Trillian and Gaim: Making Multi-Protocol Instant Messaging Possible Gaim: The Free Open Source Multi-Protocol IM Client Adam Stone
Gaim
Then there's Gaim, a multi-protocol IM client for Linux, BSD, MacOS X, and Windows originally developed by devotees of the penguin sitting around in an Auburn University college dorm room trying to emulate AOL's instant messenger. Like most Linux-based programs, GAIM is free and is kept current by programmers who work on it in their spare time. It interacts with a range of IM networks both large and small, including AIM, ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, IRC, Jabber, Gadu-Gadu, and Zephyr IM networks.
The program is easy to install and easy to use. A simplified interface allows a user to add and edit buddy names, initiate conversations, and even carry on multiple chats simultaneously.
Additional features include Buddy Pouncing (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); support for customizable away messages; typing notification alerts; MSN window closing notifications; support for the SILC (Secure Internet Live Conferencing) protocol; and support for plug-ins, with current plug-in offerings such as text replacement, a buddy ticker, extended message notification, and iconify on away.
In some respects, this is open source at its best. Launched as a solo effort, the program now involves a number of programmers working diligently to improve the application. Updates have been coming as often as every two weeks, with the latest iteration fixing some 240 minor bugs that had been identified in prior versions.
Still, free open-source software can have its own frustrations. Take for instance this item from Gaim's FAQ page: "Does Gaim support file transfer?" The response: "Somewhat, yeah." The reply then goes on to list some supported transfer types, adding, "If you would like file transfer to work better or be more complete, get CVS and submit a patch using the generic file transfer API." For the non-developer crowd, um, what?
Overall, these products make sense for heavy IM users. They simplify the process of tracking and communicating with multiple buddies over diverse platforms. Is that a plus or a minus in your life? It all depends on how much time you have on your hands.
Pros: Free basic edition (with no ads or spyware components), interoperable with most major IM networks, skinnable for the décor-minded, simplifies adding new buddies and services, readily available tech help
Cons: Development of basic edition takes a backseat to the commercial Pro version, doesn't support as many IM networks as Gaim, interoperability means even more IMs than before
