IM Basics

How do you get started? The best way is to find a few friends already using IM, and install the same IM software they are already using. To make it easy for you, we've created a step-by-step guide to selecting and setting up your first instant messenger.

Instant Messaging: Reference

IM Download Central

Looking for the latest instant messaging software? Look no further! We've got'em all lined up and ready to download. All of these programs are FREE unless noted otherwise.

Pssst! Wanna help us test our NEW downloads section? You can rate downloads, leave comments, and even add links to your favorite IM programs. Check it out.

AOL Instant Messenger (AIM)

Description:	AOL Instant Messenger is the current king of the IM hill, with more users than any other messenger. It's free to download, even if you don't use AOL for your Internet service. Not a lot of bells-and-whistles, but a pretty decent instant messenger.
Download:	Windows 5.9, Mac 4.7 for OS , Linux 1.5, Windows CE 2.0, Palm 3.1, PDA's, AIM Express
Resources:	Visit the BigBlueBall AIM Center for more info, add-ons and tools for customizing AIM.

MSN Messenger / Windows Messenger

Description:	Microsoft's instant messenger comes in two flavors: MSN Messenger is available for Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000 and Macs; Windows Messenger is available only for Windows XP. MSN Messenger has seen the biggest gain in market share of any instant messenger; over 90% in the past year alone. In my opinion, it has the cleanest, friendliest user interface. Very easy on the eyes. Note that Messenger no longer runs on Windows 95.
Download:	MSN Messenger for Windows, Mac, PocketPC, Microsoft TV or MSN Companion
Resources:	The BigBlueBall MSN Messenger Center.

Yahoo! Messenger

Description:	Yahoo! Messenger is an innovator. It includes webcam functionality and the new IMVironments feature to make the IM experience more engaging.
Download:	Yahoo! Messenger 6.0 for Windows, Yahoo! Messenger for Mac, Mobile Phone,
Resources:	The BigBlueBall Yahoo Messenger Center.

ICQ (I Seek You)

Description:	One of the biggest and most popular, ICQ (pronounced "I Seek You") is also one of the most full-featured. That is both it's strength and it's weakness. ICQ is now owned by AOL (which owns AIM, also). As a result, ads have begun to creep into the user interface.
Download:	http://www.icq.com/products
Resources:	http://www.icq.com

Trillian

Description:	Like Odigo, Jabber and Imici, Trillian offers interoperability. In addition to ICQ, AIM, MSN and Yahoo, Trillian provides an IRC client. They also have the coolest skins!
Download:	http://www.gotrillian.com/
Resources:	http://www.ceruleanstudios.com

Jabber

Description:	Jabber is a grassroots IM network and an open standard for IM approved by the IETF. It is often called "the Linux of instant messaging" and provides an open alternative to AOL, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo, and other corporate IM systems.
Download:	This is a complete list, including suggested clients for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Resources:	www.Jabber.org - Website of the Jabber Software Foundation, including links to everything about Jabber.

Imici

Description:	One of the newer IM programs that like Odigo, promises interoperability (a fancy way of saying you can IM your friends on AIM and other IM platforms). Personally, I think Imici is not-quite-ready-for-primetime, but your opinion is the one that matters. 11/21 update: Imici's makers appear to be positioning it as a corporate IM solution.
Download:	http://users.imici.com/ignup.php
Resources:	http://www.imici.com

Odigo

Description:	What do you get when you take the best features of ICQ and wrap them into a beautiful new package? Add a dash of occasional instability and you might have Odigo. Also works with MSN, Yahoo, AIM and ICQ.
Download:	Odigo 4.0
Resources:	Check the BigBlueBall Odigo Center.

Are we still missing something? What are you waiting for? Let us know!