Pidgin

Pidgin (previously called Gaim) is a free open-source instant messaging client. It supports multiple protocols for various networks for both Windows and Linux. The client itself is compatible with AIM (AOL Instant Messenger), ICQ, Windows Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, IRC, Jabber, Zephyr and many others.

As this program supports multiple protocols which you may use at the same time, Pidgin users can simultaneously communicate with a friend logged on MSN Messenger, IRC on another, and another on Yahoo Messenger and much more. Pidgin supports many features of these various networks, such as transferring files or customizable "Away Messages".

Pidgin actually also includes many features of its own. When you run the program, you can do things like sending a message, playing a sound or running a program when a contact goes specified, returns, or log in. Pidgin also includes a large number of plug-ins with many of them being of the novelty or productivity sort. One cool thing is the option to change abbreviations or Internet lingo with the actual meaning of the text; IE. LOL becomes "Laughing out loud".

A totally free instant messaging client with loads of free addons and top functionality, we highly recommend using Pidgin if you want access to some extra features or if you're logged in the multiple instant messaging networks.

From The Pidgin Team:

Pidgin download is an instant messaging program. You can talk to your friends using AIM, ICQ, Jabber/XMPP, MSN Messenger, Yahoo!, Bonjour, Gadu-Gadu, IRC, Novell GroupWise Messenger, QQ, Lotus Sametime, SILC, SIMPLE, and Zephyr.

Pidgin can log in to multiple accounts on multiple IM networks simultaneously. This means that you can be chatting with friends on AIM, talking to a friend on Yahoo Messenger, and sitting in an IRC channel all at the same time.

Pidgin 2.10.7 is licensed as Freeware for the Windows operating system / platform without restrictions. Pidgin is available to all software users as a free download (Freeware).

Pidgin Virus and Malware Tests:

For security reasons, you should also check out the Pidgin virus and malware test that has been uploaded; additional Pidgin screenshots may be available, too.