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Available IM Clients for Windows

I don't like the msn live messenger client very much, and I'm looking for a replacement, which should :

  • not be an online site because I don't trust them with my password
  • implement the file transfer functionality
  • allow me to see my contacts status and profile picture
  • be free (as in free beer)
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This is not an exact duplicate: the other one asks for a client which supports AIM and gTalk. This one is for MSN! – fretje Aug 11 '09 at 12:01
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5 Answers

I'm not really sure about the "allow me to see my profile picture" option, I haven't tried them all.

The one I'm using, Pidgin, has this functionality though.

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Another option is Emesene. It does everything on your list.

You might be interested to read the following from the How-To Geek:

Replace Windows Live Messenger with Emesene

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A quite good clone, thumbs up! – TFM Aug 11 '09 at 11:38
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Have you tried aMSN messenger?
I have only tried it on Mac, but they have a Windows version and one of the features is 'file transfers'.

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I would suggest Digsby. In my oppinion it's the best IM client for Windows systems.

It has support for the following ( Taken from their website )

  • One combined buddy list for all your AIM, MSN, Yahoo, ICQ, Google Talk, Jabber, and Facebook Chat Accounts.
  • Manage your Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, AOL/AIM Mail, IMAP, and POP accounts right from digsby.
  • Stay up to date with everything happening on your Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and LinkedIn accounts.

Edit: Digsby now contains crapware during the installation, clicking decline on the crapware user agreement installs digsby without it.

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Unfortunately, it asks for an online account being created, which is a deal killer for me... – Brann Aug 11 '09 at 10:17
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Older versions of Trillian don't have any online account creation, and I believe it's just an Option in the latest release - not a requirement. It meets all your other requirements as well.

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