At this point a window labeled "Available Groups" will appear. A user a may join a group from the list of available groups by selecting the desired group and then selecting the 'Join Group' button. The list of available groups appears inside the "Available Groups" window shown in Figure 2.6.3.2a. If the user wishes to cancel the joining of a group, he or she selects the 'Cancel' or 'Close' button.

Figure 2.6.3.2a: The Available Groups Window

To create a new group that is not currently listed amoung the available group select the "Create Group" button. The "Create a Group" Window appears and the "Avaiable Groups" window closes. Figure 2.6.3.2b. shows the "Create a group" window displayed. The first text field is where the user names the group. This name will appear on the tab in the chat window that is created for this group. After naming the new group the user may add other users from the list of available users to the list of group members. Once the user has added all users that they want click the "Create" button to create the group.

Figure 2.6.3.2b: The Create a Group window

To start to group chat from the roster, select the users that make up the desired group and click on the create group icon in the top left corner of the roster. Figure 2.6.3.2c. shows the user selcting members to be in the group.

Figure 2.6.3.2c: A group of users being selected.

Once the user creates a new group a new tab will appear inside the chat window. Figure 2.6.3.2.d. shows a new group in the chat window.

Figure 2.6.3.2d: the chat window with a new group named "My Group"