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.
MSN Messenger - Microsoft's instant messaging program. AIM - America On-Line Instant Messenger. Yahoo Messenger - from Yahoo, obviously! ICQ - short for 'I Seek You'. Trillian - provides a single interface for accessing MSN, ICQ, AIM and Yahoo Messenger.
INDEPENDENT GAMES
GameTrove - the best games portal on the web. 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
Anim8or - 3D modelling program. POV-Ray - freeware ray-tracing program (good, but complicated). PPWIZARD - HTML pre-processor. Inno Setup - excellent utility for creating installation programs. ClickTeam PatchMaker - for creating patch files.
