Comparing the Most Popular IM Clients
Comparing the Most Popular IM Clients
While most single-protocol IM clients allow users to perform the most basic task of sending IMs, each one is a little bit different from the next.
From features like voice and webcam chat to IM to phone integration, finding the right IM can be difficult without comparing them beforehand.
This guide is designed to help introduce and familiarize new users with the most current IM client releases; herein readers can help choose a single-protocol IM, learn what is new with their favorite IMclient or compare programs side-by-side.
AIM
AIM is the most widely used IM program in America with an estimated 53 million users, according to Nielsen/Netratings.
A long-standing leader in the IM market, AIM was one of the first IM clients to offer features such as photo and file sharing, audio/webcam chat and IM-to-cell phone integration.
With AIM's newest release, version 6.9 beta, users can:
New users can receive a screenname and download AIM for free.
Broadband Internet connection is recommended for multimedia and live video chatting capabilities.
AIM for Mac and Linux OS are also available.
Yahoo! Messenger
With 22 million users, Yahoo! Messenger is the third largest IM program in the world.
However, thanks to new developments in its latest release, users can now IM Windows Live Messenger users over one of the largest instant messaging networks in the world.
In addition to sending IMs, Yahoo! Messenger 9.0 users can also:
Users can join and download Yahoo! Messenger for free.
Requires Windows XP or above. Yahoo! Messenger for Mac and Linux versions are also available.
Whether they call it MSN or by its newer moniker, Windows Live Messenger, 27 million users agree it's America's second most popular IM client.
Standard on most computers with a Windows OS, Windows Live Messenger integrates Windows-based programs with a sleek, features-rich IM. With the beta testing of Windows Live Messenger 2009, users can now:
Philanthropists can also participate in Windows Live Messenger's IM Initiative, which shares a portion of the client's advertising revenue with the charity of each user's choice for every IM sent.
Get your free Windows Live Messenger download and screenname today.
Need Help Installing Windows Live Messenger? Check out our Windows Live Messenger Installation Guide.
Windows Live Messenger requires Windows XP and above.
Still in its infancy, Google Talk is the fourth most popular IM in America, with 866,000 users.
Google's solution to IM, Google Talk integrates seamlessly with Google programs and products, such as Gmail.
In its current version, Google Talk users can:
Google Talk is free to download and use.
While most single-protocol IM clients allow users to perform the most basic task of sending IMs, each one is a little bit different from the next.
From features like voice and webcam chat to IM to phone integration, finding the right IM can be difficult without comparing them beforehand.
This guide is designed to help introduce and familiarize new users with the most current IM client releases; herein readers can help choose a single-protocol IM, learn what is new with their favorite IMclient or compare programs side-by-side.
AIM
AIM is the most widely used IM program in America with an estimated 53 million users, according to Nielsen/Netratings.
A long-standing leader in the IM market, AIM was one of the first IM clients to offer features such as photo and file sharing, audio/webcam chat and IM-to-cell phone integration.
With AIM's newest release, version 6.9 beta, users can:
- send and receive IMs
- share photos and files through IM
- launch voice/webcam chat
- access free AIM chat rooms
- automatically save IMs through IM logging
- receive messages while offline
- personalize with AIM Expressions
- send free text messages
- broadcast status messages
- and, enhance the AIM experience with AIM plugins.
New users can receive a screenname and download AIM for free.
Requirements:
- Windows 2000 or higher
- Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
- 128MB RAM/512MB for enhanced multimedia features
- Macromedia Flash
- Microphone and speakers/headset for voice/audio chat.
Broadband Internet connection is recommended for multimedia and live video chatting capabilities.
AIM for Mac and Linux OS are also available.
Yahoo! Messenger
With 22 million users, Yahoo! Messenger is the third largest IM program in the world.
However, thanks to new developments in its latest release, users can now IM Windows Live Messenger users over one of the largest instant messaging networks in the world.
In addition to sending IMs, Yahoo! Messenger 9.0 users can also:
- communicate through video and voice chat
- share photos and videos in the new built-in media player
- join lively discussions in Yahoo! Chat
- make PC-to-phone calls for a low per-minute rate
- personalize IM text/fonts, window skins and profiles
- enjoy automatic scanning of shared files with Norton Antivirus
- and accept messages offline and on your cell phone.
Users can join and download Yahoo! Messenger for free.
Requires Windows XP or above. Yahoo! Messenger for Mac and Linux versions are also available.
Whether they call it MSN or by its newer moniker, Windows Live Messenger, 27 million users agree it's America's second most popular IM client.
Standard on most computers with a Windows OS, Windows Live Messenger integrates Windows-based programs with a sleek, features-rich IM. With the beta testing of Windows Live Messenger 2009, users can now:
- create IM groups
- participate in webcam and PC-to-PC calls
- send free text messages
- receive offline IMs
- chat with Yahoo! Messenger users
- chat with gamers on the XBOX 360 system
- update status messages
- share files and photos
- and, personalize the messenger with a rich library of emoticons, fonts, colors and skins.
Philanthropists can also participate in Windows Live Messenger's IM Initiative, which shares a portion of the client's advertising revenue with the charity of each user's choice for every IM sent.
Get your free Windows Live Messenger download and screenname today.
Need Help Installing Windows Live Messenger? Check out our Windows Live Messenger Installation Guide.
Windows Live Messenger requires Windows XP and above.
Microsoft Messenger for Mac
If you love Windows Live Messenger, download Microsoft Messenger for MacStill in its infancy, Google Talk is the fourth most popular IM in America, with 866,000 users.
Google's solution to IM, Google Talk integrates seamlessly with Google programs and products, such as Gmail.
In its current version, Google Talk users can:
- Send IMs with Google Talk and Gmail users
- maintain a Google Talk contacts list
- make free PC-to-PC calls
- send and receive free voicemail
- enjoy automatic IM archiving in Gmail
- and, access unlimited file sharing.
Google Talk is free to download and use.
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