Is there a way?

Is there a way to allow programs to run awhile asleep? A few days ago I was on MSN Messenger and left my desk for a sec and it went to sleep which I didnt mind but when it came back on after I tapped the enter key it had signed me out so I had missed a conversation.

So is it possible to have some programs running while asleep?

no it can't be done.

you're only safe option is to change your sleep options and leave your laptop running all the time. set the sleep options to only turn off the display and leave the cpu/hard drive running.

I think in energy saver preferences, if you uncheck put hd to sleep when possible, your apps will stay running.

I thought the put hd to sleep just stops the hdd from spinning all the time when the iBook is awake...

When it goes to sleep ALL components are put to sleep...