Skype is a program I recommend to anyone who has friends or family they'd like to talk to over the internet. Not only is it an instant messenger, you can use it to physically call anyone in the world free of charge. You use it to call computer to computer so speakers and a microphone are required and if these aren't built into your pc, a headset can be purchased just about anywhere for around $10

I use it to talk to my brother in Tallassee and have logged over 10 hours of talk time this month and it didn't cost me a dime - and the call quality is pretty darned good. You can also hook up a webcam so you can video conference.

I also employ 2 web designers in the Philippines, a programmer living in Poland and use it to talk to them as well - again, all free.

Though I haven't used it in this manner, you can hook it up to your cellphone and use it for that too instead of using your cell phone provider. I think there is a small charge per month for that service though.

Go to http://www.skype.com and check it out. The software is free, the phone calls are free and there are no ads built into the software. Well worth having!