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There are only a few kinds in widespread use particularly with home computers, and these are:
| IM Software |
Features |
| ICQ |
A play on the phrase 'I seek you', this software has a huge and fanatical following. Originally developed by a small firm called 'Mirabilis', it has now been bought by AOL but still retains its quirky, independent character |
| AOL Instant Messenger |
Originally developed for AOL users only, AIM is now open (and free) for anyone to use and has a nice simple style |
| Yahoo! Messenger |
From the famous Yahoo! internet directory, and it fits in well with Yahoo's other services |
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MSN Messenger |
Microsoft's offering - good if you already use the Microsoft network MSN |
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Odigo and Omni
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Flexible messaging systems that allow you to talk to people who use any of the other types listed above |
There are others. Have a look at the software sites, CNET or Tucows for PCs or Tucows Mac site for Macs.
Getting started
Once you have decided which one you want to use, download the software to your computer by following the 'download' buttons or links from the relevant website.
This will usually download an 'installer' program rather than the messaging program itself: once you have downloaded it, double click on the installer program and the software will be installed on your machine.
As part of this process, or when you first come to use the messaging software itself, you will be asked to register.
You'll also receive your own instant messaging nickname - the equivalent of your phone number or e-mail address, which others will see when they exchange messages with you.
With many IMs your e-mail address is used as your nickname.
The buddy list
At the heart of the instant messaging experience is the list of your special contacts with who you want to exchange messages, known variously as the 'buddy list', the 'contact list' or the 'friend list'.
If there is someone you want to send instant messages to, you need to ask them if they already use an instant messaging program.
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