Text messaging, also known as SMS or texting, is a popular form of communication where users send and receive digital messages wirelessly. Messages are brief and are usually limited in length to 160 characters or less.
Although the majority of texting is done from one mobile device to another mobile device, many companies and websites provide “web text” services, which allow users to send and receive text messages from a computer to mobile devices.
Now, computer users can send and receive text messages without using a cell phone or being required to have a texting package. Some web-based services require the name of the mobile carrier provider and computers users may not know the information.
The following websites offer web texting services to computer users at no-cost.
- Txt Drop - This clean and simple interface allows users in the US and Canada to send free text messages online. Just type in the user’s cell phone number and if you want a reply, add your email address. Widgets are available for Mac OS X Dashboard, Vista Sidebar Gadget and personal website or MySpace page.
- SMS Everywhere - This web-based service is simple and straight forward. It is free for US phones and no registration is required. Type in the recipient’s cell phone number, message and agree to the terms of use. Webmasters can add the SMS Everywhere widget to personal blogs or websites which allows users to send text messages without leaving the site.
- 811 - Two cell phone numbers are required in order to use 811; the recipient’s number and the sender’s number. Besides sending free text messages, users can also send free pictures to cell phones under 2 MB in size. Registration is not required. Fun!
- Online Text Message - This service does not require registration. Type in the recipient’s cell phone number, carrier, and type your message. Pre-made messages are also available.
- Peekamo - Founded in 2006, this Canadian based company allows users to send messages from the web or from cell phones anywhere in the world. Peekamo includes non-intrusive ad-sponsored messages. Registration and activation is required.
- Text Em Net - Send free text messages to users by typing in the user’s cell phone number and carrier name. Messages are limited to 120 characters. Although registration is not required, users who register are able to receive messages on the computer.
- Anon Txt - This service allows users in the United States or Canada to send text messages from computers anonymously. If an alias name is not chosen, receivers see “Anon" or "Anon@AnonTxt.com". No registration or carrier provider information is required and the interface is clean and simple.
Web text services offer computer users the ability to send instantaneous text messages from a computer, for free. Some cell phone providers also offer web-to-SMS and email-to-SMS services.
It is important to note, some wireless providers do charge fees for incoming text messages.
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