Via NoNags, it looks like ICQ is working on ICQ Lite, a version without all the junk and it’s “only” 1.4 MB to download. From the FAQ:
ICQ Lite is a small download of 1.4 Mb, installation is quick and easy and it takes minimal memory to run. Because it's so small and has everything good about the full-featured ICQ made easy, it's the perfect version to send to your friends and get them on ICQ! Take a look at what they're saying on the alpha users message board.
But, then there’s this shortcoming, also listed in the FAQ:
What happened to my history?
ICQ Lite does not log your message history automatically, but instead gives you the ability to store your message history per messaging session.
So, I may just give it a try. And, yes, I’m aware of Trillian, but I’ll probably only switch to that once it supports server-side contact lists for ICQ.
After using ICQ for a long time (since Fall 1996), I finally uninstalled it a few months back.
Why? Nobody seems to use it anymore.
I finally broke down and started using AIM in 2001. :-P
r.s.