Miranda IM is the smaller, faster, easier instant messenger with support for multiple protocols. Designed from the ground-up to be resource efficient while still providing a rich feature set, Miranda includes support for AIM, Jabber, ICQ, IRC, MSN, Yahoo, Gadu-Gadu and more. Additionally, with the choice of hundreds of plugins, icons, sounds and other content. More info »
To start with Miranda IM you can use a ready to use package. Many are available from http://www.miranda-vi.org/packs/. For the German speaking the Fusion package (http://www.miranda-fusion.de/) is a very good package. You may also build your own package at http://www.miranda-wizard.com/.
better than pidgin, just gotta find the right plugin. Pidgin uses way too much RAM compared to miranda
Digsby and Pidgin are great software, we are here using BigAnt Office Messenger for business communication since we do want a private and secure instant messaging solution for our company use.http://www.bigantsoft.com
