TecHopper

TOP 5 MULTI-PROTOCOL CLIENTS

1 – Digsby: (Windows)

Still fresh out of works, Digsby is one of the best free softwares out there to keep track of all your communication needs. Not only does it allow you to login the major networks including AIM, Windows Live and many others, but it also allows you to be constantly connected to your Networking websites even Twitter. Not to mention, it also allows you to connect to your emails with options to open, delete and even report spam right out of a pop up window. Your social networks can be placed on your windows taskbar bar or under your buddy list with popup notification every time you receive a email or someone posts something to your online networks. For ease of use and all around functionality, Digsby takes Techopper’s first place in IM softwares.(AIM, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, Google Talk, and Jabber, MyspaceIM, FacebookIM + Twitter, Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIN + Email)

2 – Trillian Astra: (Windows)

After a long awaited comeback, Trillian is back with the new Trillian Astra version. With over 400 features and new skins, Astra is not only fresh but its a power house when it comes to multi-protocol messaging software. Closely matching with Digsby’s number of users, it is still the favorite software for a large number of users.  Although Trillian is free it also has a premium version that adds many more technical features.(MSN, Yahoo, Aim, MyspaceIM, IRC, google talk, ICQ, Skype, jabber, Bonjour + Twitter, Facebook  + Email)

http://www.trillian.im

3 – Adium: (Mac OS X)

Adium, the favorite software when it comes to Mac, leaves all others in the dust, even Mac’s default application – IChat. It supports the most popular chat clients, a number of plugins to extend its features and the capacity to customize its’ looks. Since it’s a Mac application, I have not personally tested it yet, but I’m sure we can trust its’ users who give great reviews for it.(AIM, MSN, Yahoo, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber, MobileMe, Bonjour, MyspaceIM, Live Journal Talk, FacebookIM, Lotus Sametime, Novell Groupwise, QQ, Gadu-Gadu)

http://adium.im/

4 – Pidgin: (Windows & Linux)

Pidgin is a open source, cross platform client for both Windows and Linux, formerly known as Gaim. Pidgin supports a number of plugins most of witch are provided by its own users aside from its 22 prepackaged plugins.(AIM, Google Talk, Yahoo, Irc, QQ, Sametime, Zephyr, Bonjour, Groupwise, MSN, Silk, Jabber, Gadu-Gadu, ICQ, MyspaceIM, Simple)

5 – Miranda: (Windows)

Another open-source multi protocol client, Miranda, makes the cut being the smallest, fastest and easiest client of its type.  Although not as visually appealing as its competitors it’s very resource efficient without lacking its own set of special features. It can even open chat messages from specific people  always in the same position on the screen. A favorite between business people and those more interest in speed than looks, Miranda is still one of the top 5 when it comes to multi-protocol client.(Aim, Gadu-Gadu, IAX, ICQ, IRC, Jabber, MSN, Netsend, Tlen, Yahoo)

http://www.miranda-im.org/

Special Mentioning - Meebo (Web-based)

Although not on our top 5 because it’s not a software, this web-based client allows its user to log-in simultaneously to a series of clients right from the web browser window.  Meebo is the best way to remain in touch with your friends when you can’t install anything on the computer you’re using.(Aim, Yahoo, MyspaceIM, MSN, FacebookIM, Google Talk, ICQ, Jabber, Myyearbook)

TOP 5 IM NETWORKS

1 – Aim

Released by AOL in 97, AIM is the most popular client in North America, it has a version in all platforms: Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, Iphone and Windows mobile. AIM also has a standalone web version that you can use, AIM Express. The new version brings sleek new looks and a Lifestream feature which gives you constant updates on things going on not only on your AIM network, but also Facebook, Yahoo, Twitter and others.

http://www.aim.com

2 – Windows Live

The newer version of MSN Messenger, Windows Live, has a huge network world wide and is packed with brand new features. With its wide selection of tools, you can share files, play multi-player only games, have Video and/or audio chat and the ability to call telephones around the world (like Skype, it has a fee, although still cheaper than commercial calls from phone networks).

http://download.live.com/

3 – Yahoo!

Yahoo! is a huge global network that provides web service worldwide. The Yahoo! website, according to the blog Sfaranda, was the second most visited site in May of 09 reviews, and has their own very popular messenger. Being able to support all systems and having most features as all other messengers, including plugins and ample customization, makes Yahoo! a leading IM network Worldwide.

http://messenger.yahoo.com/

4 – ICQ

“I Seek You” was one of the first internet messengers released in 96, but now belongs to AOL. It is reported to have a network of over 100 million registered accounts by AOL and still remains an increasingly popular network. It’s open platform allows users to create their own Xtras, or download from an already huge database of plugins.

http://www.icq.com/

5 - Google Talk

Google has become such a powerful and well known organization that every software it makes seems to become popular worldwide almost instantly. GTalk is their new answer to IM communication. It allows users to connect to their Google mail contacts via instant messaging as well as VoiP communication. Although it is not as packed with features as the other clients, it is simple and fast.

http://www.google.com/talk/

Special Mentioning - Skype

Another software worth mentioning is Skype, mostly popular for its VoiP function and very low rates for calling international landlines also has very good IM base with one of the best conference functions.

http://www.skype.com/

Our top 10 here at Techopper.com are active posts, so they may change order in time depending on the results of poles and your comments. The initial results were chosen depending on number of users, ratings, network size and features.

- Toshikami

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