Keep Up With a Long-Distance Family With Satellite Internet

People who grow up in North Carolina tend to be a geographically mobile bunch. Many will stay in state to go to some of North Carolina's great universities, like University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and Duke. But, after that, many will leave the state in order to pursue their careers, go explore the world and travel, or follow loved ones around the country and across the globe. This means that many North Carolina families are forced to maintain long-distance relationships with their loved ones, whether they like it or not! But luckily, in the age of satellite Internet, this is easier to do than ever. There are so many electronic and digital ways to communicate across distances that suddenly 1000 miles feels like 100. Here are some of the best ways to communicate with loved ones via satellite Internet.

1. Use video messaging services

One of the greatest inventions in the age of satellite Internet is video messaging services like Skype and Gchat video. Users are able to connect to people and see them face-to-face, just like the business video conference calls that you might be familiar with from movies! But now, all you need is a computer with a microphone (just about all computers come standard with mics these days) and a webcam, and you are good to go! This can create a more intimate conversation, almost as if you were sitting across from each other and talking face to face.

2. Email, email, email!

This is one of the quickest ways to communicate with loved ones using satellite Internet. When you have some downtime at work, or when you are unwinding at the end of the day before going to bed, you can simply fire off a few thoughts to that long-distance family member, updating him or her with the happenings in your own life. Or, if you want, you can craft lengthier, more detailed correspondences. It is up to you!

3. Join picture-sharing websites

There are endless ways to share pictures online, and you would be wise to take advantage of at least one of them. Social networking websites like Facebook allow users to publish photos for all of their friends to see. But if you are wary about making the information public to this many people, there are other websites that you can use. Your child can post an album of his newborn daughter, for example, and then invite select people to view it through email.

4. Instant message your loved ones!

Instant messages were once just the provenance of teens who wanted to keep up with their school friends in the evening hours instead of focusing on their homework. But now it has become mainstream for satellite Internet users of all stripes. This is a reliable, fast, and free way to communicate with people across long-distances. The only disadvantage appears if your typing skills are less than stellar. You may find that the amount of time that it takes you to get out your thoughts can be a bit frustrating!