ICQ Pro 2003b is the latest release of ICQ, the instant-messaging program that lets you communicate with friends and colleagues in real time. To seek out a friend on the ICQ network, simply enter his or her ICQ number, name, nickname, or e-mail address. Once your contact list is set up, you’ll be notified when your friends are online so you can chat; send instant messages, files, and URLs; play games; or just hang out.

ICQ Pro 2003b includes ICQphone, a feature that incorporates IP telephony functions into the ICQ program. Users can initiate and participate in PC-to-PC and PC-to-phone calls. In addition, users can also utilize SMS technology, send wireless-pager messages, view up-to-date information on ICQ channels, and integrate ICQ with Outlook. With the latest version of ICQ, you can move instantly from the Pro to Lite versions just by clicking “Switch to ICQ lite” from the Main menu, and the shared ICQ preferences and password make it easy to move between Lite and Pro versions without losing your settings.

Other new features include improved e-mail integration and user interface, enhanced integration with Windows XP, automatic firewall detection, and the new Search Google window which allows you instant access to Google searches through the ICQ interface.