Gaim Review

Get Your Gaim On:

A Comparison of Instant Messengers

Executive Summary

Over the last few years, instant messaging has revolutionized internet communication, and its increasing utilization has resulted in a plethora of instant messaging software being created. Our research has been done to present a comparison of the open source Gaim instant messaging software to that of the popular messengers AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) and MSN Messenger. We will evaluate each program's features and give comparisons among the three. By doing so, we will provide evidence that Gaim is a viable alternative to both AIM and MSN Messenger.

Introduction

Since the first instant messenger program was introduced in 1996, instant messaging has become one of the most popular applications used on the internet. In fact, over 10 billion instant messages are being exchanged every day, involving close to one in two web users in developed countries in North America, Europe, and Asia ("IM-Evolving into a Hub"). The two most popular instant messengers alone, AIM and MSN Messenger, have 53 million and 29 million active users, respectively ("Instant Messaging,"Wikipedia). Instant messaging, which allows users to communicate with one another in real time, can be much more effective than e-mail in acquiring and delivering information to others, especially in question and answer type communication, as many instant messages can be exchanged between users in the time that it would take for one round trip e-mail. Instant messenger programs allow users to maintain a list of people with whom they wish to communicate, often called a buddy list or contact list. In contrast to e-mail and phone, users are able to know whether others users on their list are online and available, busy, or away from their computer.

With its ability to improve communication and allow for easy collaboration, instant messaging is becoming more attractive to users in college and corporate environments. Students in groups are able to effectively communicate with other members outside of meetings, increasing their overall collaboration and productivity. A 2005 Gartner Research survey of 300 global organizations assessing the use of instant messaging found that numerous features beyond chatting make it attractive to those in the workplace, including the abilities to transfer files and engage in conferencing (Cain).

The study also showed that the majority of users have embraced instant messaging because of the benefits it provides such as faster response than e-mail, fast problem resolution, multitasking, and the ability to see the current status of individuals (Cain).

The rise in the popularity of instant messaging has been accompanied by a rise in the number of instant messaging clients being created. Over two dozen instant messengers currently exist, each with its own unique look and provided features. One limitation of these instant messenger services is that users can only message other people using the same service. For example, a person using AIM cannot instant message with someone who is using MSN Messenger. With the vast number of instant messaging clients currently available, many individuals are forced to run many instant messengers simultaneously to be available to all of their contacts. An open source software project has been created to get around the problem of a lack of interoperability by allowing users to consolidate all of their contact lists from various messaging clients into a single interface, rather than running several at once. This open source instant messaging program, known as Gaim, can access AIM, MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, ICQ, Gadu-Gadu, Zephyr, and Jabber networks, among others ("Gaim 1.5.0: A Multi-Protocol IM Client").

AOL's Instant Messenger: AIM Triton

AIM is versatile in the platforms that it supports; referring to what operating systems on which it will run. However, AIM Triton can operate only on Windows operating systems. AIM Triton is the newest version of AOL Instant Messenger, as many improvements have been made to make this a competitive program with Gaim and MSN Messenger. A new feature for Triton is tabbed instant messaging, which allows a user to speak with several different friends at the same time (Yang). Users can share files, which was a feature allowed in the previous version of the program, but in Triton, they can share files with a tab located at the top of the instant message screen. Most users will share MP3 folders with one another, thus enabling them to download music from each other. This is made possible by connecting to a shared directory where users can download shared files.

Triton also offers a free email service and SMS mobile texting through the use of a Plaxo-enabled system, or a type of address book. The vice president and general manager of AIM thinks AIM Triton will increase the use of video chat and talking through instant messaging, as it grows in popularity. The talk and video chat features are easily accessible through the instant message box in the top panel ("AOL Introduces New..."). One feature that was updated to improve the messaging experience was the automatic saving of conversations with buddies. In the previous version of AIM, this feature was available but through a manual save ("Out with the Old..."). Now the program saves your conversation with a buddy, and the next time you chat with them your previous conversation appears in the messaging window box.

Drawbacks of Triton

One main drawback with AIM Triton is that it almost takes over your computer. It starts up with your computer automatically, along with any other instant messaging programs you have installed. Also, as with the previous version of AIM, the ads on your buddy list will randomly start up, and if you have your speakers turned up this can be quite a scare the first time it happens. The bottom portion that features the AOL Radio can be minimized which is a nice option if you don't want it taking up your entire buddy list. Another flaw, which is quite noticeable, is the trouble the user will go through trying to shut down the program. If you simply click the "X" on the buddy list you will still be logged on but your list will disappear. If you click file, then signoff, the program will still reside in your toolbar on the bottom of your computer screen. The best way to completely close down the program is to right click the icon on the bottom of the computer screen and then sign off through