Multi-protocol Instant Messengers
I use Trillian the majority of the time that I'm logged into my instant messenger accounts. It's a great program. The free (Basic) version has lots of features and the Pro version has even more. Both versions support AIM, ICQ, MSNM, Y!M, and IRC.
I like using GAIM under Linux and Windows. "Gaim is a multi-protocol instant messaging client for Linux, BSD, MacOS X, and Windows. It is compatible with AIM (Oscar and TOC protocols), ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo, IRC, Jabber, Gadu-Gadu, and Zephyr networks. Gaim users can log in to multiple accounts on multiple IM networks simultaneously. This means that you can be chatting with friends on AOL Instant Messenger, talking to a friend on Yahoo Messenger, and sitting in an IRC channel all at the same time."
"Rival Messenger is a windows based instant messaging client based roughly on everything good that's available in the different commercial Instant Messaging Clients." It supports Jabber, AIM, ICQ, and MSNM.
I was not very impressed with Miranda, but you could try it. It uses lots of modules and plugins so it is easy to put on floppy disks, but its user interface is not as nice as Trillian. I have never gotten around to trying Integrity Messenger, so I don't know what it is like. Kopete is another Instant Messenger for Linux. I have never used it.
Easy Message supports AIM, ICQ, MSNM, Y!M. The best thing about it is that it is about 240 KB, however, it lacks many of the features found in the other clients. I haven't used it myself, but it lacks features that I look for in a program like this.
Check the .NET (MSN) Messenger Service status
AIM Express
How do you get in touch with your online buddies when you are away from your home computer? How can you send instant messages when you can't download the AIM software? The answer is simple -- AIM Express!! You can use this FREE tool to view your own personalized list of buddies and send them IMs. Thanks to AIM Express, it's never been easier to stay in touch!
eMessenger
eMessenger is a web application that enables you to access MSN without having to install any program or Java applet. All you need is a JavaScript enabled browser and you're set to go and use eMessenger. Even if you're behind a firewall you still can use eMessenger because all MSN connections and operations are managed on the server and the browser acts like the link between you and your MSN session.
Buddy/Contact List Maximums for Instant Messengers
| Messenger | Number of Contacts/Buddies |
| AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) | 200 |
| ICQ (short for 'I Seek You') | 600 |
| MSN Messenger (MSNM) | 150 |
| Yahoo! Messenger (Y!M,YIM) | 150 |
How To Make 'AIM Links'
How To Make Y!M Links
How to add a Yahoo! Messenger Online Presence icon on your web pages.
This is from Yahoo! Store - February 2003 Newsletter.The Online Presence icon indicates when you are signed in and online, and lets customers know that you're available. Here's how to do it:
- First, decide whether you would like the large or small version
of the icon to appear on your site. Then copy the code that goes
with that version of the icon.
To display this Messenger Online Presence icon: Copy this code: <a href="ymsgr:SendIM?XXXX"><img src="http://opi.yahoo.com/online?u=XXXX&m=g&t=2" border="0" alt=""></a>To display this Messenger Online Presence icon: Copy this code: <a href="ymsgr:SendIM?XXXX"><img src="http://opi.yahoo.com/online?u=XXXX&m=g&t=1" border="0" alt=""></a> - Next, replace the XXXXs with your Yahoo!
ID. (Use the Yahoo! ID that you use for business communication or the Yahoo!
ID of the person who will be interacting with customers online.) For example,
if your Yahoo! ID was "widgetcompany," your code would look like this:
<a href="ymsgr:SendIM?widgetcompany"><img src="http://opi.yahoo.com/online?u=widgetcompany&m=g&t=2" border="0" alt=""></a> - Paste this HTML into one of the text boxes on your site (you can use the Message, Caption, or Final-text fields).
- Publish your Store.
Now any visitor who also uses Yahoo! Messenger can click on your Online Presence link and "IM" you online. You can have your customers download Yahoo! Messenger from http://messenger.yahoo.com.