What is the best IM software to use?

[tankman1989]

I have Gmail, I have Skpe, I could get Yahoo mail and MSN. I never really use IM'ing very often but I've been using Skype a lot lately. I just don't like the fact that the person you are talking to can find your exact IP while on skype and some other malicious things IIRC.

Is there any IM software that will talk to all of the clients, like use Yahoo messenger and have it be able to talk to google talk, MSN and even skype. Is that possible at all or am I just totally "green" with regards to this type of software?

 

[Bryce W]

Digsby can do this I believe. Trillian can do this as well I think.

 

[YeOldeStonecat]

Back when I used to use IM chat software (years ago...haven't in the past 5+ years)....I preferred Trillian as my multiple IM chat client of choice. It started getting "bloated" though.

I starting switching to Pidgin, and Miranda. Both pretty lightweight, and worked with all the common ones.

Stopped using them after that, with smart phones and texting as well as being plugged into my e-mail....plus facebook...I just ditched using IMs. Found them annoying..every time I'd get to a client somewhere and log into my laptop...the "uh-oh" sounds would start spitting out of Trillian.

 

[Rosco]

i use zopim on my website and it forward to my google talk. THat way i can talk with people no matter where i am. Plus there is that separation i dont have to give out a user name. Its totally free too. it tells me where everyone comes from what they do how long they stay. I actually get a lot of jobs from it.

 

[krtechsolutions]

I use pidgin, however you still have to run skype in the background for skype and pidgin to work tomorrow.

 

[ComputerRepairTech]

since trillian has pro has the synced conversations and history it is the superior IM client at this time.

You would need an account for each protocol unless that particular protocol supports multiple types (for example AIM accounts can communicate with ICQ)

 

[nonchalant]

I use Steam chat which is similar to MSN but works really well. Its only downside atm is it has no 'offline chat' functionality but a couple friends & myself have emailed Steam support and suggested they add it