You can send and receive files, messages and even chat in real time. Features in the current version include the ability to play games against your friends online, receive text messages, share photos and host live conversations via voice chat. You'll need your America Online screen name and password to login into the service. One drawback is the long winded sign up process, if you sign up for a free chat account and they will throw in extras such as a free email address. An advantage is you get full access to all of Yahoo's features such as online games, classifieds etc.
Users now have the opportunity to use voice chat, as well as standard text.
Just copy and paste some HTML code into your Web site and the chat room will be set up. Here is another good set of chat rooms. Here you pick a character and use them to represent yourself. Upon registering you will have greater access to all of Excite's services. . Each issue is packed with the newest freeware and free samples.