Everyday UseUseful Sites & Services

What is Twitter?

By Mark Frauenfelder August 11, 2008

Everyday Use » Useful Sites & Services

You might have heard about a Web sight called Twitter. You might have even visited it but scratched your head, asking, what *is* this? That's good question, because ven though Twitter itself is simple, it's not immediately apparent what it's good for.

Simply put, Twitter is way for you to let other people know what you are doing. After you register at Twitter, you'll be presented with this question: "What are you doing?" Below the question is a blank rectangle for you to give your answer. You must answer using 140 characters or less (about two sentences). This answer is called a "tweet" and you can tweet as often as you want (for free). Anyone who has your Twitter address can read your tweets.

Who cares? Another excellent question. The answer: people who care about you -- your friends, your family, even people you've never met but only know online. You can let people know you're tweeting on Twitter by letting them know you have a Twitter address: (mine is http://twitter.com/frauenfelder). Some people put their Twitter address at the bottom of their email messages to let people know. Other post it on their blog or Web page.

I use Twitter to let my friends know about funny photos and stories I've found online, or if I'm going to an event in town that other people might want to attend. If you sign up for Twitter and stick with it, I'm sure you'll come up with you own uses.

Featured Computer

Featured Computer

ASUS Eee PC 1000HD

  • Intel Celeron M
  • 2 GB RAM
  • 80 GB hard drive

Conceived to meet the needs of users who covet the inimitable portability of the ASUS Eee PC

More Information More Computers

Take a 3D Tour of Your Computer

Tour a Laptop Tour a Desktop
Ask a question related to this story