Pidgin Review      

March 2nd, 2008

Pidgin is an instant messaging client that works on multiple protocols. It is available as a free download with no limitations. It works with Linux, BSD, MacOSX as well as Windows. It is compatible with Zephyr, Gadu Gadu, IRC, Yahoo, MSN Messenger, ICQ and AIM. If you have a friend who uses Yahoo Messenger, one who uses AIM and another who uses an IRC channel you can chat with them all at the same time.

But Pidgin (formerly Gaim) is also about unique, exclusive features. One such feature is Buddy Pounces. When a buddy signs on, goes away or returns, you are notified via a message sound or program. There are also plugins like text replacement, buddy ticker, extended message notification and iconofy.

In this latest version there is also theme conversation, fixes with multiple alias edit areas and per contact conversation logging and more. The main change in Pidgin is the redesigned interface. You can view the buddy list in both basic as well as advanced mode.

There are tons of emoticons you can use with Pidgin. You can transfer files as well as chat multiperson. There is also logging and timestamping. There is no IP telephony and video conferencing though. Also some bugs in the help menu are bothersome. However as a text only messaging app Pidgin comes highly recommended.

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