Hey Ryan,

I like the instant messaging programs too, but I prefer the more basic AOL AIM program (last I heard AOL owns the ICQ outfit as well and was talking about consolidating the two together, but I haven't heard when that's supposed to happen). I've used ICQ in the past and that program gets its roots a little too deep into software places it shouldn't as far as I'm concerned, so I'll stick with the much simpler and easier to remove AIM program which is available at http://www.aol.com/aim/home.html and it's free and you DON'T have to be an AOL member or install other AOL software. MSN has a competing product, called MSN Messenger, but I've found it a little buggy, and they too try to make something simple a little overcomplicated. Both the AIM and MSN Messenger also have the free Internet long distance phone call feature if you have a sound card and head set to make use of it, which can really save on the long distance bill if you don't mind the goofy delay. My AIM screen name is REDRATmsn if you want to try it out.

------------------
See ya on the River!