chat for linux
 

where can i find something like icq or msn for linux(mandrake 9.1, KDE) and will it be able to communicate with people using other OS's

There are many places to look for it, although most distros come with some programs like that already.

Alternatively, I found a few programs in www.tucows.com
There is a linux link in there, you can go and see for yourself.

Yiangos