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Best Free Instant Messaging ClientIf you're like me, then you probably have friends and family using a variety of IM networks. One way to talk with people on each one of these networks is to open an account for each and then download and install each IM client on your computer. However, running four different IM applications on your computer uses a lot of system resources, is difficult to manage, and broadens your attack surface. Therefore, I would recommend using a multi-protocol IM client. These applications not only allow you to connect to multiple IM networks, but they are also advertisement free, more secure, and have features that allow you to easily manage your various IM accounts. For many Pidgin (formerly Gaim) [1] would be the first choice. It supports AIM, ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, IRC, Jabber, Gadu-Gadu, and Zephyr IM networks and is available for multiple platform as as well. It's a solid choice but it's not my cup of tea. I've found it resource heavy and the interface confusing though I must admit the customizability though Guifications [2] is an attractive feature. Trillian Basic [3] is easier to use than Pidgin, is less resource greedy and easier on the eye as well . It supports the AIM, ICQ, IRC, MSN, and Yahoo networks. Now, if you're a power user and want support for more networks and the ability to add features via plug-ins, then definitely check out Miranda Instant Messenger [4]. In addition to the networks supported by Trillian, it has native support for Gadu-Gadu and Jabber (it also will connect to the Google Talk network with a little plug-in tweaking). Its interface is minimalist, but the application is very extensible through the use of plug-ins. Recently a new release of Digsby[5]has available, a feature rich IM client released early in 2008. It has a very nice customizable interface. It may seem a bit humorous and juvenile in the beginning due to the icon that represents the Digsby client(Basically a little Egg with a cap and clothing). Once you get past that, you should start to enjoy the smooth look, extra options and extra social networks you can connect to, such as Facebook, MySpace and Twitter. The downside is the lack of connection to IRC and Gadu-Gadu, although that may change eventually. It was a hard choice between Miranda and Digsby. With Miranda you have less memory resources being used and connection to the networks that were missing in Digsby. The plug-ins available are a nice extra for configuring. I see Miranda being used more in a corporate or business environment, or with older compuer systems, where memory may be an issue. Miranda seems best for those wanting just the basics of multi-network Instant Messaging. With Digsby you get a nice look, extra configuration options and social networks you can connect to as mentioned earlier. This client is really made for the casual/home user, who desires asthetics over simplicity. Digsby does have a bit more memory requirement compared to Miranda. In in the end, Digsby has won me over for the time being. I was a big user of Trillian, Pidgin and Miranda before. Once I tried Digsby, I was strangely attracted to it. Maybe it was the little egg icon representative that did the trick, i'll never know. Digsby is currently my IM client of choice. [1] Pidgin
[3] Trillian Basic [4] Miranda
[5] Digsby
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