Innovations and improved features in ICQ 6 include:

* Quick IM--enabling users to send messages to contacts without opening a message window.
* Easy access simple navigation between incoming messages.
* Tabbed conversations--management of all active conversations in one message window by using tabs.
* History--new and improved search history of messages, files, and calls.
* Search capabilities--advanced and easy-to-use search through contacts, on ICQ, and on the web.

This latest, full version of the popular chat tool lets you send files, play games, and surf the Web with friends. ICQ, of course, stands for "I seek you," and it lets you do just that by entering your buddy's name, nickname, e-mail address, or ICQ number.

You can set up buddy lists, just like on AOL, so you'll know when your friends are online. The program detects and supports a variety of firewalls, so you can stay protected without worrying about interfering with your connection. ICQ also gives you a record of every communication event sent or received, in case things turn sour and you end up in court (hopefully an unlikely occurrence).

This program features ICQphone, which lets you make PC-to-PC or PC-to-phone calls, and ICQ Video. Other useful features include a quick-launch bar, ICQMail, and Web search. You can also pick and choose the Xtraz features--games, customized images, and so forth--that you want.

This version introduces push-to-talk voice conversation.