To start an instant message or 'IM' with a pal...
select the 'pals tab' on the main 'pal list window'
scroll thru the list of online or offline pals
double click on their nickname with your left mouse button, or 'right click' on their nickname in the 'pal list' and select 'instant message pal' from the menu that appears
from within a chat room
'right click' on a name in the chat room participant list to select it
select 'instant message' from the menu that appears
