DKMessenger is an instant messaging program with a twist. DKMessenger allows you to share images and real-time video while you have a conversation with your friends. The conversational aspect of the program is accomplished through Text to Speech (TTS) synthesis, which speaks the text of messages sent to your buddies. All this happens in real time and conversations occur as fast as you type! You are represented in DKMessenger by a handle and an avatar. The avatar is an image you choose to represent you in DKMessenger conversations. You initially select this image during registration and can change it at any time. You can also use your PC camera to create an avatar. This image shows up on your buddies’ computers when you send them messages. Who are buddies? Buddies are just that – your friends that you want to message with. You can add a buddy if s/he has installed and registered DKMessenger and you know the email address they used to register. You can also add a buddy if they send you a message by clicking the Add button. But we’ll talk more about the details later.