<p>Our family has used Skype text message function extensively the past few years. But we rarely use voice options and have never used video. </p>
<p>We’ve started to feel that Skype may be contributing to laptop performance issues (not sure if Skype is the culprit). Can other families suggest different (maybe more efficient) instant messaging software that works better for them?</p>
<p>I use Microsoft Windows Live Messenger. It’s can be downloaded from them for free. It’s good for IM’ing but also works for videocalls.</p>
<p>Gosh, there are bazillions. What you use is really a matter of preference. I’ve always used AIM-- which most people hate, but it’s very simple and straightforward and that’s why I like it. Now I am using MSN because that’s what my friends are using who refuse to use AIM. Some of my family members ise YIM (yahoo IM) but I’ve never tried that. Trillian, meebo, the list goes on. Just pick one. Personally, I would vote for AIM or MSN.</p>
<p>You can also use webcam on both of those, but they’re built for text IM.</p>
<p>My family uses Gmail Chat.</p>
<p>“Gosh, there are bazillions.” - Yep. That’s why I love to have CC feedback. Thanks! </p>
<p>We do like Skype, except for it seeming to use a lot of resources. I’ll check into AIM, MSN, and Gmail chat.</p>
<p>I tried Gmail chat today. It seemed straightforward, but son advise that I download the plug-in if we start using it. I’d make the switch if I knew for sure that it is less prone to performance issues than Skype.</p>
<p>I never downloaded a plugin when I started using Gmail chat. The plugin is only necessary for those who wish to add video and voice capability, which my family doesn’t use. I haven’t had any performance issues with Gchat because I didn’t have to download anything to use it.</p>
<p>One of my kids is overseas this summer. Gchat has been our primary means of communication, but we use Skype when we want video/voice.</p>
<p>Gchat saves all your old chats in your e-mail account. Also, if someone sends a chat message when you’re offline, it’s highlighted in your Gmail account as an unread e-mail. This has been a very useful feature.</p>
<p>My kids told me all their friends are using Gchat now instead of Aim.</p>
<p>“Gchat saves all your old chats in your e-mail account. Also, if someone sends a chat message when you’re offline, it’s highlighted in your Gmail account as an unread e-mail.” - I like that!</p>
<p>We also use gchat within our family. My kids are able to leave gmail up at work, along with their work email; this allows us to talk even during the day!</p>
<p>In gmail you can change the setting for keeping your chats. I don’t like leaving mine saved; noisy kids using my computer while home might see I told their sibling something :-)</p>
<p>Have never gotten around to installing skype. Gchat works great, with video. Once or twice my S called me, skype to home phone. Both times, fuzzy communication, and we got on Gchat instead, which worked better. Don’t know if this problems with skype is common or not. I like seeing who is on line overseas, and chatting on the spot. It shows up in the column alongside the inbox.</p>