, then you need to check out Facebook chat.

What is Facebook chat? How does it work? Facebook chat is a simple way to talk with those on your friends list in real time. Chat has been around for decades in one form or another and Facebook has finally implemented this system into their website. You’ll find access to Facebook chat directly through your login webpage.

Check out the bottom right corner of the page (on the bottom navigation bar) and you will see a listing for “Chat,” followed by a number in parentheses. This number is actually how many friends you have that are currently online. Clicking the “Chat” heading will pull up a new menu, from which you can select the friend with whom you want to chat.

Click the person’s name, and a dialogue box opens up. All you have to do is type your message and then press enter. Your message will be delivered and the person can respond, enabling you to have a great conversation no matter how far apart you are.