Protocols used in IM and IRC

[Westat1]

What protocols are using in instant message apps (aol, msn) and in IRC?

While you are reading this, what is the difference between IRC and ICQ?

Thanks,

[sotet]

protocols are another name for the instant messenger programs. (I used google to verify that)

IRC is text-bsed only and is the oldest chatting software.

ICQ is a downloadable messenging software that supports html, etc. AOL now owns ICQ

Or you can combine all well-known chat programs into one free program called Trillian. Website: trillian.cc