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Web-based Instant Messaging
Many schools and offices block computer users from installing instant messaging software. However, instant messaging is an important part of communication and there are ways around these types of blocks placed by your IT department. Web-based instant messaging clients do not require installation of any software and run in your web-browser. The best thing is that they can be used just about anywhere that you have an internet connection - dialup or broadband!All of these clients can access AOL, Yahoo, MSN, GTalk, ICQ, and Jabber unless otherwise noted. Each one is rated out of 5 stars - 5 stars being excellent, 1 star being poor.
Do you have a favorite? If so, which one? Any additions are welcome!
This post was written by Ellie from thepinkc. Ellie blogs several times a week about just about anything under the sun - from technology to current events to pop culture.
- Meebo. Upon arrival at the website, you have the option of signing into one of your accounts or using a universal meeboid and password to access all of your accounts under one interface. By using the meeboid, you can save your conversations to view later, set a personalized avatar and customize the colors of the web interface. Conference chatting is available. Meebo also features the "meebo me" widget which can be added to any website - and does not require any registration. ★★★★★
- EasyMessenger is another free client that is very easy to use. Unlike Meebo, registration is required. It includes a built-in RSS reader, so you can keep up with your feeds without having to use a separate program or service. All of your accounts are accessible via the same interface. EasyMessenger does not provide conversation logging or a personalized avatar. ★★★
- KoolIM gives you access to over 20 instant messaging networks, including the big 6. If you have friends in other countries, this web-based instant messaging client is probably your best bet. Registration is optional. There is no conversation logging or personalized avatar. Like EasyMessenger and Meebo, you can have secure conversations. ★★★★
Do you have a favorite? If so, which one? Any additions are welcome!
This post was written by Ellie from thepinkc. Ellie blogs several times a week about just about anything under the sun - from technology to current events to pop culture.
14 thoughts:
Usually these sites are blocked by schools. In that case you can get through to them with web based proxies like www.sheetr.com and www.bobjones.name
Thanks for bringing the topic of proxies John.
Apart from the sites you mentioned, there are also Proxify and Anonymizer.
I think it would be great if someone would like to write a guest post on proxies.
You forgot my favorite...pidgin.
I too use Pidgin to connect to multiple protocols.. But talking of a web based messenger, Meebo rocks for sure.
trillian for the multiple protocols, but meebo works for the web based for sure!
@digital nomad - I use Pidgin for my daily use in the office and at home, but if I am away from my computer, I like to log on with Meebo (my personal favorite) or KoolIM.
Ellie
http://www.thepinkc.net
how about yahoo! web Messenger? Cool interface, no pop up new msg window! Well, a great tool for those who use it at work who doesnt want to be constantly disturbed by new msg (the same as meebo anyway) but it doesnt give u much features, no file transfer, image sharing and so on.. Well, loading is quicker ;)
I'm so lame I still use Google Talk, even though I hate Google ;)
I believe the first thing to note is that there are different levels of “blockage”. The very first level comes from the monopoly aspect. Each one of the big companies including SKYPE tries to gain the market creating new “protocols”. For the layman this means, I can't use Skype to communicate with MSN nor can I use Yahoo Messenger to communicate with AOL, and so on and so forth because they simply do not want to use the standard protocols. I must insist here that these standards Exist.
A program is not bad just because it’s not Open Source but when it tries to create it’s own protocol for monopoly. Open Source programs may not be programming-wise the best but they respect the standards and thats why when it comes to IM, Linux is the place to be. With applications like Pidgin, OpenWengo, aMSN, Xchart communication becomes easier irrespective of the application you are using.
Kabatology:Open Source, Linux.
Trillian is pretty cool! I used to use it all the time...before MySpace and Facebook ruined everything :)
I just started using www.beejive.com for the iPhone, since there is no native IM app for it. It's really nice web-based IM for mobile devices.
Miranda is so far, my fave IM site - to keep all my IM platforms together.
Good proxies: hidemyass.com, proxyarmy.com, behidden.com
(of course if you want to post you have to find a proxy and pay a nominal monthly fee to have it)
Meebo is my fav. Works like a charm. If you use Imified, you can post through Meebo to your WordPress and other apps.
Can anyone recommend the best Remote Desktop software for a small IT service company like mine? Does anyone use Kaseya.com or GFI.com? How do they compare to these guys I found recently: N-able N-central system management
? What is your best take in cost vs performance among those three? I need a good advice please... Thanks in advance!
What do you think? Post your thoughts..