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.

• Getting Started with Instant Messaging
• What are Emoticons or Smileys?
• Chat Lingo
• IM Interoperability
• Downloads

Choosing your First Instant Messenger
 

What is Instant Messaging?

What makes instant messaging the fastest growing technology on the Internet? Like email, it allows you to communicate with other people. But like a phone call, you communicate in real-time. Using instant messaging, or simply IM, you can instantly see if your friends are online. If they are, you can send them a quick message and start communicating in real time. IM makes it easy and fun to keep in touch with your friends.

Getting Started

What do you need to get started? Well, first you need to choose an instant messaging program. AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) and MSN Messenger are two of the most popular, and there are many more to choose from. Best of all, they are FREE!

Not sure which instant messaging software to pick? Check with your friends and find out what they use. If you want to chat with them, using the same IM software will make it easy. Some instant messengers allow you to communicate with friends using other IM products. If this is interesting to you, check out our IM interoperability matrix.

Next: Setting Up Your Account