The World of Instant Messaging

Instant messaging (often abbreviated to IM) is a form of online communication in which users can send messages to each other in real time by typing them into their computer screens. Each person sees what the other has writen and can respond instantly. Instant messaging is often referred to as 'chatting', but chat rooms and IM are quite different systems. Chat rooms are designed for large group discussions, whereas instant messaging usually involves a conversation between two people, who must specifically invite others to join in.

Friends who want to IM each other must usually be members of the same messaging service, such as Windows Live Messenger, America Online's AIM service, Yahoo Messenger or ICQ. However, some services (such as Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger) allow users of either service chat to friends on the other.

In this section, you'll find a guide to all the different features that instant messaging can offer, along with details of some of the most popular programs available. There's also a look at some of the safety and security risks of chatting on a messenger service.