Further Chat Info

[Giulia]

This is definitely a work in progress, we’ve learned a few things during the past week about how to chat.  First of all it’s a bit complicated and confusing until you figure it out.  Once you have the basics, it’s easy to chat and/or video with someone.  
I originally had told people to PM me with their Gmail address if they wanted to be included, but I now believe that’s not necessary.  One can search just for a Gmail on-line name and send out an invite that way.  So if you’re loath to give me your Gmail address but want to be included, try giving me your Gmail name only.  
You must have a Gmail account and a Google+ account in order to use Chat.  It’s easy to get one.  From y0ur Gmail account click on the box with the 9 small circles to the left of your avatar.  When you hover over it will say Google Apps.   Click on it and then find the Google+ icon.  From there it should give you instructions.  To go directly to Google+ type www.google.plus.com in your browser window.
One of the things that we’ve discovered is that privacy can be an issue.  So it’s important to create your settings the way you want them.  
From https://plus.google.com/ (The Google + home page) hover your cursor over the HOME icon on the left under the colored Google+ sign.   You will be presented with a dropdown box of options.  Wen you click on Profile it will take you your Profile Page.  If you then click on About and scroll down, you will see what others are seeing when they click on your profile.  There are Edit links whereby you can change the information.  Since I wanted total privacy I gave no information when I signed up for the account, except a false birthdate (because your birthday is required).  I think Google+ is similar to Facebook in some ways as far as contacts and circles and shared content and who you let in to see what, or not.  (I’ve never used Facebook, so I can’t say for sure.)  
To change settings hover over the HOME icon (in Google+) and then click on Settings.  You will be presented with choices.
The following link will give you information that can help you create the settings and notifications you wish.  “Choose how you share information on your Google+ profile”
 https://support.google.com/plus/answer/1047279?p=plus_profile_tab&hl=en&rd=1
I think your  Gmail settings are a bit different than your Google+ settings.  
You can create a second Gmail account just for the purpose of chat should you wish - a few of us did.   Sign into your normal Gmail account and then click on your avatar.  You’ll be presented with the option to add an account.  Once the account is added you can come into your Google+ account from there.  Whichever Gmail account you sign into is where you’ll be in Google+.  You can switch back and forth between them with ease.
A few other things that we’ve discovered: If there are only 2 people in a chat you can delete it.  If there are more than that it remains there forever.  You can LEAVE the chat, but the chat itself and what has been said is there for life.  You cannot delete a comment you’ve made.  (Dale I’m sure likes that aspect!  Lol)  Archiving a chat just removes it from YOUR chat list, not from anybody else’s.
If you want to be notified when someone places content on a chat in which you’ve been involved, locate the chat, click on the Options gear and select Notifications, then Save.    You can have several chat windows open at the same time.  For instant we have gone back and fort from the EX COMMUNITY chat to a private chat with 2 or 3 people.  
How To find Someone in Chat/Hangouts
Once you log in to Chat or Hangouts, recent contacts will  appear.  These may be users you have chatted with recently, or ones you email frequently. There is also a search box above your recent contacts. Here, you can search for anyone with a Gmail account. The first time you connect with someone, you may need to first click the “Invite to chat” link to the right of their name.  They will then have to approve your request before you can use Chat or Hangouts to contact them.
Apparently you may need to accept a “plug in” in order to use chat and/or video.  (Depending on your browser.)  It’s a one-time thing.  If that should pop up, allow it.  Else you won’t be able to chat.
You can always get back to any chat you want simply by clicking on the chat (assuming you haven’t “Left” it.)  Like the EX COMMUNITY chat.  If you have LEFT it (on the chat window - settings gear icon - Leave)  and want to be invited back in, let me know.  If you don’t “leave” it, then you can return any time you want.  (From Google+ click on the quotation marks - upper right -  and you’ll be presented with a list of chats you’ve had.)

And if you have your notifications set to be notified, when anyone posts you’ll hear a little chime sound.  At least that’s what’s so on my computer.  You could always turn your speakers off if it bugs you or change your setting to notifications off.  
Shawn and Terrie and I have gotten pretty comfortable with it.  (Feel free, both of you, to make any corrections or additions to what I’ve put here.)  But we are still definitely in the learning process.  It’s fun.  Frustrating as all get out at times, but fun.
If you want to participate let me know and I’ll do my best to help you.