How to Do an SMS With a Chat Client

1. Download the instant-messaging client of your choice. There are several options from a variety of software companies. One idea is to ask your friends which one they use and select that for yourself.
2. Install the messaging client onto your computer. Double-click the .exe installation file and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation. If requested, restart your computer.
3. Launch the chat client by double-clicking its icon on your desktop.
4. Sign up for an instant messenger user name by clicking 'Sign Up.' Choose a unique chat handle using the fields provided during the sign-up process. If your name is already taken, you will be able to choose from suggestions or type another name. You must also create a password for logging in.
5. Sign in to the chat client by entering your user name and password into the application log in box.
6. Find the option to add contacts, typically in the 'File' menu. Contacts in chat clients are called different terms such as 'Buddy' in AIM, or 'Friends' in Yahoo! Messenger.
7. Click on the button to add a new contact. In the field requesting your contact name, enter the 10-digit phone number preceded by a '+1'. For example, '+12125553421'. In the fields provided, enter a nickname or display name for the contact to make the number easy to identify, such as 'Sally SMS', and then save the contact. The name is then added to your chat client's contact list.
8. Call the contacts you plan to send an SMS via your chat client and let them know your intentions. The first time you send a message to your friend, the chat client system may request her to authorize it on her phone before she can read it. (Because your friend may incur charges for reading messages, this is a safeguard to make sure she is not charged for unwanted messages.) Ensure that she chooses the option to allow SMS delivery.
9. Click on the name in your contact list and then type a message. Click 'Send.' Your contact will receive an SMS on her cell phone.