Miranda IM is a multi protocol instant messenger client for Windows. Miranda IM uses very little memory and is extremely fast. It requires no installation and can be fitted on a single floppy disc. Miranda is an instant messenger client that allows you to chat with your friends. Its powerful plugin system makes Miranda IM very flexible. Only the most basic features are built in, but there are currently more than 350 free plugins available for download that allows users to extend the functionality of Miranda IM. Miranda IM is offered as freeware. You’ll give up some of the unique features of your IM programs, but Miranda IM allows you to conveniently monitor and manage many of your chat and messaging programs in one place.

It’s easy to add your various IM accounts including AIM, Yahoo, ICQ and MSN and you’ll have the same icons and status messages for each program. You can even manage the personal information for all your accounts from one central control panel. Miranda IM’s plain, gray instant messaging window offers just the basics for typing and viewing messages; you won’t find the text formatting options, emoticons, or links that a program like Yahoo Messenger offers. You will find numerous options to customize how chat or IM windows behave, including a handy option to have messages from a specific person always appear in the same location on your screen. You also can assign hot keys for a few actions like opening the program or reading a message.

What’s new in Miranda IM 0.8.26 :

• Fixed focus issues with file transfer minimize option
• Fixed auth issues caused by deny reason dialog
• Fixed dll dependancy issue with image processing library
• Fixed account manager icon sizing issue
• Fixed possible crash with IE 4 installed
• AIM: Fixed ceritificate validation
• ICQ: Fixed issue with ICQ not setting the status properly when AIM support is enabled
• Jabber: Added SSL certificate validation for Google Apps accounts
• MSN: Fixed possible crashes
• MSN: Added workaround for file transfers with Pidgin
• Yahoo: Minor translation fixes

The advantage of this program compared to specific applications for each system is the fact that it minimizes resources. Another advantage is that it is possible to add up to 120 add-ons to customize the program.