NetLingo speaks geek and text

NetLingo is the Internet dictionary site that not only covers all the terms, organizations, jargon and such that abound in the computer world, but also covers a list of text messaging abbreviations (SMS) so you can translate that text message you just got on your cell phone screen…..

ChatMaker allows one-time chat sessions

ChatMaker allows you to create a one-time “disposable” sort of chat room online.  Free service.

Recommended by MakeUseOf.

Google Talk for chat and IM

Google Talk is the chat and instant messaging client, and offers a Google Talk gadget for web pages.

IM without being specific

If everybody used the same Instant Messaging system, it would be simpler. But we don’t, so
other ways to cover all the systems are available. No matter what systems your friends use, you can still catch all their messages.

• Miranda is an open source (free!) Miranda IM is a smaller, faster, easier instant messenger with support for multiple protocols. Miranda IM is designed to be resource efficient and easy to use while still providing many features including support for AIM, Jabber, ICQ, IRC, MSN, Yahoo, and more. Supplemented by hundreds of plugins and other content, Miranda IM is very flexible.
• Trillian for Windows allows users to communicate with AOL, MSN, Yahoo!, and other networks.
• Pidgin (formerly called Gaim) allows non-Windows users to communicate with multiple networks.
• “Use Instant Messaging Without an IM Client: I don’t use IM at all and don’t even have an IM client installed on my PC. On the very rare occasions I do need to send a message I use a free web service from meebo.com. They support a wide range of systems including Yahoo, Messenger, Jabber, AIM, ICQ, MS and more. It also comes in handy for IM users trying to contact friends on incompatible networks. Meebo” — recommended by Gizmo’s Tech Support Alert.Meebo also has the “Meebo Me” widgit for use on web pages, and Meebo Rooms for chat.