5 Types of IM Clients

Before you can begin using IM with friends and family you should consider what type of IM will be the most appropriate for your needs. While most IMs perform the same way and offer many similar features, such as audio/webcam chat or file sharing, each specific type offers a different focus for a specific audience. This list introduces the different types of IMs and explains the differences between them.

Single-Protocol IMs

The most popular IMs typically fall under the category of single-protocol IMs. These clients connect their users often to only one or two networks of IM users, limiting the end user’s contacts to only those who appear on their respective network. These type of IMs are typically supported by advertising and offer a number of media-rich features.

• Compare Single-Protocol IM Clients

Multi-Protocol IMs

While single-protocol IM clients offer access to a limited number of users, multi-protocol IMs can greatly expand the number of contacts their users can chat with. As their name suggests, these clients let users connect to most major IMs, including AIM, Yahoo! Messenger, Google Talk and Windows Live Messenger. These type of IMs are typically created by third-party developers and offer features similar to the industry’s most popular clients.

• Connect with More Friends on Multi-Protocol IMs

Web-Based IMs

When using IM away from home, users are often blocked from accessing IM by security features on school or work computers. Instead of trying to download and install an IM client (which often fails because of administrative, IT and virus protection settings), IM users can take advantage of user-friendly, multi-protocol IM services available by accessing a single website.

• IM on the Go with Web-Based IMs

Enterprise IMs

Although many users find IM as a great way to keep in touch with family and friends, many businesses are now turning to the power of IM for their business communications. Enterprise IMs are specialized messengers that offer all the features of IM with the security businesses need.

• Getting IM for your Workplace

Portable IMs

In addition to Web-Based IMs, users can also rely on the power of their favorite instant messenger to go. Portable IMs allow users access their clients on a USB flash drive; once installed on the flash drive, these mini-versions of their computer-based counterparts can be used by plugging the drive into the computer and opened like a normal file.

• Get Plugged-In with Portable IMs

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IM for Mac

While there are many IM clients available to Windows and Linux operating systems, Mac users can find a limited but exciting variety of instant messengers for their computers. Download these clients and start sending IMs on Mac.

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