100 Essential Downloads for Windows: Page 6

Instant Messaging

40. Pidgin

Pidgin lets you use all of your IM accounts at once, with all of the features of each account plus a few unique add-ins, like Buddy Pounce. It supports AIM, ICQ, Jabber/XMPP, MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, Bonjour, Gadu-Gadu, IRC, Novell GroupWise Messenger, QQ, Lotus Sametime, SILC, SIMPLE, and Zephyr. Price: Free.

41. Miranda

Miranda is an extremely small, fast, easy-to-use, open-source IM client. It works with multiple networks including AIM, Gadu-Gadu, IAX, ICQ, IRC, Jabber, MSN, Netsend, Tlen, and Yahoo. Price: Free.

42. Trillian

Another inter-operable IM client, Trillian supports AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, and IRC. Plus, it's skinnable, keeps track of your messaging history, and integrates with Wikipedia. Price: Free for basic version ($25 for pro version).

43. AIM

The latest version of AOL Instant Messenger offers a number of new features, including mobile numbers in the buddy list, buddy info pics, optional logging and grouping, and more. The new software is also faster than previous versions. Price: Free.

44. Yahoo! Messenger

This IM client lets you connect with friends on the Yahoo! or Windows Live networks. Plus, the included Yahoo! Voice service lets you use the Internet like a phone connection. Price: Free (possible per minute charges with Yahoo! Voice).

45. ICQ

ICQ (get it? "I seek you") makes it easier to send text to mobile phones with a whole group of new SMS features in the latest version. They've also made it faster, added a history feature, and added tabs to the interface for those who like to carry one more than one conversation at once. Price: Free.

46. Windows Live Messenger

It doesn't have as many features as some of its competitors, but Microsoft's IM client connects you to the most popular IM network. The newest version supports video and voice and lets you set up "sharing folders" to transfer files. Price: Free.

Internet Phone

47. Skype

Skype lets you use your computer to make phone calls to other Skype users (for free) or any other telephone (for a low annual fee). The free service also includes video calls and conferencing with up to 9 other people. Skype cannot connect you to 911 service, though, so you'll still need another phone for emergencies. Price: Calls to other Skype users are free; prices vary for other services.

48. Net2Phone

If your PC has a microphone, speakers, and sound card, Net2Phone can turn your computer into a telephone/fax machine. Instead of charging an annual or monthly fee, Net2Phone charges by the minute, but international rates are especially low. Price: Calls to other Net2Phone users are free; prices vary for other services.