Just got on - and off. There seemed to be no one there. Lurker was on but didn't talk. I don't know if Lurker is a real name, or someone who "lurks in the background".
Anyway, I had a conversation with Catman at Noontime today. It worked fine - except. Sometimes, if you don't type fast enough, the thread of the conversation gets mixed up - you are answering a question several posts ago. I guess this is something you have to get used to.
Anyway, the system seems to work fine from home and at work.