Abstract: This application relates to systems and methods for providing desktop messaging and end-user profiling in a computer environment. Generally, implementation includes delivering imaged-based content (including advertisements) and/or multi-media messages to an end-user on a periodic basis. In some cases, the content is conveyed from a server software application to a client device via a conduit that does not use an Internet browser, RSS, XML, Javascripts, ActiveX, or an e-mail client. As the end-user reads or otherwise interacts with the software application on a client machine, software on the machine collects profile information from the end-user. This profile information is used to target additional content for the particular end-user.