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The Basics
Much like E-mail, Instant Messaging (IM) has revolutionized
the way we communicate. With just a few clicks and
keystrokes, you can instantaneously talk with anyone around
the world. Just download an IM client, sign up for a free
account and you're on your way.
The most popular Instant Messaging clients are ICQ, AIM and
MSN Messenger. These clients allow you to send text
messages, files, images and movies to other users over the
Internet.
Instant Messaging History
Since the early '90s, AOL has always had a form of Instant
Messaging but it wasn't until 1996, when they introduced the
Buddy List feature, that it really took off. In the same
year, ICQ (I Seek You) burst onto the Internet scene and
helped popularize Instant Messaging. Whereas AOL Instant
Messaging was exclusive to AOL members, ICQ was free IM
software available for download to anyone.
In 1997, AOL introduced AIM (AOL Instant Messenger), which
allowed its members to talk with non-members for the first
time. AIM eventually usurped ICQ as the prevalent IM client,
and in 1998, AOL bought Mirablis (ICQ's creator), thus
becoming the dominant player in Instant Messaging.
As the popularity of Instant Messaging grew, other IM
clients like MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger and a variety of
smaller players eventually entered the mix. However, it's
important to point out that there is no interoperability
between the different IM clients. Each IM software uses its
own proprietary system and network.
This lack of intermingling led to the so-called IM Client
Wars. Microsoft's MSN Messenger tried to access the AIM
network in 1999 to create a bridge between their users and
the more numerous AOL and AIM members. AOL viewed it as a
security risk and blocked MSN Messenger from its systems.
The IM Client Wars has now settled down into an unsteady
détente.
How to decide on an IM client
Since all IM clients are free, deciding on an Instant
Messenger is easy: Just find out what IM client your friends
and colleagues are using.
As we mentioned, there is no standard protocol for Instant
Messaging, so you can only send messages to people who are
using your IM client and services. For example, ICQ users
can't send IMs to MSN users and vice versa. The notable
exception is AIM: AIM users can communicate with AOL
members.
So, first discover the prevalent IM client in use among
friends or colleagues, or you may have to use all three or
more just to be able to talk. Chances are you will have to
use 2 or more IM clients to talk to everybody.
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