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Credits
©1997-2012, Active Network, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Please click
here
for full terms of use and restrictions or read our Light Tower
Privacy
Statement.
|
|
Product:
ICQ99a
Company: Mirabilis
Website: http://www.icq.com
Estimated Street Price: Free
Download: here
Review By: Dennis Gregory
ICQ99a
I Seek YOU! Mirabilis stunned
the Internet when they released ICQ97 in 1997. With reaching over 20
million members at the end of 1998, its sure to say that ICQ is on its
way to an Internet standard. With ICQ98's layout virtually the same as
its 97 version, no new features were introduced, but ICQ Games became
increasingly popular. At the end of November of 1998, Mirabilis
released an alpha version of ICQ99a to its testers. Even though, it
wasn't supposed to be released to the public, the early alpha rushed
like wildfire through the internet. And by middle December, almost
everyone on ICQ had ICQ99a.
At the beginning of 1999,
Mirabilis turned off password protection on its beta site let anyone
who knew about the site download it. Whether you are a brand new ICQ
user, or a current ICQ user, ICQ99a will help you do things better and
more importantly, easier.
ICQ99a offers almost a new "refresh" to the layout, and
features. Making ICQ99a easier to use, worth while, and most of all
better for all of us. With this the newest ICQ version since the
America Online buy out, its easy to see where AOL is heading with ICQ.
Welcome to the wonderful world of ICQ99a by America Online Inc.'s
Mirabilis.
Setup
After downloading the 3.94 MB, you are prompted with a fast, funny,
and easy to use setup. Even making the quote "Flower Power"
in setup. Setup goes relatively fast, and you are done in less than 2
minutes on average (depending on your computer speed). After setup has
been completed, ICQ99a starts automatically, and if you are a previous
ICQ user, it will convert your previous contacts, messages, and
everything else into ICQ99a. This makes it easier than re-adding your
contacts and configurations.
![ICQ99a Setup](images/setupsm.jpg)
Layout
As mentioned earlier, Mirabilis has "refreshed" the ICQ
layout, adding some interesting features like Search, ICQ Now!, and a
"Buddy List" layout making it easier to add contacts in
groups. The right click menu has some little changes. Adding some
features like Greeting Cards, and Voice messages. This new layout
makes ICQ99a the most complete Online Messaging System to date (maybe
after MSN Messenger, but we won't know until it comes out).
![Layout of ICQ99a](images/layoutsm.jpg)
Messages
The new typing sounds in ICQ99a's message window, is sure to make a
lasting impression. Just as the UH-OH (sound notifying user of an
incoming message) has. With the new History button bringing the
history right above the message, its a WHOLE lot easier, if you've
forgotten what someone has said before (happens ALL the time with me
and Byron). You can now add Background colors, Different fonts, and
Font Color.
![Messages in ICQ99a](images/messagessm.jpg)
Communities
This is probably the biggest feature that Mirabilis has added to
ICQ99a. This is sort of like little groups, organized in a Yahoo
category matter. Since ICQ99a was just released a few days ago to the
public officially, this is still one of those un used features, that
may not be used for a while, until everyone discovers it. This is
something worth checking out. One of my favorite groups is the
Microsoft Netmeeting club which I think is fun. ActiveWindows is
working to creating our own Group, when we have created one, we will
post it on our web site. If you are interested in communicating with
other ICQ users with your same interests this is the best way to do
it.
![Communities in ICQ99a](images/communitiessm.jpg)
Conclusion
How
It Grades
Setup: A
Converting: B
Layout: A
Features: A
Communities: B
Overall: B+ |
If you are using ICQ99a, it is
guaranteed that you will LOVE ICQ99a! With tons new features,
including the Voice Message, letting you send your voice to your
friends, and all you need is a microphone! I love getting ICQ Greeting
Cards, I love them! Especially on your birthday, when you think
everyone's forgotten or at Christmas!
If your new to ICQ99a, this is
probably one of the best times to join! Download ICQ99a using the link
below or at the beginning of this review, and start communicating
TODAY! With a really easy to use Add User feature, you can easily find
your friends on it, I mean with over 24 million using ICQ, it is a
guarantee at least someone you know is using it!
Remember You can contact us
here at ActiveWindows at our Contact Us page, our ICQ UINs are listed
there if you would like to contact us. We aren't as mean as we sound!
Overall Score
B+
Version
Reviewed
99a Beta
Release Date
Out Now - http://www.icq.com
Our
PC Setup
- AMD K6 MMX 166
- Windows 98
- 80 Meg SD-Ram
- ATI All in Wonder
- Crystal PnP Soundcard
- 20x CD Rom
- 14" IBM Monitor
Required
- 8Mb RAM
- 5Mb Hard disk space
- 486 DX-2-66Mhz (Pentium
recommended)
- Windows 95/NT/98
- An open Internet connection
|