All of these programs have a niggle -
they constantly need to be updated to the latest version, or else they might lose
some compatibility.
Trillian
Connects
to all major chat networks, including AIM, MSN, ICQ, Yahoo and IRC! Unlike other
multi-IM products, no accounts need to be registered to begin. That means you
can type in your old messenger account names and passwords - and start right away!
Gaim is a multi-protocol instant messaging (IM) client for Windows,
Linux, BSD, MacOS X, and Qtopia (Sharp Zaurus and iPaq).
It is compatible with AIM, ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, IRC, Jabber, Gadu-Gadu,
and Zephyr networks.
Gaim users can log in to multiple
accounts on multiple IM networks simultaneously. This means that you can be chatting
with friends on AOL Instant Messenger, talking to a friend on Yahoo Messenger,
and sitting in an IRC channel all at the same time.
Gaim
supports many features of the various networks, such as file transfer (coming
soon), away messages, typing notification, and MSN window closing notification.
It also goes beyond that and provides many unique features. A popular feature
is Buddy Pounces, which give the ability to notify you, send a message, play a
sound, or run a program when a specific buddy goes away, signs online, or returns
from idle.
Miranda
IM is designed to be resource efficient and easy to use. It uses very little memory
and requires no installation. Just unzip and run! This also makes it ideal for
users that want to run their messenger client from a removable storage such as
an USB memory stick. It can even be stored on a floppy disc if not too many plugins
are used.
Designed to be as convenient and unintrusive
as possible, Miranda IM uses minimal screen space, includes no advertising and
uses little of your computers resources. It
Only
the most basic features are built in, but there are currently more than 200 plugins
available for download that allows users to extend the functionality in Miranda
IM. Plugins can be installed to add support for ICQ, AIM, MSN, Jabber, Yahoo,
Gadu-Gadu, Tlen, Netsend and other protocols.
Messaging with people
on ICQ, AIM, MSN and Yahoo? Chatting on IRC? Using Windows, Unix, Linux and Apple?
Pexit does it all, and more.
You can host chat rooms,
and people on instant messaging protocols (normally strict one-to-one messaging)
can be included in your chat rooms.
Pexit was designed
to consist entirely of plugins. All functionality in Pexit comes from plugins.
Most of these plugins can be removed or replaced. That includes the user interface,
the database, the search engine and the protocols. That means you can strip Pexit
down to run in a small amount of memory
- Unlimited instant
messaging on MSN, AOL, ICQ, and Yahoo. - The smallest instant messenger with
a download size of 240K. - File transfer - Group chats
Zone
Labs IMsecure Pro: Zone Labs IMsecure Pro
is the first comprehensive instant messaging (IM) security solution for any program
that accesses the most popular IM services such as AOL Instant Messenger, MSN
Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger. IMsecure Pro ensures that IM conversations are
private and secure, protecting PCs and valuable personal information from spammers,
identity thieves, hackers and predators who exploit vulnerable IM connections.
Download it now
Connectivity
Trillian ICQ,
AIM, MSN and Yahoo IRC Gaim ICQ, AIM, MSN and Yahoo IRC,
Jabber, Gadu-Gadu, and Zephyr Miranda IM ICQ, AIM, MSN and Yahoo
Jabber, Tlen, IRC, Gadu-Gadu, Netsend and E-Mage Pexit ICQ, AIM,
MSN and Yahoo Easy Message ICQ, AIM, MSN and Yahoo
Connects
to all major chat networks, including AIM, MSN, ICQ, Yahoo and IRC! Unlike other
multi-IM products, no accounts need to be registered to begin. That means you
can type in your old messenger account names and passwords - and start right away!
Gaim is a multi-protocol instant messaging (IM) client for Windows,
Linux, BSD, MacOS X, and Qtopia (Sharp Zaurus and iPaq).
Miranda
IM is designed to be resource efficient and easy to use. It uses very little memory
and requires no installation. Just unzip and run! This also makes it ideal for
users that want to run their messenger client from a removable storage such as
an USB memory stick. It can even be stored on a floppy disc if not too many plugins
are used. 
An
ultra-lite instant messenger.