Instant Messaging - Free Instant Messenger Systems
Windows Live Messenger
Windows Live Messenger (formerly MSN Instant Messenger) supports PC-to-PC phone calling and folder sharing in addition to basic Internet chat features.
MSN Web Messenger
MSN Instant Messenger is a popular P2P Web application for Windows. The official MSN Messenger software and a popular add-on are both available for free Internet download.
Gaim Instant Messenger Download
Gaim is a cross-platform instant messenger that supports multiple popular IM network protocols including AIM, Yahoo! and MSN. Download Gaim from the locations listed here.
ICQ
ICQ is a software system for instant messaging originally developed in 1996. ICQ allows any two registered people on the Internet to interact either "live" (like a person-to-person chat) or disconnected (like email).
Emoticon
Emoticons, also sometimes known as smileys, are symbolic facial expressions intended to convey human emotions. Emoticons are commonly used in instant messaging systems.
A Grown-Up's Guide to Instant Messaging
AIM may be the most popular IM client, but alternatives exist that also offer interesting network capabilities. See how the others compare and rate.