Instant messaging allows you to quickly exchange messages with your online friends

Although there are a lot of instant messengers out there, possibilities are still limited, since it all comes down to just a few big names such as Microsoft (and its MSN Messenger), Yahoo!, Skype and a few others. Yahoo!, for instance, has one of the most popular instant messaging applications out there, with millions of people now using Yahoo! Messenger in every corner of the world.

Basically, Yahoo! Messenger is a software solution that allows users to send and receive messages via an Internet connection, but the application has evolved so much lately that it is now a lot more than that. It comes with built-in photo sharing, file transfer capability, video calling support, online gaming, skins and many others.

The setup process should not be too difficult when choosing the offline installer. If one goes for the file downloader provided by Yahoo, they need to remember to double check their options, because it might offer some changes to the browser and the default search engines.

Once the installation is complete, one simply needs to input their Yahoo! username and password, and they can start chatting. Those who get annoyed by the Yahoo! Insider window that pops out every time they log in can disable it using the Preferences menu.

Yahoo! Messenger’s interface relies on the same elements as all the other instant messaging apps out there. There is a contact list for viewing who is online, along with a few options for picking a status message or a user image (commonly referred to as an avatar).

When opening a chat window, one can easily type messages, send files just by dragging them in the conversation window, share photos, start a video call, play a game and many other activities just with a single click. Furthermore, the latest versions also come with Facebook integration to track your contacts’ activity on the popular social network service.

All in all, Yahoo! Messenger remains a top choice in the instant messaging category and it is seriously worth a try for those looking for a free way to chat on the Internet.

Yahoo! Messenger - Instant messaging allows you to quickly exchange messages with your online friends. Unlike e-mail, instant messages appear as soon they`re sent. By downloading the Yahoo! Messenger application to your computer, you can send instant messages to other people from around the globe, send them files or have a voice conference.

Other features include voice chat, file transfer, mail and stock quote alerts, sports scores, news, and much more.

Here are some key features of "Yahoo! Messenger":

Photo Sharing:
· Drag-and-drop photos into your IM windows and talk about them like you're there.

LAUNCHcast Radio:
· Make your own radio station and listen to music you like!

Yahoo! Games:
· Challenge your friends to classic Yahoo! Games in the IM window.

IMVironments:
· Use interactive themed backgrounds in your IMs.

Find, Add, Share Friends:
· Easily get connected with the people who matter most.

Yahoo! Search:
· Search from your IM window, and get results both you and your friend can see.

File Transfer:
· Drag-and-drop files for real-time sharing and instant notification that they've been received.

Address Book:
· Synchronize all your contact information.

Stealth Settings:
· Make yourself appear online to some and offline to others.

Audibles:
· Let these animated characters say it out loud for you!

Emoticons:
· Express your feelings with these animated smiling faces.

Yahoo! Avatars:
· Represent yourself with a stylized graphical image.

Display Images:
· Select an image to represent yourself to your friends.

Skins:
· Select new visual designs or disable them altogether.

Voice:
· Make free worldwide PC-to-PC calls and enjoy great sound quality and voice mail.

Take Yahoo! with You:
· Stay connected to Yahoo! Messenger on your mobile phone.

Webcam:
· Share live video with friends and family around the world.

Conference:
· Exchange text messages with multiple people in one IM.

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