Using the chat feature requires that you have the latest version of flash. To upgrade or download it free click here.http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
To activate the the chat feature click on "Chat" link from the menu across the top of the page or the"up" arrow on the line at the bottom of the page (bottom right) that tellshow many members are online. For an audible notification of posts, click on the speaker icon.
You can also "pop out" the chat box to enable you to keep up with chat while you are on other sites. The icon to the right of the "up arrow" (bottom right of pate) will "pop out" the chat box.