Instant Messaging

[Copadope]

However, I don't use the latest versions of AIM because they are all chock full of crap and annoyances. I use an oooollld version where I can install DeadAIM and get rid of the junk I don't want (like the stock ticker and ads at the top and bottom), and I set up transparency, etc. You can get the older version of programs at http://www.oldversion.com.

I'm the same way, but I use AIMutation because it's freeware. But it has most if not all of the same features: remove ads, remove buttons on buddy list, skinning, transparency, logging, and (my personal favorite) tabbed IMS. It's so nice to have only one button on the taskbar even though I'm chatting with 3 or 4 different people.