Instant Messenger Clients

If you have been using the Internet for any amount of time you have probably used an instant messenger at some time or another. They allow you to talk to your friends, family and co-workers with the click of a button. There are many great clients out there, as well as many different networks.

(Windows) ICQ - http://www.icq.com/

One of the oldest networks is ICQ, with millions of users world wide. Their software has come along way, with many hurdles being overcome. One of the biggest advancements in my opinion is the addition of a roaming profile, letting you travel from computer to computer keeping your user list intact. If this had been supported from the start I would have probably not started using additional IM clients.

One of the major failing points I've found with ICQ is the fact that their software is often full of 'extra' stuff that I don't want. They have quite a bit of advertising and unfortunately it became a playground for spammers, often for adult websites which for children using the software is a major problem. More recent versions of ICQ have Spam blockers built in, but the occasional piece still manages to make it through.

(Windows) MSN Messenger - http://messenger.msn.com/

The MSN Messenger client is very easy to use, as is the case with most Microsoft software. Roaming profiles was a huge selling point with me when it was first introduced, and the use of smiley emotion icons. It has many features built in for transferring files and having live conversations using your speakers and microphone. The remote desktop features and sharing your pictures gives it a nice personal feel. This program is very easy to use and those who are very new to computers or the Internet will probably feel at ease using this software. With almost no learning curve the average person can be on and chatting with their friends and family within minutes. The one problem I have with MSN Messenger is the inability to send a message to an off-line friend and have them receive it when they come back on-line.

(Linux) GAIM - http://gaim.sourceforge.net/

This is probably my favourite Linux client! Not only does it work with all the major chat networks such as ICQ, MSN, Yahoo, you can also go on IRC with it! There are many additional features for this program including auto-reconnecting and security features. Some such security features are hiding your operating system and a very easy to use block list. This software currently is include in such Linux distributions as Red Hat Fedora, and Mandrake.

(Linux) Kopete - http://kopete.kde.org/

Another really great Linux based messenger client! It includes the same network support as GAIM, but takes user friendliness to a whole new level. It's really nice looking with sharp graphics and lots of interesting plug-ins. Some of the older versions were not quite as good but it's really coming in to it's own with newer versions! This application has been bundled with the SuSE Linux distribution, however it is compatible with all versions of Linux. If you are interested in a really fancy looking messenger you should definitely consider trying this one out. The only down side is if you aren't using SuSE you may have to build the source yourself.

Instant Messengers are a great tool for keeping in touch with co-workers, children away at school, and friends abroad. If you have the time and want to save some money on phone bills, check out these applications and have some fun!

Ken Dennis http://KenDennis-RSS.homeip.net/

---

Microsoft Great Plains: carpet, textile, fabric, felt distributor ? implementation overview

In this small article we will show you the possible... Read More

Simple Solution for Php Includes - IFrames

I have recently created my first Php program. I wanted... Read More

Protect Your Most Vital Business Asset with Security Software

Homeland security, airport security, Internet security â?" these days weâ??re... Read More

Unwanted Files

A LOT OF UNWANTED FILES.When you uninstall an item of... Read More

PHP On-The-Fly!

IntroductionPHP can be used for a lot of different things,... Read More

Why Stick With Email Clients Like Outlook?

Trying to figure out a stream in banning one email... Read More

Microsoft C# vs. VB.Net

Hi, Guys,I believe a lot of programmers are trying to... Read More

Benefits of Integrating Online Chat Software with CRM

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) is a strategy and processes used... Read More

Most Common Ways to Accumulate Spyware (where It is Downloaded to Your PC)

It is possible that if one avoided all sources of... Read More

Review of TikiWiki Content Management System

TikiWiki is open source software - it is written in... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains 8.0 Brazilian Version ? Overview For International Consultant

Microsoft Great Plains has substantial mid-market share in the USA... Read More

Microsoft Axapta, Navision or Great Plains: ERP Selection for Large Corporation

If you would like to pick something from Microsoft, or... Read More

MySQL for Beginners ? How to Create a MySQL Database

Whether you are an experienced web programmer or a complete... Read More

Great Plains Dexterity Development: FAQ

Microsoft Business Solutions Great Plains is Dexterity-written application and currently... Read More

Screenplay and Script Writing Software

When it comes to screenplay software each screenwriter needs to... Read More

Linux ? Keyboard Or Mouse

Just stress testing one of the latest Linux distributions. Been... Read More

Monitoring Software Can be Used for Spying as Well

We all already got used to computer monitoring both at... Read More

Software For Your Hard-Drive

All your software is stored on a hard-drive. But how... Read More

Microsoft RMS ? Great Plains Integration ? Overview For IT Specialist

Microsoft Great Plains and Microsoft Retail Management System (Microsoft RMS)... Read More

Lotus Domino Implementation and Development: Infrastructure ? Present and Future

Domino server is a buffer between the operation system and... Read More

Microsoft Great Plains e-Commerce ? additional considerations for programmer

Microsoft Great Plains, designed back in 1990th as database transferable... Read More

Device Driver Basics

Most people understand that the "hardware" part of their computer... Read More

Protect Your Computer...and Your Business!

We all take the computer for granted. I mean, all... Read More

Microsoft CRM Customization

Microsoft CRM customization techniques are very diversified and based on... Read More

Microsoft CRM for Corporate Business ? Working Offline

If your company has regional and worldwide operations, you might... Read More

RSS: Get Notified When Your Favorite Websites Are Updated

RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a way for a site... Read More

Razzle Dazzle Them

Once upon a time not so long ago, there was... Read More

Managing Stress in the Computer Industry - Five Steps to a Stress-free Life

It would be easy to think, like most people apparently... Read More

netstat - Linux Command to Display Networking Information

In linux, one of great commands for finding out information... Read More

Oracle Development: JDeveloper 10G ? Java, J2EE, EJB, MVC, XML - Overview For Programmer

In 2004 Oracle, Inc. made its new step toward J2EE... Read More

Microsoft CRM Customization ? Programming Closed Email Activity

Microsoft CRM is CRM answer from Microsoft and attempt to... Read More

Manufacturing Outsourcing: Microsoft Great Plains Implementation, Customization & Reporting

Manufacturing in the USA is far away down from mid... Read More

Software Review: Xsitepro Total Site Management Software

It's not very often I get excited about a software... Read More