Before you can begin to choose an instant messenger, you have to take a look at what's out there. If you are looking for an instant messenger program, you have five main choices to evaluate: AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, Windows Live Messenger (also called MSN Messenger), ICQ and Google Talk. Skype also offers instant messaging, although it is primarily a VOIP service.
Each of these instant messengers offers a different interface, but all of them provide the same basic features. You'll be able to send and receive messages, save contacts to a favorites list, prevent people from contacting you and save your conversations.
With the basic features nearly the same, the simplest choice is to use the same instant messenger that your family, friends or coworkers use. Most instant messengers are free to try and some are free to use, so you can test drive a few to find one that offers an interface you like. Beyond the basics, you'll need to consider specific functions you want as you evaluate each instant messenger.
Support for Other Applications
Some instant messenger programs support additional applications such as voice chat programs, Web conferencing and file transfers. If you intend to use any of these additional applications, check the instant messenger details to see which applications are supported. Some instant messengers only support other programs by the same developer, while others support a range of popular applications.
If the people you want to talk to the most use a different instant messenger program, check to make sure it is compatible with your supported applications. Some applications do not play well with others.
Business Messenger
While many businesses make use of the popular general-use instant messenger programs, some businesses use business-class instant messenger software, such as Novell GroupWise Messenger and Lotus Sametime. These instant messenger programs provide an extra level of security and privacy management, as users must communicate through an authenticated connection. These business-class instant messengers restrict access to registered users and keep your data safe by using a private network instead of a public one. If your business already uses Lotus or Novell products, adding the instant messenger feature is an easy and logical step.
Web Messenger
In addition to full-featured instant messenger software that you install on your computer, there are Web versions of Instant Messenger programs that don't require you to install any software. These Web versions do not include the full features of the software install, but they enable you to access your instant messenger from any computer-at a friend's house, at the library or even at the gym.
Mobile Messenger
Instant messenger developers have made it a point to create mobile versions of their software for the growing number of people who access the Web through their cell phones. Google talk is the only instant messenger program that doesn't offer a mobile version, and ICQ Mobile isn't compatible with all cell phones. If you want to use your instant messenger from your desktop and your cell phone, check to see which instant messenger programs offer the best support for your phone. You'll usually find a list of supported phones by visiting the instant messenger's Web site.
Group Management
One of the most valuable features of an instant messenger is the ability to manage groups within the software. Group management will easily separate your coworkers from your friends from your family, making it quicker to find contacts and to message several people at once.
The All-in-One Solution
You don't need to download every instant messenger available to keep in touch with contacts who use different programs. Try Trillian instead. With Trillian, you can import your contacts from the four most popular Instant Messenger programs: AIM, ICQ, Yahoo! Messenger, and Windows Live Messenger. Trillian developers have created a free version of Trillian that supports most of the features of all four Instant Messenger programs, except video conferencing. AIM features are almost fully supported thanks to AOL's decision to let programs such as Trillian work directly with their service.
Trillian also comes in a Professional version for a fee. Professional features include support for video conferencing as well as support for business-class instant messenger programs, such as Google Talk, Novell GroupWise Messenger and Rendezvous. The Trillian interface is fully customizable and includes a variety of accessibility options to accommodate most preferences.
If you're looking for a single piece of software that supports even more instant messenger programs, check out Pidgin. Pidgin supports AIM, ICQ, Google Talk, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, Bonjour, Gadu-Gadu, IRC, Novell GroupWise Messenger, QQ, Lotus Sametime, SILC, SIMPLE, MySpaceIM and Zephyr. Pidgin allows basic messaging between numerous programs, but it does not support the more advanced features, such as voice or video conferencing. Pidgin is also more difficult to customize, so users looking for an instant messenger program with point-and-click options would be better served choosing one of the five popular programs or Trillian.
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