Internet - Instant Messengers (23)

Instantbird is a simple and easy to use instant messaging client with support all the major networks. The program has a tabbed interface and similar look and feel to Firefox/Thunderbird (uses the Mozilla codebase), and includes support for customization using themes and add-ons.

Available networks include AOL, Yahoo, MSN, Google Talk, Twitter, Facebook, XMPP, IRC, ICQ, and more.

Instantbird Portable is a version in PortableApps.com format.

NOTE: this program hasn't been updated since 2013 and may contain security vulnerabilities.

TorChat is a basic, text-only instant messaging client focused on security and anonymity. It includes availability (away, lunch, etc), optional profile, and avatar. The program requires almost no setup: just share your randomly-generated username (e.g. "bkmworoidjwxz5l") to other TorChat users. These are easily created and discarded to help maintain anonymity.

The program uses the Tor network's hidden services feature to send messages between peers with authentication and encryption based on public key exchange.

Also available for Linux.

NOTE: TorChat has been out of development for some time and connection may require additional steps. Ricochet is an attempted replacement.

BeeBEEP is a customizable chat and file/folder sharing tool for individuals or groups inside your local area network such as an office, home, or internet cafe. Conversations are peer-to-peer (no server required), encrypted, and messages sent to offline users will be delivered when they come online. Features include screen and file sharing, spellcheck, individual and group chats, and you can easily send quick voice recordings and screenshots. The program can also be configured to function as a file servers, sharing multiple files and folders for download by other clients.

Cross-platform with clients available for Linux, Mac and more.

LiveContactsView allows you to view the details of all contacts in your Windows Live Messenger. For each contact, the program displays email address, nickname, quick name, first/last name, and more. You can easily select one or more contacts and then export them into text/xml/html/csv file, or copy them into the clipboard and then paste them into Excel or to other spreadsheet application.

Miranda IM is an extensible, customizable instant messenger client supporting Facebook, Gadu-Gadu, Jabber, ICQ, IRC, MSN, Yahoo and more. The program can support more protocols via an extended plugin system to include Netsend, IAX, Tlen etc. and an add-on system can add other features such as skins, an RSS feed reader, weather alert, world clock, secure messaging etc.

Note: it is no longer maintained, but its fork Miranda NG can be used instead.

Alternatively, Miranda IM Portable is another portable version.

Fomine LAN Chat is tiny and easy-to-use instant messaging software to connect with other users on the same local network. Note that the program does not function over the internet unless used with VPN software. The program creates a chat room with other chat participants and allows for setting your status to online, away or disconnected.

Isotoxin is a feature-rich secure messenger that lets you connect over your local network or the Internet. The program supports audio and video, desktop sharing (view only), file/folder sharing, inline images, group chats and user profiles. Available extras include spell check, avatars, themes, auto gain / noise filter for audio and much more.

The Tox protocol is peer-to-peer, meaning no central server is necessary for the network to function.

Includes basic support for the XMPP (Jabber) protocol.

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NOTE: Because anonymity tools like this usually see additional scrutiny and there have been no updates since 2018, security issues may exist within this tool/service. Proceed with caution.

Ricochet is a simple, text-only instant messenger built for security and anonymity. The program uses the Tor network hidden services feature to hide one's identity and connections are encrypted end-to-end. The program intentionally does not save chat history.

Note that unlike most IM tools you do not need to register a username, instead generating a unique address (e.g. "ricochet:rs7ce36jsj24ogfw"). Other Ricochet users can use this address to connect with you. These addresses can be generated and discarded as needed.

Cross-platform with clients available for Mac and Linux.

Vacuum-IM is a full-featured, tabbed instant messenger for Jabber/XMPP networks supporting profiles, multiple accounts, conferences, nested groups in roster, chat history, encryption, file transfer and status messages. It can use notifications, emoticons, customizable message styles, status icons and shortcuts, avatars and more.

The program is cross-platform, written in Qt. The core program is just a plugin loader, all functionality is made available via plugins.