Instant Messaging (IM) enables you to create a kind of private chat room with another person to communicate in real time over the Internet, analogous to a telephone conversation but using text-based communication. Typically, the instant messaging system alerts you whenever somebody on your private list is online. You can then initiate a chat session with that particular individual.

Yahoo Messenger is a free service that allows you to see when friends come online and send them instant messages. It can also alert you to new e-mail in your Yahoo Mail or Yahoo Personals account, or when you have upcoming events recorded in Yahoo Calendar. It currently leads the instant messaging industry in time spent per user, is the only major instant messaging service to provide consumers with access to pre-programmed or customized radio stations available directly in their instant messaging application.

Here are Some Key Features of "Yahoo Messenger":

• LAUNCH cast Radio
• Yahoo! Games
• Customize your IM window with interactive themed backgrounds.
• Audibles
• Emoticons
• Yahoo! Avatars
• Display Image
• Skins
• Address Book
• Stealth Settings and Privacy
• Search
• File Transfer
• Webcam
• Yahoo! Photos
• Voice Chat
• Conference

New features like enhanced access to contacts including e-mail and mobile information through Yahoo Address Book and the ability to be seen by certain friends of choice through the Stealth mode feature, provide an easy, efficient and fun way for people to manage relationships and communicate in real time. It is a fully featured online communication tool. Its setup integrates the Yahoo Toolbar which provides anti-spy, pop-up blocker, and quick access to other Yahoo services (mail, photos, search, etc). You can send instant messages, call a phone number, send a mobile message, or sign in to Yahoo Mail.

Adding to the features the latest version offers many more enhanced features you can edit your current status or change your picture. It's also possible to create your own avatar, which is displayed next to your name in your friends' contact list. Sharing your webcam or seeing other people who enable their webcam is easy. If you don't want anyone to see when you are online you should log on using the "Invisible" status.

During instant messages you have the possibility to customize fonts, send emoticons and audibles, and select IMVironments. Everything is provided for you to have a great time while chatting with your friends. The Inside Yahoo window provides quick links to news, finance, personals, movies, horoscopes, etc. You also get notifications of new emails and voice messages in this window. If you don't like this feature, you can turn it off from the program's preferences.

Bottom Line: One of the best online communication tools. Easy to use and user friendly. download now and explore its full potential!