Pidgin 2.14.14

Winner Best software in 2014 - Communication.

Overview

Your sister prefers MSN. Your father uses AOL Instant Messenger while your spouse insists on Yahoo. What are you going to do to please them all? Well, all those chat clients can be opened and used at once but it wouldn’t be effective at all. The best solution to fix this issue is called Pidgin (formerly called Gaim). Multiple IM networks can be accessed from one window by using this open-source messaging application. Many popular protocols are supported by Pidgin such as Google Talk and MySpaceIM as well as some lesser known ones like Gadu-Gadu and jabber. Let’s find out more about this tool and analyze the features of Pidgin in this quick article.

Installation

Pidgin is a small and lightweight tool that’s very easy to install. You will download it in a few seconds and after a quick installation process, you can add your contacts and start the chat! You should be happy to find out that all of the available versions of the Windows operating system are supported by Pidgin. It doesn’t come bundled with adware/malware or other programs so you certainly don’t have any excuse to not install it and give it a go!

Interface

Pidgin boasts a very good interface that’s cleverly designed to appeal to both beginners as well as to the more advanced users. Pidgin has a redesigned interface that simply works great; it is easy to use and intuitive. The Buddy List has two viewing modes: the Basic and the Advanced mode while the most important features have their own panels. For example, the Plug-in List. In addition, Pidgin is a highly extensible chat client as it comes prepackaged with twenty-two plug-ins. Chatting is fun with Pidgin!

Pros

Pidgin is a good instant messaging client that packs quite a punch in the features department. Being a multi-protocol tool, it is compatible with the following protocols: Yahoo, AIM (Oscar and TOC protocols), ICQ, MSN Messenger, Gadu-Gadu, IRC, Jabber and Zephyr networks. You can log in to multiple IM networks simultaneously. As a result, you can chat with a friend on Yahoo while also participating in a discussion on an IRC channel. With the help of a single product! I know many of you love smileys and in this regard, Pidgin is a notable tool! There are many fun smileys offered by Pidgin with a lot more you can found on the developer’s website. Other features of Pidgin include file transfers and multiperson chats, typing notification, away messages and MSN window closing notification. A unique feature of Pidgin is the Buddy Pounce feature. Certain actions (play a sound, execute a command, open an IM window) can be automatically performed when a contact signs on or off.

Cons

Unfortunately, this software product is lacking in the departments of IP telephony and video conferencing.

Alternatives

Alternatives to Pidgin include: Google Talk, Adium, Digsby, Miranda IM, Meebo and many more chat tools.

Conclusion

All in all, Pidgin is a software product that delivers as to what it can promise but with big wig products in this niche, I reckon that its developers need to add in more revolutionary features in order to crush its competition.

Winner Best software in 2014 - Communication.