1. MXit is a mobile application that allows people to chat to their friends at a much cheaper rate than normal text messages. You can contact anyone anywhere in the world if they have the MXit application on their cell phones or even on their computers.

2. There are two ways to get Mxit on your phone: 1.Check that your cell phone's GPRS / WAP is switched to on. The easiest way to see if it’s turned on is to look at your phone's options and see if you have a Web or Internet feature. Login to your phone’s Internet and go to http://wap.mxit.co.za. Follow the instructions on the screen. If you're struggling to login to your phone’s internet or to get the GPRS function, call your cell phone service provider and ask them to set the GPRS option on your phone. They will probably send you the GPRS feature and it will automatically upload. Call centres to GPRS to download: Vodacom: 082 111 MTN: 083 808 Cell C: 086 1.8004 million

3. 2.Another way to download MXit onto your mobile is to send "MG4823" via sms to 32 227 (SMS cost @ R1). You will receive an SMS with a bookmark to wap.mxit.co.za. Once you receive the SMS press 'connect'. When MXit is successfully downloaded, you will find it under the “Applications” option on your cell phone. Open MXit under this option. The first time you start MXit, you will be asked whether to login or to register. Type in your phone number and select a pin number.

4. After being registered a lot of different icons will be displayed: 'Info' All the information you need about MXit and technical aspects. 'Gallery‘ This option allows you to store your images and all sorts of stuff for future use. It is also the place where your ‘skinz ‘ and ‘emoticons‘ are stored.

5. ‘JoeBanker’ Look at JoeBanker as your bank, as he handles all financial matters. He keeps record of your transactions on MXit and manage your ‘moola' (MXit money) ‘Tradepost’ The place to advertise new competitions and "gadgets" for MXit users, as well as finding information on various topics e.g. Movies, etc. Just click on this option and the options will appear. You can browse around and decide what you want to see. Tradepost is also the entering point for chat rooms.

6. The names of people who you’ve invited or people that have invited you, will appear on your MXit. If a certain person is not online his / her name will not appear on your screen. If someone sent you a message, a little envelope will appear next to that person's name. Select the specific person you want to chat to.

7. A cheap way of communication. It is easy to get MXit and best of all: You can download it for free! MXit is available any time, any place. You can chat to anyone anywhere on earth, as long as they have MXit on their cell phones or computers. You can control whether to accept invitations. Can control who you want to talk to on a specific moment.

8. Parents complain that children spend too much time on MXit and their cell phones. People use MXit for the wrong reasons. The language used on MXit contribute to the fact that children’s spelling is poor. Children can’t communicate socially with other people, because they use MXit as their main communication tool. If you spend a lot of time on MXit,you can get totally addicted to it You can be invited by strangers. Homework is neglected because of the time span that children use MXit.

9. Don’t accept an invitation from someone you don’t know. Don’t enter chatrooms with age restrictions above your own age. Don’t give out any personal information to anybody. Don’t stay too long in a chatroom, as you you may become a target for criminals. Don’t use Mxit for the wrong reasons

10. Keep your password to yourself. Change your password if you think someone is using your account. Don’t let other people use your Mxit. Keep your online relationships online. Download Mxit only from the official website. Tell your parents about any strangers that invite you. Always be aware that the people you talk to on Mxit may not be who they say they are.