How do I use these different IM programs?

I was updating my profile when I saw the following:

Instant Messaging-You may enter your registered identity for the instant messaging networks if you would like other visitors to be able to contact you using that medium.
ICQ Number
AIM Screen Name
MSN Messenger Handle
Yahoo! Messenger Handle
Skype Name

I don't understand what these numbers, handles, and names are exactly when used in IM programs like Trillian, Yahoo Messenger, etc.

I tried using Triallian and had a lot of trouble adding buddies or whatever they call them. I have since deleted this program.....had it working a bit but couldn't add others that I wanted to it....so I dropped it.

What kind of information do I need to add someone (handle) to my Yahoo Messenger or my Trillian messenger program?

I just don't follow what has to be known about someone or what information is needed to add someone to these IM programs.

Could someone help me understand how these work? Thanks

 

You have to have an account for each messenger service you want to use and then add the account into trillian.

I have a hotmail and yahoo account and use both in trillian, but I can't chat with someone who uses AIM because I don't have an account for it.

To add friends or contacts go to Trillian on the toolbar and select "Add contacts or group". The wizard will walk you through it. All you need to know is what they use(AIM, Yahoo, MSN) and what there screen name is.

Is that what you were asking?

 

@burnselk : You can use Trillian , with that program you can logon to MSN , Yahoo!, ICQ , IRC and AIM all in one time.
That way you don't have to install all programs seperately.

You can download the program here :


http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/

 

Yes, I didn't know what I needed on the people I add....I was OK with adding people that had a Yahoo account but could figure out what to use for the people that have AOL or MSN accounts.

Yes, Cochese, I think you answered my question. I couldn't get AOL to work because I don't have an AOL account.....but I do have Hotmail and Yahoo.....so I'm ***uming I could add all of my friends that have Hotmail or Yahoo email addresses.....is this correct?

 

Yes, that's correct. As long as you and your friends have the same messenger service you can chat with them through trillian.

Let us know how it goes or if you have any more questions.

 

But, don't I need an account with each different service like Chocese said? It sounds like you're saying I don't need these accounts if I use Trillian. Is that what you're saying? If so, do I just use their AOL screen name just like with Yahoo and Hotmail?

Is ICQ and IRC used by many people? And what would I need to do to add someone who has an ICQ or IRC account if I had Trillian? I doubt that I have any friends that use ICQ or IRC....but I may. What would I ask them if they happen to have ICQ or IRC accounts.....if I wanted to add them to my Trillian program?

 

I'll most certainly do that Cochese....and many thanks.

 

You can use them all at the same time, but you need an account for each one. I don't know anyone who uses IRC or ICQ. Most people I chat with are on Yahoo. If they are on trillian I imagine there are many people using them.

 

I sure do appreciate you Cochese, you have set me straight on how to set up IM programs.

Thanks a lot.

 

No problem, glad to help.

 

@burnselk : No , that's not what I'm saying. What I meant was the following : If you are using MSN and other accounts , you might as well use them in one program rather than to install a whole bunch of programs seperately. I didn't mean you have to have an account with every protocol.
You can easily delete the protocols that you don't need and only use the ones that you really use.

That is what I meant on my other post.