$3.$ Asynchronous Communication A mode of communication used to protect a networked server or client machine from damage by unauthorized users. Online discussions occurring independent of location, but at the same time $($real time$).$ Participants must agree on a time to log into the discussion forum and messages are received at the moment they are sent. Communication programs that run in the background of a comnuter enabling applications to run in real time. Online discussions occurring independent of time or location. Participants send messages to a central location $($discussion forum$)$ where they are archived for later retrieval from other participants.