Instant messenger is popular with many computer-savvy people. Any instant messenger like Yahoo, Google or Hotmail enables the instant exchange of messages. Instant messaging works only when both parties are online. All messengers have a list of contacts. There are icons against names which also appear along with conversations. The names and icons are dim when a contact is offline, and the ones glowing indicate they are online. Sometimes people keep their messenger on even if they are too busy to chat at that moment. Away icons and messages can be used to let other contacts know that you are busy and cannot chat. Contacts can leave messages if they wish the person to see messages later.

Away messages are a good way to inform others of your unavailability, and avoid disturbances. There are default messages like