IM programs run constantly in the background whenever you are connected to the internet.
You can see which of your friends are on-line and likewise, they can see when you're on-line.
When you send a message, it pops up instantly on the recipient's screen - unlike email where you have to
wait for them to check their inbox.
Pidgin - provides a single interface for all the main messaging networks.
INDEPENDENT GAMES
Blitwise Games - Pocket Tanks, DX-Ball, C64/Amiga inspired games. Twilight Games - Aargon Deluxe, Twilight Mahjongg, A Snake's Life, etc. Crossword Compiler - design your own crossword puzzles. Retro 247 - retro-style games.
PROGRAMMING & GRAPHICS
POV-Ray - freeware ray-tracing program (good, but complicated). PPWIZARD - text pre-processor (useful for generating HTML code). Inno Setup - excellent utility for creating installation programs.
