Each image also links to the client download page, and opens in a new browser
window. Or to put it another way, click on the screen shot to go to the
Download site.
Larger images of client screens also open in new windows with full
1024x788 view of main chat screen and a longer review of the client selected.
There is a brief review of features also
with each client section. While there may be other clients for chatting on
Yahoo at this time, the ones shown are the most popular and make up the bulk of
those used. See the features on each clients webpage or help files to get a
full listing of features for each client. Note Yahoo JAVA is the standard chat
program used for Yahoo and is listed for comparison purposes only. The list
provided here generally pertains only to Microsoft Windows based operating
system clients. (except for Yahoo Messenger)
One last item to mention. I receive nothing from nor am I connected to any of
the clients or authors. My opinions of the features of the clients are mine
alone and based on my use of the client in my installation and use. Other
computers, connection speeds, system loading may effect the results and
usefulness for a given installation. Features mentioned may change without
notice on some or all installations or areas within Yahoo!. If you do not
agree with my opinion of any of the client programs shown here, feel free to
email me your point of view and I would be happy to discuss it further.
Positive Features:
Great looking screen, colorful avatars, easy to use features, works on more
than one chat server, not bootable, supports manual selection of servers and
works on more than one site.
Not so positive Features:
No voice chat or webcam, large download about 4mb, has Gator software included
with it that should be removed. Uses a lot of system resources when running
and can be a problem in some cases with cstub,exe file not being freed by
Windows and loading system until a reboot is done. Has some ad screens on log
in window.
click here to learn how to kill Gator.
At last report it no longer has voice chat access at all.
Positive Features:
Reasonably colorful, moderate sized, pretty easy to operate. Offers most of the
same features as Cheetachat. Version 1.30 had webcam support. Is supposed to
be non bootable. About 1.5mb in download size.
Not so positive Features
Only works on Yahoo, Product support generally by email or from other YCHAT
users. Updates can be slower in coming at times. I seem to have problems with
multiple accounts and IDs personally but it may not be the case for all. At
last report it no longer has voice chat access.
Positve Features :
Very small, fast, with many features. Loads the system resources the least of
any Windows client. Some provision for webcam but not fully the same as Yahoo
cams. Is non bootable. Less than 600 kb to download.
Not so positive Features :
Lacks some of the great screen appeal of Cheetachat and Ychat. Closer to Yahoo
Messenger in look in many ways. Some features are a bit hard to use for new
chatters. Lately a lot of problems keeping voice chat going due to new Yahoo
blocks to voice access. The last I heard there will be no more updates to this
client.
Positive Features :
Smaller than 6.3.x versions and loads system resources less, retains most of
the old Cheeta features.
Not so Positive Features :
This is really true BETA software so many items on the client do not work fully
or at all. Yahoo has again closed voice chat access to Cheetachat. It
does have potenial but should not be installed in the same folder if you have
CC6. GATOR software included in
the release package. I suggest removing it, No cam support.
click here to learn how.
No longer has voice chat access, and due to a lack of interest it appears to
no longer be updated.
Positive Features :
Available for operating systems other than Windows. If anything has voice chat
this does. Is an Instant Messenger also with links to News, Weather, and so on.
Cam support on later versions. Owned and made by Yahoo.
Not so positive Features :
It has ads in chat area. BETA versions can be very unstable. Has little if any
resistance to spam bots, or boots, even has other security issues in some
versions that may be extremely serious such as posting you IP address in some
cases..
Older
Messenger download
( see Security section on this site for more information )
Positive Features
Very portable. Works with most browsers and operating systems that have JAVA.
Generally has voice chat. If chat works at all on Yahoo this works. Webcam
support.
Not so positive Features
Very Bootable, small screen to chat in, banner ads , does not recall all
preferences, can be very slow to load/start and suffer problems on some JAVA
engines and browsers more than others. See update links in this section.
Positive Features
Seems faster loading and has less area devoted to ad screens at this point.
Also seems to respond faster. Seems to support more font choices and uses an
interface more like clients. Should also support VOICE and VIDEO chat.
Not so Positive
Really the jury is still out on most of these points seeing it is really very
new and program wizards have not had a chance to make booters and other tools
with it in mind. I am not sure how well it works on browsers other than
Internet Explorer 5.5 and 6.0.
Name is also link to page for downloading.
The " ? " in Voice Chat means Client Software has provisions for voice but
may be blocked by Yahoo! at this time.
However there may be provisions available to allow voice chat access from time
to time available.
