Article Last Updated: 6
th Apr 2009
Posted by Ruhani Rabin in
Software |
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I was looking out for Instant Messenger application that allows me to connect to multiple chat services at the same time so that I don't have to run too many messengers at a same time. Yes previously I knew about some open source multi protocol messengers but somehow the interface didn't satisfy me much. Now I've checked Pidgin and Miranda and both of them looks just fine. Pidgin has a kind of Web 2.0 look, smooth and simple interface. Lets take a moment to review these 2 clients.
| | Pidgin | Miranda |
| Protocols | - AIM
- ICQ
- SIMPLE
- Bonjour
- IRC
- Sametime
- Gadu-Gadu
- MSN
- XMPP
- Google Talk
- QQ
- Yahoo!
- Groupwise
- SILC
- Zephyr
| - AIM (AOL Instant Messenger)
- Gadu-Gadu
- IAX (Inter-Asterisk Exchange)
- ICQ
- IRC (Internet Relay Chat)
- Jabber
- MSN
- Netsend
- Tlen
- Yahoo
- more via plug-ins
|
| Platforms | - Windows 98
- Windows ME
- Windows NT
- Windows 2000
- Windows 2003
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
- Linux
- BSD
- Unix
| - Windows 95
- Windows 98
- Windows ME
- Windows NT
- Windows 2000
- Windows 2003
- Windows XP
- Windows Vista
|
| Features | - Pidgin supports many features of the various networks, such as file transfer, away messages, and typing notification. and more.
- About 10MB of download
- Also has plug-in system but not many plug-ins yet
- Fairly nice smooth interface and fast enough.
- Powered by GTK library
- Customizable
| - Uses very little memory and is extremely fast.
- It requires no installation
- Can be fitted on a single floppy disc.
- Powerful plugin system makes Miranda IM very flexible.
- Only the most basic features are built in
- Currently more than 350 free plugins available for download that allows users to extend the functionality of Miranda IM.
- Highly customizable and expandable features
|
| Type | | |
| Portable | Not Portable Yet | Yes Portable |
| Avatars | Yes | Yes |
| TrayIcon | No | Yes |
Lets take a look at their screen shots ..
Pidgin Buddy Window:

Miranda Buddy Window and Chat window:

Where to download?
Download Pidgin
Download Miranda + Miranda Add-On Repository
How to Configure Pidgin to use Google-Talk?
Take a look below and change the username accordingly.
How to Configure Miranda to use Google-Talk?
Follow the picture…
Please Feel Free to share your experience.. from my point of view I found Miranda more exciting.
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Ruhani Rabin is the original owner and author of this blog. He also reviews web 2.0 startups at Tech2all.com. Largely interested in web 2.0 apps & Social Media. Currently the Vice President of MOL Access Portal (MOL is owner of Friendster.com). Also he is Web 2.0 & Social Media Researcher and a Total fun Geek!.. There you have it ;)
Twitter Profile: http://twitter.com/ruhanirabin
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