Internet - Instant Messengers (23)

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.

SkypeContactsView is a useful tool for use with Skype to display a list of all contacts stored in the local database. Each contact includes name, display name, gender, ID, birthday, profile time, last online time, last used time, phone, emails, and more.

The program also allows you to export the contacts list into text, basic spreadsheet, xml/html file, or copy them to the clipboard to paste into Excel or other spreadsheet application.

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.

Qualia LAN Messenger is a secure instant messaging and file transfer application for communication over a local network. It does not require a server or an internet connection. Also includes text formatting, event notifications, broadcast messages, chat rooms, themes, message logging, and more.

The program can function as an alternative to standard instant messaging tools or for ease of communication or file sharing when the Internet isn't available.

Cross-platform supporting Mac and Linux.

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.

aMSN is an open alternative to the Windows Live Messenger, mimicking its the look and feel while connecting to the MSN network. Features include offline messaging, voice clips, webcam support, custom emoticons, multiple sign-ins, file transfers, group and conferencing support, normal, and animated emoticons with sounds, chat logs, event alarms, and more.

Many plugins and skins are available to add features or change the appearance. Cross-platform with clients available for Mac, Linux, and more.

aMSN Portable is packaged in PortableApps.com Format for portable use alone or with the PortableApps.com Platform. Alternatively, X-aMSN is also available.

PixaMSN is a tiny, open source MSN Messenger clone with basic feature set and small disk and memory footprint. The program starts off with an "invisible" status so the user appears offline. The program checks for MSN/Hotmail email at start-up and can be configured to notify for additional mail.