1. Computing & Technology

Choosing an IM Client: How to Pick the Right IM

Confused about how to choose the right IM clients for your needs? We'll show you how to navigate through all the choices and select the best IM clients for home, school or work.
  1. AIM (3)
  2. Digsby (4)
  3. Google Talk (2)
  4. Trillian (3)

What is Your Messenger Type?

Did you know there are six different categories of IM client software? While each type of messenger will meet the needs of a certain audience, they aren't for everyone. Learn which type of IM client will work best for your needs.

Choosing the Right IM App

If you want to send and receive instant messages on your mobile device, like iPhone, iPod Touch or Android, this guide will help you pick the best IM app for your needs.

The 5 Most Popular IM Clients

Based on the total active users, the five IM clients herein comprise our list of the most popular IM clients on the Internet today.

Connecting with Multi-Protocol IMs

Looking for multi-protocol IMs? Check out our Top 7 multi-protocol IM clients.

Top 12 Web Messengers

Web messengers are a great way to keep in touch without a download, but, which one is best? Check out my picks for the top 12 web messengers online.

Top 3 Email Chat Clients

The introduction of email chat clients to our inboxes has made staying in touch with friends and family even easier. Without missing a beat, you can now send an email and engage in an email chat all from within your web browser. The best part of these email chat clients is no download is necessary, and they are extremely easy to use! Check out our tutorials for the top 3 most popular email chats…

What is AIM?

Learn about the AIM instant messaging client and the 11 different ways to connect with friends on the AIM network and more.

Brosix Public IM Client

Have you heard about Brosix Public IM Client? Learn more about Brosix Public and why its one of the year's hottest IM clients.

Getting Started with Chatab Web Messenger

Looking for a great web messenger? Check out Chatab. Learn more about Chatab's exciting features.

Getting Started on eBuddy Web Messenger

Considering eBuddy Web Messenger? Learn more about the exciting features on eBuddy Web Messenger and why we love this exciting web chat client.

The 5 Types of eBuddy Messengers

eBuddy messengers are a great way to connect to AIM, Facebook Chat, Yahoo Messenger and more all at once, but did you know the 5 eBuddy messengers each have their own specific audiences? Learn which client is best for you in this About.com review.

How to Use eBuddy on PC, Mac Computers

Want to use eBuddy on PC or Mac computers? Regardless of your computer's OS, you can also use eBuddy on PC without a download.

How to Download eBuddy on PC

Want to download eBuddy on PC or Mac computers? Learn how you can download eBuddy on PC and keep connected right from your computer.

Top 10 IM Clients for Facebook Chat

Looking for a good IM client to use Facebook Chat off the site? Go beyond the social network and your web browser and check out these recommendations for the best IM clients for Facebook Chat.

How to Use Google+ Chat

New to Google+ and need help with chat? Check out this extensive illustrated tutorial on how to use Chat within the Google Plus social network.

Google Adds Free PC-to-Phone Voice Chat to Plus

Learn how to make free phone calls in Google Plus Hangouts with extras in this illustrated tutorial for beginners on the popular social network.

All About ICQ

Interested in the latest on ICQ? Learn More About the Latest ICQ IM Client Release.

All About Miranda IM Client

Miranda IM is a simple, easy-to-use IM client with support for multiple protocols. Learn more about Miranda IM.

All About Nimbuzz IM Client

Want to learn more about Nimbuzz? Discover the exciting IM experience Nimbuzz offers on Windows, Mac and mobile.

All About Pidgin IM

Want information on Pidgin IM? Learn more about the exciting Pidgin IM client.

Windows Live Messenger Tips for Beginners

Just getting started on Windows Live Messenger? Learn how to get your own free Windows Live Messenger account and how to use the basic features you need to chat in this guide especially for beginners.

All About Windows Live Messenger

Want to learn more about Windows Live Messenger? Our All About Windows Live Messenger Guide will get you started in using this amazing IM.

All About Yahoo! Messenger

Want to learn more about Yahoo Messenger? Check out our library on Yahoo Messenger and how you can use this IM client to meet new friends!

Yahoo Web Messenger: IM Without Downloading Yahoo Messenger

Looking for Yahoo Messenger on the Web? Learn how to use Yahoo Messenger's Web Messenger without downloading the client.

Comparing Instant Messengers

While instant messengers allow you to communicate with friends, family and associates through text-based messaging, each is a little different from the next. Herein, new users can browse a listing of comparisons, including what features each program offers, etc.

Connect to More Friends with Multi-Protocol IMs

Most instant messenger users have friends across multiple networks these days. Instead of downloading and signing into a number of clients, users can now connect to all their friends with one single IM client.

Portable IMs: Taking IM On the Go

In addition to web-based instant messengers, a number of clients known as portable instant messenger applications are available for IM users with limited access. These clients require download to a USB Drive, rather than to a single PC, allowing for easy access wherever the user--and the USB drive--go.

How to Set Up Miranda Messenger

Need to set up Miranda Messenger? Learn how to add your IM clients to Miranda Messenger.

How to Set Up Your Pidgin Account

Need to set up your Pidgin account? Learn how to set up your Pidgin account linking IM client screen names and more.

Install Windows Live Messenger

Ready to install Windows Live Messenger? This guide illustrates how to download your free Windows Live Messenger software to your PC in eight easy steps. The installation process is simple and you can use your free Windows Live Messenger software within minutes!

Yuuguu Offers Cheap, Free Web Conferencing

Looking for cheap or free web conferencing? Yuuguu offers a high-powered multi-protocol IM client paired with an efficient and cost-effective and even free web conferencing service.

How to Use Facebook Chat

Want to learn how to use Facebook Chat? Explore Facebook Chat features, and how to chat with friends on the social network.

IM Client Directory, From A-Z

Are you looking for a particular IM client ? Need a certain feature in your next IM ? This IM Client directory lists all the IMs we've covered to date from A-Z and provides a brief overview of what users can expect. While some may need to research IM clients by type , this directory presents IM clients in alphabetical order without...

Which IM Client is Your Most Favorite?

Which is the best IM client? About.com readers chimed in to tell us about their favorite IM client.See submissions

eBuddy Mobile for Beginners

Want to download an eBuddy Mobile client? Learn about the 4 types of eBuddy Mobile clients, and which one will best fit your mobile IM needs, including eBuddy for iPhone, Android, mobile phones and web-based mobile clients.

Compare Skype Premium and Skype Free Services

Are the Skype Premium features worth the cost? Learn more about the differences between the premium version and Skype Free before your sign up.

How to Find Online OkCupid Users

Having trouble finding people to chat with on OkCupid? This brief guide will illustrate how to find who is online in just a few easy steps.

How to Use OkCupid IM

Need help with the OkCupid instant messenger? Learn how to use all the OkCupid IM features in this brief illustrated tutorial.

Is Socialbox Spamming Your Facebook Friends?

Zoosk, Inc. responds to spam and privacy concerns regarding its Socialbox Facebook messenger, plus learn how to opt-out of receiving invitations from this service.

Discuss in my forum

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.