Number 237 - February 2003

Instant Messaging
by Ira Wilsker
With all we seem to be spending on computers, it is nice to know that we can function well, or even improve our computing experience with free software. In recent issues of the Examiner, I have written about several free software utilities for the PC, but for the record, there are thousands of free titles available for all platforms, from PDAs to Macs to PCs to PocketPCs, and some that even work with cellular phones.    One of the most popular computing functions is instant messaging, and there are several free utilities available. Three of the major Internet players have four somewhat incompatible instant messaging utilities, and these four comprise almost 100% of the instant messaging market. They are ICQ (I seek you), AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), Microsoft Messenger (MSN Messenger), and Yahoo Messenger (YM). Each of these four major players has tens of millions of registered users.    For those not familiar with instant messaging, the process is simple. First, the free software must be downloaded and installed, then a list of friends or buddies must be added. All of the services make it easy to locate others to add to your lists. All of the services provide for live, real-time, text messaging, by simply typing a message and sending it; if the other person is online with a compatible IM program, the message will appear on his screen. All of the services are near instant, and enable two or more persons to have a live chat, no matter where on the globe they are located. In addition to chatting with text, all of the later versions of the big four allow for the utilization of a web cam for live video conferencing. All also provide for some direct file transfer, enabling the user to share files, though there are some limits on the sizes of files that can be exchanged, in order to reduce the opportunity for software piracy. All also allow properly configured computers, typically those with a duplex sound card, speakers, and a microphone, to chat live, using voice, instead of typing messages. Boom headsets with integral microphones are popular for this purpose. The IM software is generally so fast and efficient, that many users use instant messaging as a substitute for long distance calling.    There are two separate, though somewhat incompatible IM products, distributed free by AOL. They are ICQ, one of the first highly successful IM products, and AOL Instant Messenger, also known as AIM. ICQ was originally developed by a small group of Israelis, first to chat among themselves as hobbyists, and then to chat with others. The technology utilized at that time in ICQ was superior to that developed by AOL for their AIM product. As a result, AOL paid the ICQ creators about $250 million to buy them out. Now, with over 120 million registered users in 245 countries, ICQ is considered by many to be the premier IM product. AOL now distributes both ICQ and AIM as free adware products, supported by small ads appearing onscreen as the programs are being used. ICQ is available for all PC operating systems, as well as for Mac and	Palm users, and is available from www.icq.com. AIM is available at www.aim.com. Contrary to popular belief, a paid subscription to AOL is not necessary to use AIM, and AOL subscribers who switch to another Internet provider can often retain their established AOL username to use on AIM, even if connecting through another ISP. Many cell phone providers now also provide instant messaging utilizing AIM; this allows instant messages to be sent between computers and cell phones, or cell phones to cell phones. T-Mobile (formerly Voice Stream) offers this as an option on most recent phone models.    Yahoo provided Yahoo Messenger, also referred to as YM. Ad supported just like its competitors, YM is available for free at messenger.yahoo.com. With tens of millions of loyal subscribers, YM is full featured. Text, voice, and video are available, as well as limited file transfer capability. As a new feature, YM now offers interconnectivity with AT&T Wireless cell phones, allowing instant messages to be sent to and from many models of AT&T cell phones. YM is also highly customizable, allowing for a variety of cute interactive backgrounds or IMVironments to appear on the screen of connected users. YM is compatible with most versions of Windows, Mac, and Unix.    The third major player in the IM field is Microsoft, with its MSN Messenger. While one of the most widely distributed message utilities, included with most recent Windows operating systems and late versions of Internet Explorer, MSN Messenger has not had the popularity of some of its competitors, despite it wide distribution and availability. Obtainable freely at messenger.microsoft.com/, MSN Messenger is available for most versions of Windows, as well as for Macs, PocketPCs, Microsoft Internet TVs, and MS Companions. Just like the others, it is advertiser supported, and full featured.    Since there is little interconnectivity among the big four IM utilities, and the dozens of other lesser ones (see tucows.exp.net/cmess95.html for many others), Cerulean Studios has developed Trillian, a free program designed to offer interconnectivity between ICQ, YM, AIM, and MSN Messenger. With over five million users, Trillian is available for free download from www.ceruleanstudios.com    Instant messaging is not just for kids, as there are literally millions of adults who use these utilities for both personal and business use, both for casual and commercial use. ICQ, for example, was originally distributed free to millions of users and made its money by selling internal corporate messaging systems with similar technology. Thousands of chat rooms on almost every conceivable topic are available with each of the programs, enabling users to get instant answers to questions, or find someone with similar interests. Of course, as with all Internet communications, there is no substitute for common sense. As has been said in this column many times before, practice safe HEX.    Copyright Golden Triangle PC Club
Number 237 - February 2003