With so many instant messaging solutions on the Internet today, deciding which one provides you with the most interoperability, as well as ease of use and customizable features, is hard. The latest version of America Online's ICQ instant messaging service, ICQ 2000a (beta)(Download) now, includes an updated interface, split mode messaging, an answering service, support for users behind firewalls, and a new toolbar, among other features. But you won't find any interoperability here.
There are still two interface modes for ICQââ,¬"simple and advanced. Simple mode provides access to ICQ's basic functionality. This interface option remains uncluttered in this release. It's ideal for beginners getting use to using the software.
If you opt for the advanced mode, you'll find that ICQ's interface becomes packed with icons. New icons that link to ICQmail and an ICQ Interests page appear at the top of the application window. You'll also find a new toolbar called ICQuick, which appears on the right side of the window. This toolbar can be customized to contain links to your favorite software programs. We replaced the default links and easily added Microsoft Word, Paint Shop Pro, Tribes, and some of our other favorite applications.
ICQ also has added an answering service of sorts. You can now easily add your own customized status messages to ICQ by accessing the Answering Service option under the Services menu. When someone sends you a message while you're away, ICQ will automatically display your prewritten message to that user. Also new in this version is support for users behind corporate firewalls. If you're behind one, you should now be able to use ICQ without a problem.
One of the more annoying problems with ICQ's instant messaging system has been fixed: In this version there are two ways to send messagesââ,¬"Single Message Mode and Split Message Mode. Single Message Mode is ICQ's traditional way of sending instant messages. Split Message Mode makes ICQ function more like AOL Instant Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger. You can now leave the IM window open and see your conversation at the top of the window with the reply box at the bottom. This fix was long overdue. We found this mode to be a big help in following an ongoing conversation.
Not all is golden in this release, however. Besides the lack of interoperability, the download size is up to a hefty 6.5MB, and the obnoxious horn sound that blares when ICQ starts up still plays by default (we had the volume up on our speakers and almost got blown out of our chairs when ICQ started). Simply hitting the Enter key to send a message is still not possible; we still had to click the Send button each time we wanted to send. The download size may be difficult to trim, but AOL should address the other problems, sparing us all a few headaches in the process.
If you're on ICQ already, this upgrade is worth the download for both the Split Message Mode and firewall support. If you're on another instant messaging service and you're perfectly happy with what you've got, stay there. There isn't enough in this release to warrant a change.
Product:Ã,Ã, ICQ 2000a Beta
Rating:Ã,Ã, 3 Star
Price:Ã,Ã, Free download
Requires:Ã,Ã, 8MB RAM; 6.5MB hard drive space; Microsoft Windows 95, 98, 2000, or NT 4.0; Internet connection
Company:Ã,Ã, America Online Inc www.icq.com
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