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Instant Messaging Apps – History, Facts and Popular Apps

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Instant Messaging Apps

Have you ever wondered how an instant messaging app came to life? Who created them and why? Would you like to learn about the popular and free instant messaging apps that you can download for your smartphone?

History of Instant Messaging Apps

Once upon a time, there used to be only one genre of communication apps – the SMS texting applications. Then it became popular to send pictures, texts and more to your friends at no cost through some new fancy Instant Messaging Apps . It was even better when they started including emojis! Just imagine sending an actual picture of a happy face or a laughing voice bubble to your friends instead of just texting either of them!

This is exactly what IM Apps are made for – real-time communication with your buddies, not only online but also through text.

Instant messaging is a method of communication that allows the user to exchange messages with one or more other users in real-time (that is, while both users are online).

In instant messaging, users can display messages in one or more windows, and users can send and receive messages using one or more tools.

Messages can be displayed as text, as a voice waveform, or both, along with audio, video, images, and other media. Instant messaging applications typically provide some form of user authentication (to prevent users from communicating with other users without authorization), and may include security features such as encryption, message expiration, and message blocking. Instant messaging apps are available in a variety of device form factors and operating systems, including mobile, tablet, desktop, and embedded clients.

The first instant messaging client available on a commercial operating system was Apple’s iChat for Windows, released on August 8, 1999.

The first instant messaging client released on the World Wide Web was Yahoo! Messenger on October 30, 1996. The first instant messaging client to be widely used was the proprietary IRC-based software Trillian.

In 1999, instant messaging became the most used method of communication on the Internet, with an estimated 103 billion messages exchanged.

Communications technologies have a way of changing faster than we expect. When the first broadband ISP (Internet Service Provider) became widely available in the US, it radically changed how we communicate. Before cable, most people had dialup accounts, which limited your connection to a 56K modem.

With broadband, you could suddenly communicate in real time.

But it didn’t take long for communication techniques to change. People quickly realized that they could use text chat, rather than voice chat, to speed things up. Text chat was faster, and since it didn’t require audio equipment, people used it. Before long, text chat was faster than voice chat.

Now, communication is still faster. Instant messaging allows two people to communicate in real time. But that’s only part of the story. The other half are apps.

Mind Blowing Facts of IM

Since the very beginnings of Internet communication, people have tried to send messages to one another without being interrupted or noticing their messages.

The first attempt, called “Instant Messaging” or IM for short, dates back to 1985. It was called Arpanet chat, and was created by the American government. ARPANET stands for Advanced Research Projects Agency Network. It was a network of computers built by the government for the military.

CHAT was the first network protocol to support real-time message delivery. The protocol was based on a protocol for file transfer called UUCP (Unix to Unix Copy). UUCP allowed files to be transferred from one computer to another.

Instant messaging apps have gained popularity with the increase in use of smartphones. The use of these apps has surpassed the use of SMS (Short Message Service).

Instant messaging apps have taken the texting experience to a whole new level. The instant messaging apps allow texting and chatting in video and audio format as well.

These apps have made things easier and fun.

Texting has definitely changed a lot over the years. There are different versions of texting apps available on the market.

Instant messaging or IM apps come in many different forms.

Types of IM

One recent version, called ‘GroupMe’, allows multiple users to chat with each other simultaneously. This app facilitates group chats and video chats. These apps allow users to send text, images, audio, and video messages.

These apps have changed the way texts are exchanged in our daily lives.

WhatsApp Messenger is an instant messaging app that is very popular amongst people around the globe. This chat app allows free text messaging and voice calling.

Facebook Messenger, another popular IM app, allows users to send text, photos, audio and video messages to their contacts.

Snapchat, a popular app among young people, allows users to send photos and short videos to each other.

This chat app also allows users to add various filters to their photos to make their photos fun and creative. This chat app also allows sending text messages and photos via Wi-Fi.

Skype is another popular messaging app that lets people communicate with one another through voice and video calls.

Viber, another popular chat app, allows users to make free voice calls and send text messages to their friends.

Messaging apps work best with your preferred typing keyboard. For the best regional typing experience, this Bangla keyboard is unparalleled. This one seamlessly integrates with any messenger app and provides the fastest typing experience with a user-friendly interface. An intuitive console powered by AI, the Bangla keyboard has been a popular choice in the regional keyboard segment.

It predicts words and phrases, understands tone and context and offers accurate predictions of texts and emojis for a smooth typing experience.

Download the Bangla Keyboard today!

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Top 3 Advanced Persistent Threats and How Businesses Can Stop their Attacks

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Businesses of various sizes and fields are susceptible to advanced persistent threats (APTs). According to the cybersecurity company ANY.RUN, in the first quarter of 2025 the most active phishing groups were Storm1747, TA569, and Storm1575. isn’t limited to, finance, media, and cybersecurity.

To protect the infrastructure of your organization, learn about their tactics and weak spots below.

Storm1747 – detected 16,140 times in January–March 2025

Storm1747 is a cybercriminal group responsible for the Tycoon 2FA phishing kit. It’s known to evade detection systems by using malicious QR codes. Still, such attacks don’t go unnoticed. The adversaries leave traces, and they can be identified.

To retrieve information on them and protect your company, use threat intelligence services. Here’s how to investigate threats in ANY.RUN’s TI Lookup, a constantly updated searchable database of IOCs, IOAs, and IOBs of the most recent attacks:

1.Enter the query

TI Lookup allows you to conduct compound searches. For example, let’s browse its database to look for threats flagged as Storm1747 and involving QR codes by entering this query:

threatName:”storm1747″ AND threatName:”qrcode”

threatName:"storm1747" AND threatName:"qrcode"

In TI Lookup, you can form compound searches with any of over 40 available parameters

Explore current cyber threats with 50 trial requests in TI Lookup

2.See the results

Now we can see a list of all freshly gathered threat samples that fit our requirements:

The list of threat samples that fit our query

The list of threat samples that fit our query

3.Collect actionable intel to enrich your defense

Each contains an in-depth threat context. By clicking any of the search results, you can continue the analysis in ANY.RUN’s Interactive Sandbox for malware analysis to collect detailed info on each threat and interact with malicious files safely to understand their behavior:

Interact with malware for further analysis in ANY.RUN’s Sandbox

Interact with malware for further analysis in ANY.RUN’s Sandbox

That’s how you can analyze recent attacks, collect their indicators, and take measures to protect your company from upcoming threats associated with them.

TA569 – detected 1,005 times in January–March 2025

TA569 is a threat actor responsible for the SocGholish malware injected into compromised websites via malicious JavaScript.

With this simple search query in TI Lookup, we can find our which domains fell victim to SocGholish:

threatName:”socgholish” AND domainName:””

Search results for domains associated with the SocGholish

Search results for domains associated with the SocGholish

You can also subscribe to this or any other query via the Search Updates feature to keep track of the threats as they evolve. In this case, information on fresh attacks will appear on your dashboard highlighted in green.

Search Updates in TI Lookup allow you to track evolving threats

Search Updates in TI Lookup allow you to track evolving threats

Storm1575 – detected 762 times in January–March 2025

TI Lookup allows you to check if an indicator has anything to do with a threat. For instance, you would like to find out whether a website is related to malicious activities. All you have to do is to browse the database for its mentions using a query like that:

domainName:”castirontexas[.]com”

And in a moment’s time, you’ll know that this website is associated with Storm1575, one of the leading recent cyber criminal groups. It’s known to conduct attacks targeting companies globally via the Dadsec platform.

The website we checked is associated with malicious activities

The website we checked is associated with malicious activities

Try TI Lookup to Enrich Alerts and Speed up Incident Response

TI Lookup’s searchable database provides you with the most up-to-date information on the latest cyber threats and enables business and organizations to:

  • Detect and identify attacks before they cause damage
  • Investigate and browse IOCs, IOAs, and IOBs for more insights on threat actors
  • Enhance the efficiency of your security team’s workflow
  • Gain access to data that helps take proactive action against cyber threats

Over 500,000 security professionals worldwide, including SOC teams from 15,000 companies, contribute to ANY.RUN’s database, keeping it relevant and abundant.

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How Accurate Pulley Alignment Can Prevent Equipment Failures

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Pulley Alignment

In industrial settings, the smooth operation of machinery is essential for productivity and safety. One often overlooked aspect that can significantly impact machinery performance is pulley alignment. Proper alignment of pulleys ensures that belts run smoothly, reducing wear and tear on equipment components and minimizing the risk of costly breakdowns. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of accurate pulley alignment and how it can prevent equipment failures.

Understanding Pulley Alignment

Pulleys are critical components in various types of machinery, including conveyor systems, pumps, and motors. They transmit power from one rotating shaft to another via belts or chains. When pulleys are misaligned, even slightly, it can lead to a range of problems, including increased friction, excessive vibration, and premature wear on belts and bearings.

Common Causes of Misalignment

Several factors can contribute to pulley misalignment, including:

  1. Installation Errors: Improper installation of pulleys or shafts can result in misalignment from the start.
  2. Belt Tension: Inadequate or uneven belt tension can cause pulleys to shift out of alignment over time.
  3. Shaft Deflection: Shaft deflection due to excessive loads or improper support can lead to misalignment issues.
  4. Thermal Expansion: Temperature fluctuations within the machinery can cause components to expand or contract, affecting pulley alignment.

Impact of Misalignment on Equipment

Misaligned pulleys can have significant consequences for machinery and production processes, including:

  • Increased Wear and Tear: Misalignment causes excessive friction, leading to accelerated wear on belts, bearings, and other components.
  • Reduced Efficiency: Machinery operates less efficiently when pulleys are misaligned, resulting in higher energy consumption and reduced productivity.
  • Vibration and Noise: Misalignment often results in excessive vibration and noise, which can be disruptive and potentially harmful to equipment and personnel.

Preventive Measures

Preventing pulley misalignment is key to maintaining equipment reliability and prolonging service life. Here are some preventive measures to consider:

  1. Regular Inspection: Conduct routine inspections of pulley alignment using precision tools such as a laser alignment tool. Identify and correct misalignment issues promptly.
  2. Proper Installation: Ensure that pulleys and shafts are installed correctly according to manufacturer guidelines to minimize the risk of misalignment from the outset.
  3. Belt Tensioning: Maintain proper belt tension to prevent slippage and minimize the likelihood of pulley misalignment.
  4. Temperature Monitoring: Monitor temperature fluctuations within the machinery and take measures to minimize thermal expansion effects on pulley alignment.

Importance of Laser Alignment Tools

Laser alignment tools are invaluable for achieving precise pulley alignment. These advanced devices use laser technology to measure and adjust the position of pulleys with unparalleled accuracy. By providing real-time feedback and visual guidance, laser alignment tools enable operators to achieve optimal alignment quickly and efficiently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, accurate pulley alignment is crucial for preventing equipment failures and ensuring the smooth operation of industrial machinery. By addressing misalignment issues proactively and utilizing advanced tools such as laser alignment tools, manufacturers can minimize downtime, reduce maintenance costs, and enhance overall productivity. Investing in proper pulley alignment practices is a wise decision that pays dividends in the form of improved equipment reliability and performance.

Remember, maintaining optimal pulley alignment is not just a matter of efficiency—it’s a fundamental aspect of ensuring the safety and longevity of industrial equipment.

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Tweet Your Way Towards Better Dental Marketing Results

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Dental Marketing

As one of the leading social networking sites nowadays, Twitter is a good way to promote a business. Engagements and search results can be easily achieved. Through a 140-character content, you have the power to expand your business.

Retweets and Likes are mostly the forms of promotions that Twitter uses. But because Twitter uses a different method of curating the content, there is a possibility that new tweets will cover up the tweets, tweeted just minutes ago.

So, as proven time and again, Twitter is a great tool for promoting. But it isn’t a genie’s lamp that would grant you wishes for faster marketing success. Instead, it needs to have great content that is relevant to your audience.

How to use Twitter for your Dental Campaign

Social media is a great way to grow your practice with dental marketing ideas, especially if you’re looking for dental patients. Twitter in particular is a good platform to start with, as it allows you to connect and communicate with your audience in the most direct and effective way.

There are many benefits to using twitter for your dental marketing even if you are not a “techie” or a “geek”.

Here are some of them:

  • Twitter provides a fast and effective way to communicate with your target audience.
  • You can interact with people who might not know who you are yet. You can build relationships with potential clients.
  • Twitter can help you find new customers. Use hashtags to get known by new customers who might be looking for someone exactly like you.
  • Twitter helps you stay relevant and up-to-date on current trends and news affecting your industry. You can share important information regarding dental health, dentists, procedures and products with your followers.
  • Twitter gives you credibility as an expert by sharing your knowledge and experience with other dental practitioners, patients and potential clients.

Twitter might be a little bird that only allows 140 characters, but if you know how to maximize its use, then you’ll expect better results.

Here are some the tips on using Twitter for your marketing strategy:

Know How to Use the Search Option Properly

A lot of Twitter users don’t know how the search options work and how to properly use the search operators to  accurately get the results that they need.

Most people just randomly type keywords in the search box, but what they did not know is that Twitter will only search tweets that have all those words. The results usually show unrelated tweets, to what you intend to find.

However, to obtain better results, users should use the search operator or in between the two keywords that they are searching. And if they are using phrases to search something, it is better to use “” for better results.

From Pinned Tweet to Feature Box

Feature Box is like a lead magnet of your page that allows visitors to add to your email list – it is a form that is on the top of your homepage. You can turn your pinned tweet into a feature box by using lead generation cards and a pinned tweet.

You can create this by only making a Lead Generation Card that includes rewards for people who use or answer the form then pin the tweet to your Twitter profile, then there you have it!

This tool will come in handy in the future when you use it with other marketing tools, and you can directly download your email list with this also.

Tweet the Same Content Many Times but Tweak it a Little

The downside that Twitter has a lot of users is that recent tweets immediately are covered by other tweets. And it results in previous tweets being neglected and becomes useless.

What you can do to maximize the tweeting process to promote this is to tweet the same content a lot of times. Don’t be afraid to do it, because sometimes your second tweet will work better than your first one.

However, even if it is a good idea to tweet the same tweet a couple of times, making the text and image different each time you tweet has a higher risk of receiving tons of interest and engagement. With this also, you can check the analytics of the type of tweets and contents works well.

Your Tweets Should Look Good

Links can be a great help for contents but having long tweets can limit the character count of your tweet. Instead of tweeting the whole link, you can maximize link shorteners. With this, it also makes your tweets neater.

Your Tweets Should Look Good

As Twitter keeps on changing, adding videos and images can make a great difference as well because they make your tweets more attractive instead of having dull tweets. Engagements are usually high with this kind of tweets.

Your displayed photo and header should match the business that you have. Make sure that the pictures that you are going to use have high resolutions and fits with the standard sizes that twitter has.

Even your profile bio should be presentable as it is the first thing after your picture that a visitor will look at. Make it short and exciting, like phrases that describe your business or page.

Create a Proper Tweeting Schedule

It may sound so vain, but there are appropriate hours where the engagement is higher compared to other hours of the day. You should properly study the perfect timing, and make scheduled tweets to increase awareness and engagement for your tweets. This way, a lot will be aware of your business.

Takeaway

As social media marketers, using influencer marketing enables us to learn new strategies about social media and how to connect and achieve more engagements. Knowing Twitter’s basics and setting up a profile can help you understand the advances.

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