Instant messaging has revolutionized the way we talk to each other. Free software such as MSN messenger, Pidgin and Skype are the main competitors in the market. They are a free way to chat to people all over the world.
Yahoo messenger cleverly scans through your e-mail contacts and presents to you which of those currently have the messaging service. Alternatively, you can send an e-mail to all your contacts who do not have the service and invite them to start using it.
Applications such as this are perfect if you have broadband because you can spend hours on the web, chatting to friends and it will be much cheaper and quicker than dial up. Networks such as www.o2.co.uk offer broadband deals, so you will never have to cut your conversation short to save money. They can cost as little as £8.50 a month for a basic Internet package.
One of the most popular service used today is MSN. It has been running for around twenty years and has now been redeveloped in to Windows Live Messenger. Every few months, there are available software updates, which enhances the operation of your service.
The original MSN consisted of a contact list and basic a conversation box. Now however, there are colors and graphics which animates the screen. You have the chance to add a photo and personal information on your profile. There are also various icons, such as animated cartoons and smiley faces, which you can attach to a instant message. You also have the chance to play games against your friends, such as chess and noughts and crosses. The Windows Live Messenger has more recently tried to make their application more like Facebook by creating a news feed of activities your contacts have done.
The element that makes Skype so unique is their webcam application. You can either type, or begin a web chat, allowing you to see and hear your friend. I am sure this is popular with people the other side of the world who you rarely see, or even girls who want to show off a new pair of shoes to their friend. Skype also allows you to screen share. This means if you want someone to view something on your monitor, you can give permission for whatever you are doing on your screen to be projected on to theirs.
If the latest 3D technology comes to Instant Messaging, our online chatting experience could reach a whole new level, with our contacts almost appearing right in front of us.
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