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

Instant Messaging Interoperability Matrix

Interoperability is the holy grail of instant messaging, allowing your instant messenger to communicate with other instant messenger platforms. How does your instant messenger stack up when it comes to interoperability?

IM Interoperability

  AIM ICQ IRC Jabber MSN Yahoo!
AIM X X        
APNI.NET X X     X X
AT&T X       X X
Easy Message X X     X X
EveryBuddy X X   X X X
Excite Messenger            
Exodus (Jabber) * *   X * *
Gaim X X X X X X
iChat X          
ICQ X X        
Imici X       X  
Indiatimes Messenger X X     X X
Integrity X X     X X
JabberIM   X   X X  
Lycos Messenger X       X  
MaxxChat X X X   X X
MECA X X     X X
Miranda X X X X X X
mIRC     X      
MSN         X  
Odigo X X     X X
Omni X X     X X
PalTalk X X     X X
PowWow            
Rival (Jabber) * *   X * *
Sonork X X     X X
SIM X X   X X X
Sympatico IM X X     X X
Trillian X X X 2.0 X X
Vista X X X X X X
WIC Messenger X X     X X
Yahoo!           X

Updated on July 30, 2004. Got an update? Contact Us.

*Interoperability depends on configuration of the Jabber server you're using.

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
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