The Internet, together with instant messaging, has changed how a lot of people communicate today. This technology has enabled communication with other people in real time, anywhere on earth, as long as there is an Internet connection.

To make Instant Messaging (IM) possible, there must be a special software program that is used to facilitate the communication. These specialized software programs are called IM clients. These IM clients are used to connect to the IM service or network in order to send and receive messages. Today, there are quite a number of IM clients being used today. The top ten are listed below.

1. America Online Instant Messenger (AIM)

This instant messaging client is one of the most popular in the United States. Though highly debatable and contestable, there are claims that this client has the largest user base. Like most IM clients today, AIM is a free but advertisement-supported program. Owned by AOL, it was initially released in early 1997. This client allows its users to communicate through text, voice and video in real-time over the Internet. Just like most IM clients, AIM also allows users to share (send and receive) their files with their peers.

Unfortunately for MS Windows users, AIM is not compatible with Windows. It is compatible, however, with other systems like the Mac OS and Linux. Using this client is very simple. If you do not have an AIM account, you can simply create one for free in a matter of minutes. Simply register by entering some information and your preferred user ID plus your password of choice. After that, simply add your friends into your contact list and chat away.

2. MSN Messenger

Another free Instant Messaging client was released by Microsoft back in 1999. This client was specifically designed and targeted for users of the Windows operating system. If you run the Windows OS, you will have no problems using the official client. However, if you are using other systems, you are left with rather limited third-party applications that support access to the MSN network or web-based versions. These also have limited features.

MSN messenger has several features that are available to most IM clients or networks, such as text, voice and video chats. Users are also able to send and receive files from their friends on the list. Signing up for the free service is also very easy. If you already have a Hotmail account, you do not have to sign up for the service. Simply download and install the client and use your email account as the username. The password is also the same as the one you use with your Hotmail account.

3. Yahoo! Messenger

Yahoo, mainly known for its search engine and its free web-based email service, is also known for its popular IM client, the Yahoo! Messenger or YM. This client is very easy to use and quite friendly to “newbies” or those people new to instant messaging technology. If you already have a Yahoo! Mail account or use any of the other services offered by Yahoo!, you do not need to register for a new ID to use YM. It has the same features present in other clients, allow you to do voice calls (VoIP), video conferencing and share files with friends. It is also integrated with Yahoo! Mail, so you are instantly notified when you receive a new message.

4. ICQ

This was the world’s first modern IM client. It was first made available way back in 1996. You may wonder what ICQ means: it simply stands for “I-Seek-You”. Originally, this client used numbers, usually a 9-digit code that was randomly generated by the system. However, the current implementation today allows the user to log in using the email address provided during the registration. Among the notable features of this client is the ability to send a certain amount of text or SMS messages to various cellular networks around the world daily.

ICQ Chat and Login Window

5. Gtalk

Gtalk is one of the most recent, yet popular IM protocols by Google. Gtalk is a very simple yet effective IM client that does not have the other bulk present in most IM clients or services. Simply put, Gtalk allows users to send and receive text and make voice calls, as well as do offline messaging and voice mailing. Gtalk is very reliable when it comes to VoIP. Voice quality is excellent and it seldom drops. This service is also integrated with the Gmail service, so you have the option to not install the software on your computer. If you want a very simple and lightweight IM client, which is very intuitive to use, this client is for you.

The Google Talk

6. Skype

This software is primarily not an IM client but a VoIP client with IM capabilities. Skype is a free VoIP software program that allows you to make PC-to-PC calls for free and PC-to-landlines or cell phones for a minimal charge. The most recent version also now allows video conferencing too. First released in 2002, Skype currently has over 200 million users.

Set your conversation free with Skype

7. Meebo

This IM client is basically a third-party web-based multi-protocol software program. Taking away the techie jargon, Meebo is a website that allows you to communicate through Instant Messaging using different popular IM protocols or services like AIM, Yahoo!, MSN and Gtalk all at the same time. The beauty of this free service is you do not have to download and install IM clients. All you have to do is visit the website and log into the service using the respective log in details of the service. This is very useful for those people who have several accounts in each protocol and wish to use them all at the same time.

Web Messenger

8. Trillian

Trillian is a free multi-protocol IM client for the Windows operating system that can handle protocols like AIM, MSN, Yahoo!, ICQ and IRC all at the same time. Other IM protocols can be handled, like Skype, if the user chooses to upgrade to the commercial (paid) version of the software. Trillian became one of the most talked about in the IM community during its early stages because of its ability to use several IM protocols at the same time.

Trillian Buddy Window

9. Pidgin/Gaim

Pidgin, formerly known as Gaim, is similar to Trillian, because it is also a multi-protocol IM client. The only difference is it is open source and cross-platform, which means anyone can use and modify the source code of the program. It also runs on two different operating systems, Windows and Linux. If you have several accounts in different IM networks and you need a simple, lightweight client, this one is perfect for you.

The Pidgin Messenger

10. mIRC

Though not exactly an IM client, mIRC is an IRC (Internet Relay Chat) client, basically a chat client that is technically considered an IM protocol. This client is one of the most popular IRC clients and is still often used today. It only has the ability to send and receive text, as well as complete file transfers.

Internet Relay Chat client

The use of IM clients basically depends on your preference. It is just a matter of which service you and your contacts often use. It is uncommon to see people with multiple IM accounts in different services, but if you are one of those people, then you should try using multi-protocol clients for more convenience.

 

(IM clients are one of the Most Essential Computer Software Programs. Not only can you use them to exercise Ways to Meet Someone Online so you can also flash your wacky personality by using the Weirdest Smileys On The Internet.)