If you use an online instant messenger, which one do you use? Over the years, I've used a few different instant messengers, starting with ICQ. Does anyone still use that? I've also attempted to use online services which aggregate multiple instant messenger protocols, like Meebo and IMO, but I always found them to be more trouble than they're worth.

Google Talk, Skype, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo Instant Messenger and More

When all of these instant messenger clients were new, you had to have one of each installed if you talked to people who didn't use the same one you did. Nowadays, some of these are compatible with each other. For example, if you use Yahoo Instant Messenger, someone using Windows Live Messenger can communicate with you, get added to your contact list and things of that nature.

All of the Windows-based instant messengers I've worked with have video capabilities. When video doesn't work on a Windows client, it's usually a hardware problem, meaning the camera is having issues. In my experience, only the cheapest webcams will fail to work properly.

I primarily use Skype, but not for instant messaging. I use it for the VoIP capability so that I can call relatives in the US and they can call me – I have an online telephone number that's local to some of them. For instant messaging, I use Yahoo Instant Messenger because of all the people who contact me through it on their computers and cell phones. I, myself, normally use a cell phone for emergency texting only.

Instant Messengers for other Operating Systems

While I'm not as familiar with the other operating systems as I'd like to be, I've had some experience with UNIX and Linux. As far as instant messengers go, however, it's only been on a couple of the Linux distributions.

I haven't tried it within the last two years, so things may have changed quite a bit. Each time I installed Linux on notebook computers or my current desktop computer, I could never get the video chat part of it working. For me, that was a show stopper.

I stay so busy these days that I really don't feel like killing a few hours and trying to do it again, although I understand there's a Skype for Linux that's supposed to work pretty well. Perhaps, when I'm faced with a lengthy power outage again, I'll attempt to install Linux (probably Ubuntu or Mint) as well as Skype for Linux on my MSI netbook.

• How to Make Unwanted Cell Phone Texting Partners Disappear
• Is IMO the Final Instant Messenger Killer Application?
• Is magicJack Better or Cheaper than Skype for Calling the Philippines?
• Cell Phones in the Philippines
• How to Make Phone Calls from the US to Philippines Cell Phones