More of us are spending so much more time in front of our computers so the way we communicate has changed. In order to save time and multitask a lot of us are using IM (Instant Messaging) programmes. Although IM refers mainly to text messaging, some of the newer applications also allow for video / voice chat.

None of these programmes are complicated to download or use. Here are our top 5 IM / Chat programmes – all you need is your computer, a web connection, some basic knowledge of chat lingo so you too can ROTFL FTW! (oh, and you’ll need friends too…. but we can’t help you with that.)

1.    Skype

Probably the best-known online communication tool, Skype is free to download. IM is free, as is video / voice calling – for the latter you’ll need a webcam and microphone but most laptops have these built-in.

You can also purchase “skype out credit” to call ‘normal’ telephone numbers, which is useful for calling your family and friends who have fled to Australia.

2.    Google Talk

All you need is a Gmail account (free web based email account) - get one here
Gtalk is light and convenient to use and most importantly is easily integrated into Chat aggregator programmes (we mention three of these below.) Like Skype Gtalk now also supports video and voice communication.


Although Skype and Gtalk are great IM solutions most people these days seem to use various chat programmes. Most of us have accounts with Gtalk, Skype, MSN, Facebook chat etc. If this is the case it’s easier to aggregate or group all of these accounts into one easy to use programme.

Save yourself time and ‘admin’ and download one of these 3 applications to work with all your IM channels in one place. Also the availability of plug-ins and add-ons to customise the look and feel means you can ‘create’ a chat manager you are 100% happy with.

Adium, Pidgin and Digsby are our 3 favourites. They all have customisable visual themes and allow you to be logged in or out of different accounts.

3.    Adium (Mac)

The favourite chat app for Mac OS X, Adium is very customisable and easily extended / tweaked even further through an extensive list of plug-ins. This app will work across all your favourite IM networks.

4.    Pidgin (Windows & Linux)

This open source IM programme works on both Windows and Linux platforms. Like Adium, Pidgin is open and flexible which means that you can add freely available plug-ins to add functionality.

 5.    Digsby (Windows)

Digsby not only integrates and works across all of your IM networks but also interfaces with your email and social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace. This easy to use application now brings your IM, chat and Social Networking into one space. Digsby is cute to look at and very easy to use and customise.

Linux and Mac versions have been promised for some time ….. we wait, impatiently.

All these applications will keep you connected when you’re at your PC – they’re free and easy to download and even easier to use and customise.