If you're a frequent Skype user, you already know what a fantastic program Skype is. Along with instant messaging, Skype offers free video and audio calls to other PC users and low cost calls to mobile phones and landlines.

Messenger Plus! for Skype aims to improve your Skype experience through an easy to install and use sidebar on Skype's interface. Inconspicuous but easy to access on the left side of Skype's interface, Messenger Plus! for Skype is full of useful features such as a recorder for voice and video chats, animated icons and message history saving logs.

After installing Messenger Plus! for Skype, you'll need to authorize the add-on via the Skype notification that will appear the next time you log into your Skype account. Once done, the Messenger Plus! for Skype will appear on the left side of your Skype interface.

To record a call or a video, press the record button bar on the Messenger Plus! for Skype sidebar. You can stop recording at any time and open the folder with the recordings to access them. Everything is recorded with respectably high quality.

Messenger Plus! for Skype also includes animated emoticons, some of which are quite amusing. You can superimpose them on your video chat without any noticeable effect on the quality or speed of the call. Note that the person with whom you're speaking will only be able to see these animations if they also have Messenger Plus! for Skype installed though.

Without a doubt, Messenger Plus! for Skype is a fantastic add-on that'll enhance your Skype experience considerably.

Download Messenger Plus! for Skype 6.00.0.773 in Softonic

Voip One click not only allows you to make normal Voip calls as can do Skype or Viber, VoiP One Click allows you to make secure encrypted phone calls!

Voip One Click is for business man who have employees all over the world, for families who call their distant relatives, and for the military, is for all those who want to communicate Sure!

Download Voip One Click 3.5.2 in Softonic

The instant messaging list on AIM has space for 500 friends and enables you to organize your chats and status messages easily. It also allows you to send bigger files than most IM services. AIM's video conferencing function is however much more hassle and it's not immediately obviously how to start a conference until you scroll through the menus. AIM also features it's own e-mail service although obviously, you need to sign up for an AOL account to use it which can turn into a long drawn out affair in itself.

There's no real advantage of using AOL's IM mail compared to others apart from the fact that it does feature a handy "unsend" function if you've sent an e-mail in error. Of course, there's the obligatory SMS function although this is limited to US users and if your phone supports it, you can also use AOL messenger on the move.

AIM is a bit of a disappointing effort from one of the originators of Instant Messaging but still has a few redeeming features that make it worth a try.

Download AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) 1.0.1.2 in Softonic

DialDirectly for Skype allows the dialling of phone numbers and names via clipboard. Furthermore, DialDirectly offers the possibility of redialling the last number or name as well the last 10 automatically recorded numbers/names called.

DialDirectly enables a direct calling of landline and mobile phone numbers by customizable hotkeys via Skype. DialDirectly is for all Skype users calling also to landline numbers and to cellular networks. With DialDirectly for Skype no manually typing of phone numbers is necessary anymore.

DialDirectly is for all Skype users calling also landline and mobile phone numbers with Skype. With DialDirecly for Skype no phone number has to be typed manually anymore but can be called by individually defined hotkeys.

Download DialDirectly (for Skype™) 1.12.03.08 in Softonic

Similar to WhatsApp Messenger and Skype, Tango is primarily used on your PC to connect with Android and iPhone users. If your friends have Tango on their smartphones with data plans or Wi-Fi, you can call their phone for free without leaving your computer.

Tango's PC version interface is identical to the mobile version, with a default skin made to look like an iPhone. If that isn't to your preference, you can change this skin in the options.

Using Tango is simple. Add your phone number and the numbers of the friends you want to call. From there, you're just one simple click away from chatting.

Video and sound quality in Tango is impressive, although it might vary by device and connection. Tango's controls are also very simple. The options let you specify how you sort your contacts, let you set up the webcam, change Tango's skin and look for updates. Unfortunately, you can't do much more beyond that by way of customization.

With the ability to video and audio chat with friends' smartphones from the comfort of your PC, Tango is a welcome addition to communication apps.

Download Tango 1.6.14117 in Softonic

These include support for VoIP, transferring of files to and from mobiles phones and the ability to call your contacts though Skype with a Bluetooth headset. In addition, BlueSoleil, of course includes wireless internet access anywhere and the possibility of listening to music stored on a PC using a Bluetooth wireless headset anywhere within range.

BlueSoleil is also suitable for sending pictures from a Bluetooth Digital Camera to a PC without any cables. You can also print to file using a Bluetooth printer, use a Bluetooth wireless keyboard and mouse to control a PC and exchange or synchronizing personal information.

BlueSoleil provides all the Bluetooth functions you could possibly need in one powerful piece of software.

Download BlueSoleil 8.0.356.0 in Softonic

But it can also be used on any other Media Center System using Internet Explorer 6. You can show all your contacts grouped by last name, first name, city or company.

So you can find all your friends in your city very quick. One of my favorite functions is the search: you can search for any text in the name or the company of all yor contacts.

Several information can be stored and managed by the plugin: first name, last name, street, zip, city, country, private phone, company phone number, mobile, faximile, image (bmp, jpg or gif), email-adress, website and additional notes.

When you open the details of your contact, this information is presented on two pages if necessary. If you have also installed mcePhone for Skype, you can directly call any of your contact's phone numbers via Skypewithout even grabbing your phone.

When you start the plugin, your last shown contacts are listed again. If you want to call one of your friends again, you don't have to search to find the phone number again.

Download mceContacts 1.2 in Softonic

As well as basic functions such as chat, checking your mail and send and receiving files, it lets you make phone calls worldwide and send and receive faxes at rates comparable to Skype. In addition, there's an easy to use RS reader and the overall feel and design is quite nice. The PC-to-Phone rates are low and the audio quality is usually very good. I also liked the fact that you can setup call forwarding to any landline or mobile phone, free voicemail to e-mail service and record your own personal voicemail greetings. The PC-to-phone service is known as BuzzOut while the phone-to-PC service is named BuzzMe and enables subscribers to receive unlimited calls on Vbuzzer. You get a free area 416 BuzzMe number that can be reached from any phone and they usually have introductory offers with a range of free calls on offer.

I wouldn't change to this from Skype but if they could lower the rates a bit, I'd definitely consider it.

Download Vbuzzer Messenger 2.5.410 in Softonic

Available everywhere

Not only does Google Talk support Google accounts, it also supports a variety of other protocols and apps. In other words, you can log in with accounts from Jabber, Pidgin, Miranda, Psiand Trillian.

As well as supporting lots of protocols, Google Talk is also available for lots of devices, so even if you are chatting on your desktop, you'll be able to keep in touch with your friends on Android, iPhone and Blackberry. Even though not explicitly supported, you'll also be able to use Google Talk on Mac and Linux, as long as you use the browser version.

Simple but effective

Google Talk is an attractive app and very easy to use, although its bright, almost childlike appearance is looking a bit old-fashioned these days. There are various themes available from the Settings options, although they have more impact on the window layout and are not strictly "skins". You'll also be able to choose your status, picking from Available, Busy, and Idle, as well as custom messages and the option to show your current music track. Google Talk also notifies you when you receive new emails.

Adding and chatting with contacts with Google Talk couldn't be easier. Double click a name to start a conversation, and a new chat window will appear. If you see a little telephone or video camera icon beside the contact's name, they are also available for phone or video chats, but you'll need the Video and voice plug-in to do this.

Works, but it's neglected

Google Talk has many of the features that you'd expect from an IM client. You can add, block, rename and remove contacts, send smileys, and customize the way you see your friends online. If you look under the more technical settings, you'll also be able modify notifications and connect to the service using a proxy. It's not overrun with options, but most people seem to appreciate the resulting simplicity and light resource use.

Even though Google Talk is the go-to IM app for thousands of people, long term users can't help feeling that Google Talk is pretty low on Google's list of priorities. It works perfectly and is a great app, but that's because it was well made and ahead of its time when it first came out.

Overall

Google Talk hasn't been updated in what seems like years and, with the exception of the VoiP features added in recent times, the program feels a little bit forgotten. This has no impact on usability for Gmail users, but it does feel like Google Talk could do with a little more loving care.

If you're a Google User who wants to IM, you'd be mad to use anything but Google Talk.

Download Google Talk 1.0.0.104 in Softonic

Gizmo5 is one in a long line of VoIP applications that allows you to use your internet connection to make cheap phone calls.

If you're a Google Talk fan, like me, then the first good thing is that Gizmo5 and Google Talk are now connected. This means that Gizmo5 users can now send instant messages to Google Talk users but unfortunately, you can't call them although the developers promise that it's coming soon. To send Instant Messages, simply click on the IM icon next to your contacts name and you can instantly text other Gizmo5 users. One great feature of Gizmo5 is that you can perform free mobile phone and landline conference calling although you have to setup the system beforehand with the Gizmo5 FreeConferenceCall utility which can be tricky due to a few complicated configuration options. Another interesting feature is that Gizmo5 includes Asterisk PBX Support which means that you can now log into your virtual office with Asterisk PBX software. This basically means that you can receive calls and access your Gizmo5 phone wherever you are in the world. I also like the fact that it includes a free recorder which is something lacking in Skype.

Easy to use and integration with GTalk makes this a nice little app although it's calling rates need to be a lot more competitive before it can compete with Skype.

Download Gizmo5 4.0.0.386 in Softonic

PrettyMay is your personal voice assistant for Skype. You can record and replay any Skype call easily and simply as an add-on (or plug-in) for Skype. PrettyMay also auto answers calls and chats for you when you are away or don't want to be disturbed. It makes it simple to share your recordings with your friends.

PrettyMay saves calls in mp3 audio format instead of the standard large wav file. PrettyMay Offer the feature that allow you to remote access Skype voicemails and PrettyMay voicemessages from regular phone or another Skype account. Furthermore, you can forward voicemails via emails, or call back the contact who leave the message for you directly from regular phone whether he or she has Skype in number or not.

PrettyMay also support you to use Skypeout credit to dial internatinal call from regular telephone/mobile. If you want to chat with your friend abroad when you are outside, you can dial your Skype in number firstly, then enter PrettyMay IVR system, dial international long number according to the voice indication, input your friend's number, PrettyMay will use Skypeout to dial your wanted number. This will help you to avoid the expensive call fees.

Download PrettyMay for Skype 3.0.5.18 in Softonic

First of all Alchemy Network Monitor has nothing to do with Alchemy or bubbling potions in labs. It's all about administering and monitoring servers to ensure that if there are any problems, you are notified immediately.

The program utilises several protocols such as TCP/IP, ICMP (ping), IPX/SPX, POP3, smtp, Oracle and MySQL to continually monitor the status of your network. If it detects any problems or if the sever goes down, Alchemy Network Monitor can warn the network administrator via mobile phone SMS or email. This is great for those who have to monitor a network but don't want to be stuck in the office all day or need instant recovery of networks 24/7. Whatsmore, it generates a report of exactly what went wrong and where so you can get down to the important job of solving the problem immediately.

Configuring it to monitor your network will require a considerable degree of network knowledge. Setting it up to notify your phone is easy though. Just use the default e-mail address given to you by your mobile network provider as the contact with which Alchemy Network Monitor can send messages to. However, if you don't have this address, you can also use a special plugin for Network Monitor which allows you to send alerts directly to your pager or cell phone. The one you need is the Alchemy Alert plugin. Alternatively, you can also use the program to launch external programs that can send SMS's such as Skype or other 3rd party software.

An excellent network monitoring program that will prove a Godsend to Network Administrators on the move.

Download Alchemy Network Monitor 8.9 in Softonic

Nikotel is an alternative telephony IP app that will allow you, besides speaking to your friends via the Internet, to send text messages to them or to even make video conferences. Nikotels IM functions are very similar to those of a typical messenger so there's nothing strange to get used to there.

On the one hand, you can manage your contacts, visualize if they are connected or not, to send a text message to them or call to them in a few simply clicks. On the other hand, the program includes a typical numeric keypad that allow you to call to any telephone in the world - mobile or fixed.

Obviously, all the services are free as far as PC-to-PC calling is concerned although calling phones is not. Your account can be magaed from the keypad, cimilar to that in Skype, where you can modify your account details, change your state and conect to the Nikotel homepage.

This is a slick looking VOIP program that if it can reduce calling fees, could eventually give the big boys a run for their money.

Download Nikotel 2.1 in Softonic

Access to applications and files is “PC Power on your phone”. SoonR is the only service that enables standard mobile phones to use the applications on PCs in an optimized way. Desktop Search, Outlook, Skype, and the files on desktop computer(s) are made available anywhere you are and even when your computer is turned off*. Any phone with data access becomes a smart phone.

All over the world, people are discovering the freedom of a mobile lifestyle. But the critical information that people depend on are still stored on personal computers and their hard disks. Why leave this behind when you are mobile?

Download SoonR 1.3.0.62 in Softonic

Download Cell Phone Manager 2006 6.1 in Softonic

Welcome to MySkype! Take the power of Skype low cost international calling from your computer to your mobile phone or any landline in the world!

MySkype Basic is FREE to give you remote access to your Skype voice messages from any phone!

MySkype Pro (license key required) gives you remote access to your Skype voice messages from any phone. PLUS with MySkype Pro you get real time SMS notification and unlimited Skype to Skype and SkypeOut calling from your mobile Phone.

MySkype is an application your install on your computer that works with Skype. Once you have installed MySkype and configured the dial in permissions, you simply call your SkypeIn number from any phone registered in the MySkype dial in permissions. MySkype will greet you and ask you to enter your four digit PIN number. See diagram below for all of the MySkype features available to your from your keypad.

Download MySkype 1.0 in Softonic

MSN Messenger has been perhaps the biggest hitter of the IM world for some time now and this update adds a range of cool new features designed to make your chatting experience even better. Additions include an interactive video conversation tool, "winks" - small animations that you can download and send to your pals - and dynamic display pictures that will change emotions based on the emoticons you send.

Of course, all the features that we've come to know (and in most cases, love) are still housed within MSN Messenger 7.5, such as a plethora of emoticons, the ability to check and send Hotmail directly from the client, and a slick contacts organizer.

Although the new version has improved video chat and contains the ability to send SMS messages, we can't help feeling that Microsoft has fallen behind in terms of technology. For instance, Skype allows you to perform most of the things that MSN Messenger does, as well as letting you make and receive PC phone calls. You also have the age-old problem of MSN taking over your client, as it's filled with even more ads, and a barrage of links to other areas of the MSN portal. A great client for beginners but it doesn't beat Skype for the more Net-savvy user.

Download MSN Messenger for Windows 2000/NT 7.0 in Softonic

MSN Messenger has been perhaps the biggest hitter of the IM world for some time now and this update adds a range of cool new features designed to make your chatting experience even better. Additions include an interactive video conversation tool, "winks" - small animations that you can download and send to your pals - and dynamic display pictures that will change emotions based on the emoticons you send.

Of course, all the features that we've come to know (and in most cases, love) are still housed within MSN Messenger 7.5, such as a plethora of emoticons, the ability to check and send Hotmail directly from the client, and a slick contacts organizer.

Although the new version has improved video chat and contains the ability to send SMS messages, we can't help feeling that Microsoft has fallen behind in terms of technology. For instance, Skype allows you to perform most of the things that MSN Messenger does, as well as letting you make and receive PC phone calls. You also have the age-old problem of MSN taking over your client, as it's filled with even more ads, and a barrage of links to other areas of the MSN portal. A great client for beginners but it doesn't beat Skype for the more Net-savvy user.

Download MSN Messenger for Windows 98/Me 7.0 in Softonic