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What does TravelChat™ do? TravelChat™ is an instant messaging system that enables users to talk to friends and colleagues, without upsetting their organisation's IT department, which usually has strong views on what programs they can and can't use. This is because all conversations take place on the TravelChat™ server, which Users visit, like any website, and not on their PCs. There is thus no need for any applications on Users' PCs, and so no risk of viruses. As well as being easy to use, TravelChat™ is designed for maximum confidentiality, because when a conversation ends and the parties go off-line, the server deletes the file, so there is no record of what was said, either there or on the users' PCs. Then those who really want particular confidence in the privacy of their conversations can subscribe to the secure version of TravelChat™, which encrypts their messages to the same security levels as the banks use when sending credit card details around the web. |
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Who uses TravelChat™? Anyone can use TravelChat™, but it was originally developed for people working in medium or large travel businesses. However, the user base is spreading far beyond the travel sector, as everyone in business seems to face the same challenges in this area. |
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Does TravelChat™ put any program/application on my PC? No, TravelChat™ does not need to put any programs or applications on your PC, because unlike other instant messaging systems, when you open TravelChat, you are actually visiting a secure website, and all your messaging takes place on there and not inside your computer. |
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Does TravelChat™ risk letting any viruses into my PC? No, because TravelChat™ puts no program/application on your PC, and you do your messaging on the TravelChat website, so no messages need to enter your computer, piercing your firewall. |
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Is TravelChat™ free? Yes! The only thing Users pay for, if they wish to use it, is the secure version. |
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How do I register to use TravelChat™? Simply fill in the little registration form on the Home Page, which only asks for just enough information to enable the system to put you in touch with your contacts (and not someone else's!). Then, once you have confirmed that you have read and accepted the Terms & Conditions, you are free to start messaging. |
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How do I contact my colleagues who already use TravelChat™? Click on the 'Search for contacts' button in the top left corner of every page, and search for them by name with the form. Once you've found them, become a contact and start messaging. |
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How do I invite colleagues to use TravelChat™ who don't currently use TravelChat™? Click on the 'Search for contacts' button in the top left corner of every page, and click the 'Invite contacts by email' button then list your colleagues' email addresses on the form. The TravelChat™ server will then email them all for you, inviting them to join and make contact with you. |
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What is the secure version? It works just the same as the normal, free version of TravelChat™, but instead of your messages going over the web, they use a secure network which encrypts them up to credit card standard. As a result, so long as the person you are messaging has also subscribed, your conversations are extremely hard to crack, even if they are intercepted. |
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Why should I consider using the secure version? Only you will know if you should encrypt your messages to the server for greater confidentiality. Many of those already using the encryption service have legal, finance and sales roles, and consider that much of what they discuss is financially or legally sensitive. Others subscribers just tell us that 'you can't be too careful in this day and age'. |
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How do I subscribe to the secure version? Simply click on the 'key' icon in the top left hand corner of every page, follow the PayPal credit card payment instructions and from then on, log in using the 'SecureComs Login' button. |
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How much does the secure version cost? The encrypted version of TravelChat™ costs just GB £26 for a year's subscription. |
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What is my Profile? This is an optional page on which you can load your work contact details, so your colleagues on TravelChat™ can ring, write or email you more easily, and also keep track of any changes (office moves, new roles etc). Only your contacts can see your profile. |
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Why should I fill in my Profile and keep it up to date? It's simple to do and makes it easier for your TravelChat™ contacts to write, ring or email you. It also saves you sending them updates whenever you move offices, change email address or take on a new role. |
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Won't having a Profile compromise my security? No, because only your chosen contacts can see it. Nobody else on TravelChat™ can, and that includes anyone who used to be one of your contacts, but who you have since blocked. |
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How do I fill in or update my Profile? Just click on the icon on the top left hand corner of the every page and then fill in or update the details on the profile proforma, pressing the 'Save' button at the foot of the form when you have finished. |
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I forgot my Password and/or Username. Retrieve both by clicking: here and following the instructions. You will need to enter the email address that we have on file for you. We'll then email the information to that address. |
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Someone on TravelChat™ is harassing or threatening me - what can I do about it? Just right click on their icon on your contacts list and then click 'Remove'. This will stop them from contacting you and from seeing your TravelChat™ profile. |
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How do I block a Contact? Just right click on their icon on your contacts list and then click 'Remove'. This will stop them from contacting you and from seeing your TravelChat™ profile. |
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How do I close/delete my Account? Just click: here to open an email. In the email you will need to include your TravelChat username so we can identify you. We'll then email you asking you to confirm your request, and once you have done so, your account will be closed and your Username, Password and any profile information will be deleted. |