Instant Messaging (Internet)

Transporter Peer to Peer is a software for personal file sharing across local networks or the Internet. It uses non-server based P2P connections with customizable encryption and password protection for added security. You can use the program to text chat, transfer files via drag&drop and also share local folders and browse shared folders of the remote contact (if enabled). Transporter Peer to Peer supports direct IP connection as well as dynamic DNS services. Other features include transfer resume, contact notifications, auto-connect and more.

Weblin is a unique chat messenger that allows you to see which other people are on the same website you are on. Each user is represented by a custom avatar along the bottom of the browser window, and you can communicate with other users via chat balloon, chat room or private chat. The program works similar to standard Instant Messengers, allowing you to maintain a list of friends, be notified when they come online and so on. Weblin automatically integrates with Internet Explorer and Firefox. At the time of this review, the majority of users were in Germany and few were found on US sites, however that will probably change once the program becomes more widely used.

ConCon Retriever enables you to browse, access and backup all your MSN Messenger/ Windows Live Messenger content files, including custom emoticons, winks, display pictures, DDP`s and backgrounds. You can either backup everything into a single file or transfer your content to another user account or computer. Standalone, no installation required.

Yahoo!Messenger is an instant messenger that lets you stay in touch with other Yahoo! users. It includes features like PC-to-Mobile conversations, emoticons, web cam support, Yahoo! email integration, conference chat file transfers and much more. It also offers stock alerts, calendar integration, news and weather updates as well as an integrated address book and more.

With so many different chat mediums such as MSN Messenger, AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ and IRC available today, there needs to be a single unified program for people to communicate with. With Trillian, all these chat networks are combined into a powerful, easy to use program. Trillian currently supports AIM, ICQ, MSN Messenger, IRC, and now Yahoo Messenger. The program can be skinned and has an easy to use modern interface. Additional features include file transfers, Mail and Message Alerts, EmotiSounds and more.

Pidgin (formerly GAIM) is a multi-platform instant messaging client that allows you to connect with all your buddies from a single messenger, even if they are using different networks. It supports MSN, AIM,ICQ, Yahoo, IRC, Groupwise, QQ, SILC, SIMPLE, Sametime and XMPP. You can login to multiple messenger accounts at one, allowing you to chat with your buddies on Yahoo, ICQ and MSN (for example) at the same time. It supports all of the standard messenger features including online status, file transfers, contact blocking, contact aliases, buddy groups, status notifications and more. Pidgin also supports plug-ins to add additional functionality.

Miranda IM is a multi protocol instant messenger client with support for ICQ, MSN, Yahoo, Jabber and other protocols. Miranda is much smaller and not nearly as resource consuming as ICQ, MSN, AIM etc., yet it offers most of the basic functionality like member search, online status (away,busy etc) as well as import of an existing contacts and more. The following protocols are available as separate downloads on the website: Gadu-Gadu, ICQ Groupware, IRC, Yahoo, Netsend, EmLanProto, Vypress Chat, POP3 & Tlen. There are also more than 170 free plugins available for download.

BitWise IM is a direct connect messenger and voice chat program, that encrypts all chats and file transfers. It is designed to operate with minimal server interaction and offers a completely server-free mode, text macros, offline messaging, offline message forwarding to email, invisible mode, custom away messages and more. It also includes file transfer and a web interface for sending messages and checking offline messages - so even if you re away from your computer, you can still check messages as long as you have access to a browser. The additional whiteboard, allows users to share a drawing interface that supports full color, layers, and even images as well as freehand drawings. BitWise IM is an easy to use chat client for people that want to get away from the masses and chat in a more private and secure environment. The program uses a standalone executable, that does not require an install. Free account registration required, in order to activate your username.

Windows Live Messenger is the next generation of MSN Messenger. It supports video chats, phone-to-phone, phone-to-PC calls and conventional text chats with full support for emoticons, font formatting and more. Windows Live Messenger integrates support for Yahoo!, enabling you to chat with your Yahoo! buddies from the same application. Other features include file sharing, SMS messaging, Live Contacts address book and more. This version offers many improvements over the old MSN Messenger, and the video chat produces high quality, full motion video, even in full-screen.

SEN (Social Entertainment Network) provides a way to meet new people for friendship, romance, contacts, or just to chat to pass the time. You can browse pictures, profiles and personals of other members, chat with them or use the built-in Instant Messenger to stay in touch. It comes with a match making feature that automatically suggests people with the same interest and in your area. Additional features include a contact notepad to keep notes about anyone you meet, personal contact list, profiles with pictures, automatic photo resizing, telegrams, built-in chat rooms and more.

Exchange messages, chat or transfer files with any instan-t or ICQ user as well as import your ICQ account and contact list in secconds. instan-t offers message transfer encryption and skin technology that lets you fully customize the appearance. With instan-t you can see and control who includes you in his contact list and you can have all your contacts and settings anywhere you connect. It can also be used behind a proxy server or firewall.

ICQ Lite is the slimmed down version of the popular ICQ instant messenger. It contains all the essential features including file transfer, chat and more, but none of the advanced options that many user may not need. You can upgrade the Lite version to the fully featured one at anytime from within the software without losing your settings.

ICQ ("I seek you") is the popular instant messaging program that lets you communicate with friends and colleagues in real time. Features include a quick launch bar, music file support, ICQmail, a new answering service, and more. This version also works with Internet TCP/IP connections, allowing communication behind firewalls. Additional features include Web searching from within ICQ; support for an unlimited amount of text in messages; a variety of font styles and text and background colors to choose from; a pop-up menu of built-in services such as reminders, to-do lists, notes, and email options; and a convenient tabbed chart of ICQ networks, including Sports, Students, and Science and Technology. In addition, a Groups feature makes it possible to organize large contact lists into manageable categories. Works behind a firewall!

MSN Contacts Manager allows you to manage MSN Messenger contacts with or without MSN Messenger installed. You can merge contacts with files, the currently listed contacts or with a reverse lookup. If you have MSN Messenger installed, you can import existing contacts, add the new contacts to it or synchronize completely. Your contact list can be printed or exported to XML template or HTML.