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• Remember that Outlook PST file that we copied over? That file contains your contacts and old emails. You probably want to transfer that information to a Linux email program, but which one? The choice is easy. Evolution by Ximian is arguably the best email program. It looks and feel like Outlook. In fact, it can even connect to Microsoft's Exchange Server, if you buy the plug-in. Evolution is included with most Linux distributions. If it wasn't included with your distribution, you can easily install it with the easy Red Carpet program from Ximian. Since every email received is indexed, searches are lightning fast. Try sorting through 15,000 emails in Outlook, and you will feel the pain. With Evolution it is no problem. A nice program called Outport will migrate your PST file into Evolution format. Download the PST migration training video: Server 1 Server 2 Server 3 Instant Messaging Instant messaging has exploded in the recent years. Most Windows users use Instant Messaging programs such as AIM, ICQ, Yahoo or MSN Messenger. In addition, they probably have multiple chat programs running at the same time. I used to have AIM, MSN Messenger and Yahoo Messenger running at once, all filling up my precious desktop with windows. Your switch to Linux doesn't mean you have to give up the convenience of Instant Messaging, nor will you have to deal with multiple windows again. Gaim is a free chat program that is included with most Linux distributions. You can download the latest version here . Gaim simplifies chatting by combining all the above chat services into one program. So you can talk to all your friends, without having to open multiple windows. Amazingly enough, American Online has an official Linux version of AOL Instant Messenger here . With all the functionally of Gaim, however, you probably won't need to deal with AOL's Linux AIM.

• Business users are increasingly turning to the same communications tool that individuals have employed for some time with great success: instant messaging (IM). IM describes a technology for exchanging text messages in real time, using networked software, usually over the Internet. IM programs can move messages among two or more users, to which they can respond as quickly as their fingers can fly across their keyboards. In fact, IM fills the communications gap between phone calls and e-mail quite nicely, in that it's less intrusive than a phone call, and more synchronous than e-mail. IM has gradually crept into the workplace, given its big advantage of real-time communication. The software and messaging networks needed to make IM work are available for free from mega-sized service providers such as AOL, Yahoo, or Microsoft. The Israeli company Mirabilis was one of the first companies to offer IM software along with the necessary underlying messaging infrastructure. Released in 1996, many readers may recognize this program by its name: ICQ. Following its debut, its user base swelled dramatically because it outstripped any of the other alternatives available at the time. An Embarrassment Of Options: AIM, ICQ, Live Messenger, And More In 1998, AOL acquired Mirabilis. Because AOL already offered its own AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) service to its user base, it added support for the ICQ messaging protocols to AIM, and vice-versa, so that AIM and ICQ users could exchange messages freely. This gave birth to one of the largest worldwide IM networks, with nearly 400 million registered users and a 50-plus percent share of the instant messaging market. Along with AOL, Microsoft and Yahoo have also marched into the IM marketplace. This has led to something of an IM war, as these major players seek to attract users, and each player stresses its features, functions, and advantages compared to the others. With its Windows Live Messenger - formerly known as MSN Messenger - Microsoft has parlayed its position into a user base of nearly 300 million, which makes Live Messenger the most frequently used IM program today. Compared to Microsoft and America Online, Yahoo has a modest user base in the tens of millions. At the end of September, 2006, Microsoft and Yahoo ended a two-month beta test where they interlinked their two IM networks. AOL Instant Messenger and Windows Live Messenger are the two IM services with the largest user bases. In addition to sending and receiving messages, clients for these services must also put up with lots of advertising.

• Can't stand being away from your email? With the BlackBerry 7100t cell phone, you will be able to send and receive email wherever you go. The 7100t has a speakerphone and is Bluetooth enabled, to let you surf the Web and send/receive email. When email is too slow, you can use instant messaging services such as AOL Instant Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, or ICQ. The BlackBerry 7100t has an MSRP of $299.99 and is only available from T-Mobile . You can probably get it for much less, however, since rebates are often given to customers who agree to an airtime contract. Mobile Meetings Mastered Do you know someone with a Bluetooth cell phone who drives a lot? The Jabra SP100 speakerphone may be a good gift for them. The SP100 broadcasts calls over its 2 watt speaker, allowing you to use the phone without holding it. Since some states have enacted laws that pretty much mandate using a speakerphone, this may be very useful indeed. You can put the SP100 on a table or lay it on your car seat. The microphone telescopes out, so you can aim it wherever you need it. The SP100 runs on two AA batteries, or uses the car power jack. The list price for the Jabra speakerphone is $149.99. It is available through major cell phone retailers, or you can purchase it online at Amazon.com