Hosting Chat Communities

Set Up the Secure Channel

Authentication allows only authorized users to gain access to a channel on a chat community.

To create a channel accessible to children and other authenticated users:

  1. Start System Manager
    On the Start menu, point to Programs, point to Microsoft Exchange, and then click System Manager.
  2. Navigate to the Channels folder in the chat community where you want to create a secure channel.

    Chat Communities

    1. Chat_community_name
    2. Channels
  3. Right-click Channels, click New, and then click Channel.
  4. On the channel's General tab, type the name of the channel in the Name box. Be sure to precede the channel name with a valid channel prefix (#, &, %#, or %&).
  5. On the channel's Access tab, select the Allow only: Authenticated users check box. This safeguard forces the authentication of each user.
  6. Optionally, on the channel's General tab, type the Platform for Internet Content Selection (PICS) string in the Content rating (PICS) box.

    Note   You use the PICS rating to rate the channel's content. The PICS rating string is generated and provided by ratings organizations such as the Recreational Software Advisory Council (RSAC). Visit the Web site of one of these organizations to acquire a PICS string, and then type (or paste) it into the Content rating (PICS) box.

  7. On the channel's Modes tab, under Speaking restrictions, select Authenticated users only. This additional safeguard ensures the authentication of each user.