This major update includes a variety of new features, including a new Active List feature that lets you create or join ICQ communities based on a topical interests. In addition, improved email-handling features allow you to check more than one email account and cancel incoming email messages you don't want to download. You can also view up to 99 lines in the email header message and decide which messages you'd like to download. Another new feature, E-ICQ, lets you join interest groups and receive information about interest-related issues directly in your Contact List.

Other features include Web searching from within ICQ; support for an unlimited amount of text in messages; a variety of font styles and text and background colors to choose from; a pop-up menu of built-in services such as reminders, to-do lists, notes, and email options; and a convenient tabbed chart of ICQ networks, including Sports, Students, and Science and Technology. In addition, a Groups feature makes it possible to organize large contact lists into manageable categories--great for those with tons of buddies.

To seek out a friend on the ICQ network, simply enter his or her ICQ number, name, nickname, or email address. Once your contact list is set up, you'll be notified when your friends are online so that you can chat; send instant messages, files, and URLs; play games; or just hang out.