In what is being described as the first inter-species computerchat, Koko will use her skills to answer questions from curious humans through the Internet provider America Online (AOL).
But chat with computer scientists working in a variety of other areas--anything that involves getting computers to understand how humans work--and they will report results that are similarly sporadic and sparse.
The charging documents say a hacker identified as "Sharpie" used information Keys supplied in an Internet chat room to access the Times' computer system.
The conversations took place on a tablet computer, varied daily and consisted of a social chat, check of the subject's progress and daily exercise tip.
Plug a cheap Webcam and headset into your computer, and several of the most popular applications will allow you to chat with your friends -- and see them.