Free Communications Software

Keep in touch with your friends and colleagues using these free instant messaging and IP telephony (also known as VOIP) applications. Microsoft's instant messenger program has recently been updated to their new Windows Live Messenger, introducing many new, great features.

Skype

Why pay high costs for telephone bills when Skype allows you to call whoever you like, wherever you like through the Internet. The technology is known as voice over IP (VOIP) and the software is free, all you pay for is the little amount it costs to call (it's completely free if you call other Skype phones).

Site: http://www.skype.com

Azureus

Another SourceForge product, Azureus is an excellent and very popular file-sharing application with many resources available so you can download files very quickly.

Site: http://azureus.sourceforge.net/

Windows Live Messenger

This used to be known as "MSN Messenger" but Microsoft are currently introducing their new "Live" brand. And this messenger tool is even better than ever, allowing you to chat and play games or view webcams with your friends and colleagues anywhere in the world.

Site: http://get.live.com/messenger/overview

Yahoo Messenger

Like Windows Live Messenger, the Yahoo Messenger offers lots of tools for communicating with your friends, as well as integrating seemlessly with Yahoo's online features.

Site: http://messenger.yahoo.com/

Google Talk

Google's version of a messaging tool which allows you to talk to your GMail contacts very easily. You can also speak to them in high-quality sound.

Site: http://www.google.com/talk/

ICQ

ICQ is probably the oldest and most-used chat program available, and their website is now a huge online community portal.

Site: http://www.icq.com/

Trillian

Why download all of the above chat programs when Trillian allows you to combine them all in one excellent piece of software?

Site: http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/