How do I get Window Live Messenger or Google Talk or AIM or any IM program on my Pearl 8110? I got to the website but it says I can't download it unless I have some activex thing.

I just got a BB Pearl 8120. I haven't signed up for any BB services yet or made any additions to my cell service, but I thought I could at least use the IM feature since I have used it on previous non-BB phones and IM is included in the service I pay for. I am not able to IM on this new phone because it says that service is not enabled for this handheld. I don't understand how I have the IM application on this phone and I have always been able to IM on other phones, but now I can't?

You can get Google Talk and Yahoo Messenger from here: BlackBerry - BlackBerry | Wireless Handheld Devices, Software & Services from Research In Motion (RIM)

You won't get that MSN Live Messenger to work from that page. I'm not sure if the AIM on that page works.

If you're interested in an all-in-one app, I recommend JiveTalk:
BeeJive :: JiveTalk mobile messenger - instant messaging to go
If you can afford JiveTalk, just get it. You won't be disappointed.

If you want to try some free ones, here are a couple: (I can't vouche for either of these, never used them)
WebMessenger Inc.
Palringo, description here: New BlackBerry IM service offers voice and picture sharing | BlackBerry Cool

I would also suggest JiveTalk. I found the proper GTalk client to be quite poor in comparison (had lots of problems with SureType).

Without the BB plan on your account, you should be able to use the Oz IM Client. However, you need the T-Mobile BB Feature Enabler, which lets you do things like IM, MMS without having a paid BB plan.

Of course, I'm assuming you have the Oz IM Client on your phone. You should call T-Mobile and ask them about IM'ing and the feature enabler.

BTW, Oz IM Client counts each IM towards your text message usage.