Once connected, you can send a message, file, or Web pointer or enter a real-time chat room. Registering puts you in ichat's directory service, giving you access to anyone else connected with the service. For privacy, you can allow people to view just your name or your name with additional details. ICQ can launch other applications based on messages you send across the wire. The program can send the usual types of information types, including messages, URLs, and files.
Users can also initiate private or multiuser chat sessions.
ICQ can also serve as a launch point for other collaboration tools, such as VDOnet's VDOPhone or White Pine Software's CU-SeeMe. In addition, ICQ will cache your messages, files, or URL transmissions until a recipient comes back online. For privacy, you can reserve the right to authorize any user wanting to send you messages, or you can choose to ignore specific people.