Instant Messaging has become a major communication system. MSN, Yahoo and AOL instant messaging are some of the major IM services used today. Instant Messaging is used by people of all ages to communicate with their friends and family.

Instant messages - Send notes back and forth with a friend who is online
Chat - Create your own custom chat room with friends or co-workers
Web links - Share links to your favorite Web sites
Images - Look at an image stored on your friend's computer
Sounds - Play sounds for your friends
Files - Share files by sending them directly to your friends
Talk - Use the Internet instead of a phone to actually talk with friends
Streaming content - Real-time or near-real-time stock quotes and news