Although instant messages (IMs) began as a way for friends to communicate via their computers, they are now used extensively in business. The cost-savings of having real-time long-distance conversations for free has not been lost on office personnel.

If you are unfamiliar with IMs, here is how they work: You and your correspondents must normally be members of the same messaging service, whereupon a "Buddy List" will display their names whenever they are online at the same time you are.Simply double-click a buddy's name to initiate a two-way conversation, wherein you type messages back and forth.

Originally, IMs were confined to typed text messages, but some services now offer voice communications, as well as file-transfer capabilities. Some even offer games and the ability to listen to radio via one's IM connection.

Some ISPs come with built-in IM tools, while anyone can install a free non-ISP-based service. The most-used service is AIM (AOL Instant Messenger), with ICQ (I Seek You) being second. MSN and Yahoo are other services. Each of these only works for those who are members of the same service; however, a service called Trillian links to all of them (although I was recently told it no longer connects with AOL).

So which service do I use? Well, for quite a while, AOL was my ISP. When I switched to a local cable service, I installed AIM, which meant that all my AOL buddies were still available for IMing. My AIM name is MrPCChat.

However, when I wanted to take advantage of free voice messaging, a long-distance friend and I each installed Yahoo Messenger. You need to plug a microphone into your computer to use its voice capabilities, and can hear your correspondent through the PC's speakers. What works better, however, is plugging a microphone-headset into your computer.

Another feature is being able to create your own private chatroom and inviting multiple buddies to participate. On AIM, this is done by clicking the Chat icon, whereupon all your online buddies will appear in a new window. Delete any whom you don't intend to invite, whereupon clicking Send will ask all the others to join you in the room.

How can all this service be provided for free? Well, not surprisingly, advertising messages are always in view as long as your Buddy List window is displayed -- but you can hide the window any time you want.

More tips can be found at www.pcdon.com, and calls are welcome at (949) 646-8615.

Don Edrington is a regular contributor to the North County Times. Contact him at (949) 646-8615 or www.pcdon.com.