Software that enables users to send short text messages back and forth to selected "buddies" (friends, family, co-workers, etc.) who are online. Some IM programs allow voice chat, file transfer and other applications.

An instant messenger, also known as a "chat client," is a program that allows you to send text messages instantly to other people on the Internet. When you are having a text message conversation with someone, it is called "chatting." This is where the term "chat room" comes from. Chat rooms usually involve multiple people, and can be either public or private. The acronym "IM" stands for "instant message." For example, "I will IM you later."

IKANO's Instant Messenger (IM) lets work groups or individuals exchange instant messages with other business associates anywhere on the Internet. You may send and receive messages in real time. Unlike e-mail, end-users see the message instantly and they can respond to it instantly. What sets the IKANO IM apart from other services is that it is fully brandable. Clients may work with IKANO's creative team to develop the custom look and feel of their branded IM. The strength of IKANO's IM product is that it provides reliable, private, one-on-one communication.

a client that hooks up to an instant messaging service

a client which allows instant text communication between two or more people through a

a client which hooks up to an instant messaging service

a client which hooks up to an instat messaging service

a computer application which allows instant text communication between two

a computer application which allows instant text communication through a network such as the Internet

a program that enables you to exchange REAL TIME short messages, files, and (depending on supported features) video and/or voice feed with your friends online

a program that enables you to exchange short messages, files, and (depending on supported features) video and voice feed with your friends online in real time

a software program installed to use instant messaging ( IM ), a real-time communications service that notifies you when one or more people are online and then allows you to exchange messages or files

a Web tool that lets you chat with your friends over the Web

Instant messenger allows your users to have a private conversation on your site in realtime. It's essentially a private PowerWall, and is similar to private messages, except that it's meant for two people online at the same time.

AOL's instant messaging system.

AOL's Instant Messenger is is a means of chatting over the Internet in real-time. It allows both open group discussions and private conversations. Instant Messenger uses a different, proprietary protocol from the more standard IRC, and is not supported on as many platforms.

Free software users can install on their workstation to chat in real time with other users on the Internet who are using the same program.

Instantly send secure, short text messages to buddies in your company. A feature of the Covad Dashboard.

Software (usually referring to that copyrighted by MSN) that allows users to select buddies to communicate in real time, using text, emoticons, animations and more.

see Messenger.

A program that allows you to communicate one-on-one in real time with another Internet user who is currently online.

An application that allows users to have real-time conversations over the internet - the most famous being Microsoft's MSN Messenger and ICQ ('I seek you')

Also shortened to "IM." Software that lists a user's buddy list (who may consist of friends, family, co-workers, classmates, etc.) who are also online and enables users to exchange text-based messages. Some instant messenger programs also include voice chat, file transfer, and other applications. Popular instant messaging programs are available for free by ICQ, AOL, Yahoo!, and MSN. IM may be used in distance learning to facilitate communication between two students or between a learner and his or her instructor.

In an instant, blow your load in any position you may be in, because your real girlfriend just came online. - Kress & Randallons, Michigan

A piece of software that allows instant communication through written text using your machine. Messages pop-up on your screen rather than through an email application.

Software from an instant messaging service. 2.36, 3.33

Web-based instant messaging software that allows users connected to your site to have real-time conversations and send files between them.