ICQ

Ohtoc = = =ICQ=


 * Interface of ICQ software.

What is it
The name ICQ is to portray the meaning of “I Seek You”. It is an instant messaging computer program owned and operated by Time’s Warner’s AOL subsidiary. The first version released was back in November 1996. All users has a profile where it is optional to input data. Although there are categories such as nickname, first name and last name, users may not be consistent when inputting information to such category. One might type in 'I love' for their first name and 'cats' as the last name. There are functions such as blocking another user from previewing their profile or messaging them. There is also a search for other players. The user can input either their first name, location, or even as general as sex and age. ICQ was basically the first popular form of communication amongst friends then came msn and other chat areas.

ICQ was a popular form of communication amongst friends before msn came o ut

**Features**
-Sending instant messages to members who are online -Sending text messages with offline support. -Conference chat rooms for multiple users. -File Transfers -Send a greeting card -Daily limited SMS -Multiplayer games -E-mail support is also available

**How it works**
Each user must first go to the [|website] to download an appropriate ICQ version for their computer. ICQ is compatable for PCs or MACs. Once signed up as a member, users are assigned and identified by an UIN, an Universal Internet Number or Unified Identification Number. Since year 2000, AIM and ICQ users are able to add each other to their own contact list without the aid of external clients. Each user can enter their own information on their personal profile or info window. Screen name, age, address, phone number, interests, and hobbies are some of the things that people might place in their info window. The users can then add other UIN to their list of contact and communicate in the same way [|MSN messenger] allows communication. You type in a message with a maximum of 450 words and click on the send message option and voila, you are in the midst of communicating with another individual who can be half way around the world.

About the UIN
They of the UIN as an identification for ICQ users on the internet. The UIN is allocated to each user upon their registration after their ICQ software installation. Other users can search for ICQ users simply by typing in their UIN or even through an e-mail address. The UIN number is permanent to the user once assigned. If for any reason a user decides to use their account on another computer or another place or country, all they need to remember is their UIN number and their password.

Different Products of ICQ

 * ICQ v. 4, 5, and 5.1 (updates to the 2003 ICQ Pro)
 * ICQ 5 – released on Feb 7th, 2005
 * ICQ Lite
 * ICQ Pro
 * ICQ2Go
 * ICQ Groupware
 * ICQ Surf

**Related Wiki Links**
>
 * Chat rooms
 * MSN Messenger

**References**
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICQ [|http://www.icq.com]

Reference for picture:**
http://www.icq.com/images/products/whatis_lite.gif