Instant Messaging: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Are You a Good IM Buddy?
Want to find out if your IM friendship is priceless or more pestilent? Take this quiz and measure your Instant Messaging Etiquette savvy.
Want to find out if your IM friendship is priceless or more pestilent? Take this quiz and measure your Instant Messaging Etiquette savvy.
IMBest
Which Instant Messenger is the Best IM of 2008? Readers of IM.About.com are invited to share their experiences on their favorite instant messengers, features and developers.
Which Instant Messenger is the Best IM of 2008? Readers of IM.About.com are invited to share their experiences on their favorite instant messengers, features and developers.
Readers Reveal Their Favorites
Which Instant Messenger is the Best IM of 2008? In March 2008, readers of IM.About.com are invited to share their experiences on their favorite instant messengers, features and developers. In April, readers concluded the contest with a ten-day voting period to select the following winners of the 2008 IM BEST AWARDS.
Which Instant Messenger is the Best IM of 2008? In March 2008, readers of IM.About.com are invited to share their experiences on their favorite instant messengers, features and developers. In April, readers concluded the contest with a ten-day voting period to select the following winners of the 2008 IM BEST AWARDS.
Five Bad IM Habits
Want to keep your IM contacts longer? Avoid these most often practiced annoyances on instant messenger
Want to keep your IM contacts longer? Avoid these most often practiced annoyances on instant messenger
Expressions Library
Want to personalize your AOL Instant Messenger experience? The Expressions library is a great way to add a little color and personality to your instant messages! This handy, illustrated guide will show you what is available!
Want to personalize your AOL Instant Messenger experience? The Expressions library is a great way to add a little color and personality to your instant messages! This handy, illustrated guide will show you what is available!
YahELite
Yahoo! Messenger users blocked from using their favorite IM because of a network firewall can still have access to their contacts with as little as a USB drive and YahELite, a third-party portable IM.
Yahoo! Messenger users blocked from using their favorite IM because of a network firewall can still have access to their contacts with as little as a USB drive and YahELite, a third-party portable IM.
Browser-Based IMs
Browser-based IMs are gaining in popularity, allowing users to access all their friends via a single website without having to install an IM client.
Browser-based IMs are gaining in popularity, allowing users to access all their friends via a single website without having to install an IM client.
AIM SMS Messages
One of the great new features packaged with AOL Instant Messenger is the ability to send free SMS text messages to your Buddies’ cell phones. This easy-to-use guide will help you learn how to send SMS messages over AIM.
One of the great new features packaged with AOL Instant Messenger is the ability to send free SMS text messages to your Buddies’ cell phones. This easy-to-use guide will help you learn how to send SMS messages over AIM.
A Step-By-Step Guide
Ready to start instant messaging with AOL Instant Messenger? This easy-to-use, illustrated tutorial provides step-by-step directions on how to install your new IM client.
Ready to start instant messaging with AOL Instant Messenger? This easy-to-use, illustrated tutorial provides step-by-step directions on how to install your new IM client.
PixaMSN
Windows Live Messenger/MSN Messenger users blocked from using their favorite IM because of a network firewall can still have access to their contacts with as little as a USB drive and PixaMSN, a third-party portable IM.
Windows Live Messenger/MSN Messenger users blocked from using their favorite IM because of a network firewall can still have access to their contacts with as little as a USB drive and PixaMSN, a third-party portable IM.
IM Acronyms
Whether a POS (parent over shoulder) hoping to understand your child's IM-savvy lingo or a new IM user hoping to sharpen your netspeak, this glossary of IM acronyms and abbreviations is a great resource to broaden your online language skills.
Whether a POS (parent over shoulder) hoping to understand your child's IM-savvy lingo or a new IM user hoping to sharpen your netspeak, this glossary of IM acronyms and abbreviations is a great resource to broaden your online language skills.
IM History
From the mid 90s through 2005, the instant messenging industry boomed, with all the most popular IMs coming into fruition: AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, MSN (now Windows Live Messenger), Google Talk and others. But, it all started with a product called Quantum Link.
From the mid 90s through 2005, the instant messenging industry boomed, with all the most popular IMs coming into fruition: AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, MSN (now Windows Live Messenger), Google Talk and others. But, it all started with a product called Quantum Link.
Downloading Digsby
Ready to try Digsby? Follow this handy step-by-step guide to discover how to download this IM client for free.
Ready to try Digsby? Follow this handy step-by-step guide to discover how to download this IM client for free.
Installing MySpaceIM
Registered users of MySpace.com, a social networking Web site, have the ability to communicate with friends and other members through the site's dedicated instant messenger, MySpaceIM. Learn how to to download, install and sign on to the program with this simple tutorial.
Registered users of MySpace.com, a social networking Web site, have the ability to communicate with friends and other members through the site's dedicated instant messenger, MySpaceIM. Learn how to to download, install and sign on to the program with this simple tutorial.
Sending an IM with AIM
This handy, illustrated step-by-step guide makes sending an instant message with AOL Instant Messenger a breeze for users new and old!
This handy, illustrated step-by-step guide makes sending an instant message with AOL Instant Messenger a breeze for users new and old!
AIM Voice Chat
The Voice Chat feature on AOL Instant Messenger is one of the most exciting advancements in instant messaging to date, allowing users to send and receive voice “messages” in real time to Buddies from around the world for free.
The Voice Chat feature on AOL Instant Messenger is one of the most exciting advancements in instant messaging to date, allowing users to send and receive voice “messages” in real time to Buddies from around the world for free.
IMs Compared
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.
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.
AIM Buddy List
Need to add a buddy to your buddy list? This easy-to-use, step-by-step guide can illustrate how to add that new friend in your life to AOL Instant Messenger
Need to add a buddy to your buddy list? This easy-to-use, step-by-step guide can illustrate how to add that new friend in your life to AOL Instant Messenger
WLM Friends
Want to add a new friend to your Windows Live Messenger list? This handy, step-by-step guide will show you how!
Want to add a new friend to your Windows Live Messenger list? This handy, step-by-step guide will show you how!
IM Etiquette Tips for Work
Become a courteous coworker on instant messenger with these eight important etiquette rules and best practices.
Become a courteous coworker on instant messenger with these eight important etiquette rules and best practices.
Yahoo! Vista
[p]Reaching new aesthetic heights as an IM client, Yahoo! Messenger for Vista 1.0 Beta looks better than ever, but does not offer much else in this current test release. With rich colors, a new interface design and a little flexibility, however, Yahoo’s most recent release is enough to make any Windows Vista user salivate.
[p]Reaching new aesthetic heights as an IM client, Yahoo! Messenger for Vista 1.0 Beta looks better than ever, but does not offer much else in this current test release. With rich colors, a new interface design and a little flexibility, however, Yahoo’s most recent release is enough to make any Windows Vista user salivate.
Best Plugins for AIM
With an extensive library of plugins, it is easy to overload AIM 6.8. Here are the top five best plugins for the newest AIM release so you can have the best, while keeping the client efficient.
With an extensive library of plugins, it is easy to overload AIM 6.8. Here are the top five best plugins for the newest AIM release so you can have the best, while keeping the client efficient.
Seven More Bad IM Habits
After posting our Five Annoying Habits on Instant Messenger, About.com readers jumped at the chance to share even more bad habits.
After posting our Five Annoying Habits on Instant Messenger, About.com readers jumped at the chance to share even more bad habits.
Is IM Destroying English?
Two academics debate whether instant messaging lingo, also known as netspeak, is destroying the English language.
Two academics debate whether instant messaging lingo, also known as netspeak, is destroying the English language.
AP-AOL IM Survey
After more than a decade as a communication medium, the instant messaging industry is facing a second-generation surge of patronage spurred by increased cell phone and social networking usage, a new survey reveals.
After more than a decade as a communication medium, the instant messaging industry is facing a second-generation surge of patronage spurred by increased cell phone and social networking usage, a new survey reveals.
PidginPortable
Pidgin Instant Messenger (formerly Gaim) users with limited access because of firewalls on a school or workplace networks can still access all their favorite contacts with Pidgin Portable and a USB drive.
Pidgin Instant Messenger (formerly Gaim) users with limited access because of firewalls on a school or workplace networks can still access all their favorite contacts with Pidgin Portable and a USB drive.
AIM Dashboard
AIM Dashboard acts as a central command center for AOL Instant Messenger.
AIM Dashboard acts as a central command center for AOL Instant Messenger.
Installing Google Talk
Decided on trying Google Talk? This easy-to-use, step-by-step guide provides directions on how to install your new IM client.
Decided on trying Google Talk? This easy-to-use, step-by-step guide provides directions on how to install your new IM client.
Buddy Info
Buddy Info is a simple, user-created profile for AOL Instant Messenger.
Buddy Info is a simple, user-created profile for AOL Instant Messenger.
Using Buddy Chat
Want to chat with more than one friend at a time in AOL Instant Messenger? This easy-to-use, illustrated guide will prompt you through the process of creating a Buddy Chat room.
Want to chat with more than one friend at a time in AOL Instant Messenger? This easy-to-use, illustrated guide will prompt you through the process of creating a Buddy Chat room.
Trillian Set-Up
Before users can use Trillian, they must set it up first. The initial set-up is easy. This easy-to-use, step-by-step guide will help new users successfully prepare Trillian for use.
Before users can use Trillian, they must set it up first. The initial set-up is easy. This easy-to-use, step-by-step guide will help new users successfully prepare Trillian for use.
Buddy Chat
Buddy Chat is a feature of AOL Instant Messenger allowing users to chat with more than one user in either a pre-existing or user-created chatroom.
Buddy Chat is a feature of AOL Instant Messenger allowing users to chat with more than one user in either a pre-existing or user-created chatroom.
Setting Up Digsby
Need to edit or remove an account on Digsby? Check out this guide to changing your account settings.
Need to edit or remove an account on Digsby? Check out this guide to changing your account settings.
iChat Users Face Rare Virus
A rare Trojan virus has hit Apple's iChat and Limewire users that could potentially affect security with the operating system.
A rare Trojan virus has hit Apple's iChat and Limewire users that could potentially affect security with the operating system.
Portable IMs
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.
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.
Get Lost in Lively
Google Lively, a new 3-D instant messenger, brings virtual chat to a whole new level for IM users.
Google Lively, a new 3-D instant messenger, brings virtual chat to a whole new level for IM users.
Adium 1.2: Best Mac Client
With brains and beauty (and few major issues to report), Adium 1.2 is poised to quickly become the favorite instant messaging client among the Mac universe.
With brains and beauty (and few major issues to report), Adium 1.2 is poised to quickly become the favorite instant messaging client among the Mac universe.
Mirandaportable
IM users who favor Miranda but are limited in access at school or work because of firewalls can still access all their favorite contacts with Miranda Portable and a USB drive.
IM users who favor Miranda but are limited in access at school or work because of firewalls can still access all their favorite contacts with Miranda Portable and a USB drive.
Installing Digsby
After the successful download of the Digsby instant messaging client, users must install the client in order to use it.
After the successful download of the Digsby instant messaging client, users must install the client in order to use it.
MySpaceIM vs. FacebookIM
We test both social networking giant's instant messengers to find whether MySpaceIM or FacebookIM is a better IM client.
We test both social networking giant's instant messengers to find whether MySpaceIM or FacebookIM is a better IM client.
Y! Messenger for Mac
Yahoo! Messenger is an amazing instant messaging solution for the Mac, especially with its new visual design fitting so perfectly with the Mac interface. For the messenger that needs to keep in touch with ALL of his contacts, and doesn’t mind using another chat client, Yahoo! Messenger is definitely a thumbs up.
Yahoo! Messenger is an amazing instant messaging solution for the Mac, especially with its new visual design fitting so perfectly with the Mac interface. For the messenger that needs to keep in touch with ALL of his contacts, and doesn’t mind using another chat client, Yahoo! Messenger is definitely a thumbs up.
TerraIM
IM users who favor AIM and ICQ but are limited in access at school or work because of firewalls can still access all their favorite contacts with TerraIM and a USB drive.
IM users who favor AIM and ICQ but are limited in access at school or work because of firewalls can still access all their favorite contacts with TerraIM and a USB drive.
Cingular commericals
Hilarious Cingular Commercials Illustrate the Interesting World of NetSpeak, Internet Language, Lingo, Instant Messaging Acronyms
Hilarious Cingular Commercials Illustrate the Interesting World of NetSpeak, Internet Language, Lingo, Instant Messaging Acronyms
IMs for Business
While there are a multitude of public IMs available, there are very few good business instant messengers (also known as enterprise IMs) on the market.
While there are a multitude of public IMs available, there are very few good business instant messengers (also known as enterprise IMs) on the market.
MySpaceIM Flat on Attitude
With few personalization options and a flat, gray box serving as a window to the open MySpace world, the no-frills MySpaceIM is less confident than expected.
With few personalization options and a flat, gray box serving as a window to the open MySpace world, the no-frills MySpaceIM is less confident than expected.
Installing Trillian
Ready to try Trillian? This easy-to-use, step-by-step guide provides all the directions you'll need to install your new IM client.
Ready to try Trillian? This easy-to-use, step-by-step guide provides all the directions you'll need to install your new IM client.
MiniAIM
IM users who favor AIM but are limited in access at school or work because of firewalls can still access all their favorite contacts with MiniAIM and a USB drive.
IM users who favor AIM but are limited in access at school or work because of firewalls can still access all their favorite contacts with MiniAIM and a USB drive.
Away Message
An away message conveys that a user is currently busy or not available to instant message.
An away message conveys that a user is currently busy or not available to instant message.
The IM Initiative
Want to give back to your favorite organization while chatting online? Windows Live Messenger offers users the option of designating a charity to benefit from the IM Initiative, which awards donation dollars for every IM sent. This is a free program.
Want to give back to your favorite organization while chatting online? Windows Live Messenger offers users the option of designating a charity to benefit from the IM Initiative, which awards donation dollars for every IM sent. This is a free program.
iChat
With a sleek design and easy-to-use interface, iChat is poised to become the standard in instant messaging on the Mac plaform.
With a sleek design and easy-to-use interface, iChat is poised to become the standard in instant messaging on the Mac plaform.
Five Tips for IM Safety
Five tips for keeping safe from harassment, sexual advances and viruses on instant messenger.
Five tips for keeping safe from harassment, sexual advances and viruses on instant messenger.
IMs Released to the Public
With a number of high-profile cases, analysts said instant messages and electronic communications are becoming the most sought records under state records request laws.
With a number of high-profile cases, analysts said instant messages and electronic communications are becoming the most sought records under state records request laws.
IM Helps in Language Studies
Linguistics professor Susana M. Sotillo says instant messaging is a great collaborative tool for learning a foreign language with a native-speaking tutor present.
Linguistics professor Susana M. Sotillo says instant messaging is a great collaborative tool for learning a foreign language with a native-speaking tutor present.
IM Timeline
The history of instant messengers is wide, spanning over three decades of new developments and innovations. From peer-to-peer protocol to Trillian, the industry has come a long way from its roots in the 1970s. Herein lies a timeline of the most common IMs, their release dates and new features that swept the world—-and its users—-over.
The history of instant messengers is wide, spanning over three decades of new developments and innovations. From peer-to-peer protocol to Trillian, the industry has come a long way from its roots in the 1970s. Herein lies a timeline of the most common IMs, their release dates and new features that swept the world—-and its users—-over.
Instant Messaging - Articles
An index of Articles for the Instant Messaging guide site.
An index of Articles for the Instant Messaging guide site.
Stealth Settings
A feature of Yahoo! Messenger which allows users to designate how other users see them on their individual friends list.
A feature of Yahoo! Messenger which allows users to designate how other users see them on their individual friends list.
SMS Messages
A message sent directly to a cell phone via an IM client.
A message sent directly to a cell phone via an IM client.
Instant Messaging - StepBySteps
An index of StepBySteps for the Instant Messaging guide site.
An index of StepBySteps for the Instant Messaging guide site.
U.S. Presidential IM Icons
Voice your choice for president of the United States with these instant messenger icons.
Voice your choice for president of the United States with these instant messenger icons.
Plugins
These small installer applications expand multimedia features to an IM client.
These small installer applications expand multimedia features to an IM client.
Buddy List
The Buddy List is listing of other users a person regularly sends instant messages to.
The Buddy List is listing of other users a person regularly sends instant messages to.
Sending IM Invitations
Whether you are throwing an impromptu party or a well-planned fiesta, sending IMs is a great way to invite people to your next get-together.
Whether you are throwing an impromptu party or a well-planned fiesta, sending IMs is a great way to invite people to your next get-together.
Study Finds IM Good at Work
While many might adopt the common belief that instant messaging slows efficiency on the jobsite, new research between Ohio State University and University of California, Irvine might soon put those ideas to rest.
While many might adopt the common belief that instant messaging slows efficiency on the jobsite, new research between Ohio State University and University of California, Irvine might soon put those ideas to rest.
IM Logging
A feature which saves the dialogue between two IM users from every instant message sent.
A feature which saves the dialogue between two IM users from every instant message sent.
AIM File Sharing
Need to share a document or file with a Buddy? This easy-to-use guide makes file sharing easy on AOL Instant Messenger!
Need to share a document or file with a Buddy? This easy-to-use guide makes file sharing easy on AOL Instant Messenger!
Most Popular IMs in Business
A 2008 study by Palo Alto Networks reveals the most utilized instant messengers in 20 business enterprises. Researchers also found the proliferation of web-based IMs present at the sites analyzed.
A 2008 study by Palo Alto Networks reveals the most utilized instant messengers in 20 business enterprises. Researchers also found the proliferation of web-based IMs present at the sites analyzed.
How to Stop a Cyberbully
Are you being victimized by a cyberbully on IM? Follow these steps to stop another user from harassing you or any others in the future.
Are you being victimized by a cyberbully on IM? Follow these steps to stop another user from harassing you or any others in the future.