IM ???

Dan Beller-McKenna · Post by **Dan Beller-McKenna** » 11 Dec 2006 4:16 pm

Okay,

big confession from someone who uses email and the internet extensively, and who feels pretty comfortable with diving into new software: I know absolutely nothing at all about IM, and my daughter (12) wants to get it.

My main question is this: if you have one IM server (Yahoo, AOL, etc.) can you only IM with others who subscribe to that server, or is it more like email, where the server is not important and on can communicate freely across servers, platforms, etc.?

Thanks,

Dan

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Dan Beller-McKenna
Big Red
Blue TrainDurham, NH

Andy Sandoval · Post by **Andy Sandoval** » 11 Dec 2006 9:31 pm

Hi Dan, your limited to only that server, so if your using AOL Instant Messenger you can only send messages to others that are also using AOL Instant Messenger.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 11 Dec 2006 9:52 pm

Yeah, generally, but I believe that anyone can download AOL's IM service as a free-standing application, even if they don't use regular AOL service for their email and web-browsing, and can still use it for IM'ing others who also download it.

Andy Sandoval · Post by **Andy Sandoval** » 12 Dec 2006 12:26 am

Your right Jim. also, now anyone can use AOL email even if your not an AOL member.

Wiz Feinberg · Post by **Wiz Feinberg** » 12 Dec 2006 9:29 am

I have been using Trillian IM Client for years. It allows you to IM with AOL, Yahoo, MSN and ICQ users. Sometimes these other companies get angry about this and change their code to bounce Trillian users, but Trillian usually releases a patch failrly quickly. It gives you one interface, with either tabbed or multiple single IM windows, for all conversations.

Tere are free and paid versions available for download, at: http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/

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Will Holtz · Post by **Will Holtz** » 12 Dec 2006 2:36 pm

Gaim is another IM client that works with many different systems (AOL, Yahoo, MSN, ICQ, IRC, Jabber/GoogleTalk). It is free and has no advertisements. I've been using it for years.

Dan Beller-McKenna · Post by **Dan Beller-McKenna** » 12 Dec 2006 6:40 pm

Thanks guys,

guess I'll never see my dauhgter again.

(

Dan