Tech Talk Tuesdays: Instant Messaging

Today's tech talk subject is one of the Internet's most widely used applications: Instant Messaging. How much do you know about this popular 'Net innovation? You can research this topic further at the following:

Instant Messaging (via Wikipedia.org)

Questions for discussion: Are you a fan of instant messaging? If so, which is your favorite program and why? What improvements would you like to see in the field of instant messaging? Leave your opinions in the comments section.