Instant messaging

Instant Messaging (IM) is a form of real-time communication between two or more people based on typed text. The text is conveyed via computers connected over a network such as the Internet.

Google Talk messenger

Google Talk provides following features for the users

- Instant messaging - Chat with all of your Google Talk and Gmail contacts in real time.

- Free PC-to-PC voice calls - You can talk to anyone else for free who's online and has the Google Talk client.

- Send and receive voicemails - If the person you're calling isn't available, you can leave a voicemail.

- Unlimited file transfers - Send files to your contacts. There are no file size or bandwidth restrictions.

- Gmail notifications on your desktop - When you're signed into Google Talk, you'll be notified of new messages in your Gmail inbox.

Google Talk is available as a standalone download and also as a part of Google Pack.

Windows Live Messenger

- Works with Windows Live OneCare Family Safety

- Talk to more of your friends, including those on Yahoo!

- PC-to-PC Calling

- Even better video conversations

- Sharing Folders

- Text message their phones

- Your two-way, super-powered address book

- Windows Live Alerts