IM is short for instant messaging and MIM is short for Mobile Instant Messaging. IM is a form of real-time communication between two or more people who are all online simultaneously. An instant messaging program sends messages from one computer to another by means of small pop-up windows.
When you send an IM the receiver is instantly notified that she/he has a message. Unlike email instant messaging software allows you to ‘talk’ to someone in real time by typing and receiving messages. Users can see whether a specific user is connected to the Internet and, if they are, one can exchange messages with them by adding them as a buddy or friend.
List of Instant Messaging Services
Google Talk (GTalk)
Yahoo! Messenger
Windows Live Messenger (Microsoft Network – MSN Messenger)
AIM (AOL Instant Messenger)
Skype
ICQ
Pidgin
Adium
meetro
eBuddy
Meebo
SightSpeed
MySpace IM
Facebook IM
Instant Messaging Spam
Messaging spam, sometimes called SPIM, is a type of Unsolicited message targeting users of instant messaging (IM) services.
Many SPIM messages solicit pornography or money making schemes, and include a link to a Web site. Following that link can trigger an avalanche of other privacy and security problems.
Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM)
Mobile Instant Messaging (MIM) is the ability to engage in IM from a mobile handset. Mobile IM applications have different features: some of them allow users to access multiple IM networks in the same time.