Miranda IM Review

This is my first review post. Today, I am sharing to you my two-year experience in using Miranda IM 0.7. The project started around 2000, and the team is currently working on version 0.8. Some might have already heard or seen this great program, or others might ask how and why this review is worth reading.

Miranda IM is an open source multiprotocol instant messaging application for Windows. It's similar to Linux' (and also for Windows') Pidgin (formerly GAIM), Trillian Messenger, Digsby, or a desktop version for Meebo. Whether you have single or multiple accounts, Miranda IM is something you should consider.
Personally, I only use one Yahoo! account to connect to Yahoo! Messenger. I found this tiny program during those days when my computer was running Windows XP on Pentium III using 128MB of RAM. Memory was certainly an important issue; Yahoo! Messenger ate most of the memory, and the only way was to switch to a better program or stop using it. The Miranda IM core package consumes less than 30MB of disk space and more or less 3MB of memory space. It does not have to be installed in your computer, in fact, it can run on your portable drives. Its folder can be transferred to any location without any dependency conflicts. It's open-source, so anyone who doubts how this program works can take a look at it. And best, it's totally free to download and use, and it contains not even a single text of advertisement. Take a look at this project, and grab your copy at http://www.miranda-im.org/. Here is the shortcut to their screenshots page.

After viewing their screenshots and trying the program itself, majority makes their conclusions and decides to remove this great program. Some might complain that it didn't work for them; others might say it's not user-friendly. But wait... the secret is... the power in Miranda IM is actually the freedom to customize, mix, and match options and styles according to your preference. Some say Miranda IM is for advances users, since connectivity or even the options, sometimes can be complicated to setup. In reality it's a program for all; and the core team is trying hard to clear the misconceptions on this program, at least. I say, Miranda IM is for those who possesses curiosity and patience. It took me the entire afternoon in searching and testing the right style and plugin for me. Before continuing with this review and after you have seen the screenshots in their official webpage. Let me show you the Miranda IM I've customized and I've been using...

Chat Window

History

Contact list

Options

Customizations

I think these sample screens are quite enough to give you an overview. Some might already guessed it right. Plugins and skins are what makes Miranda IM fully works. The core Miranda IM is really simple, but enough for communication purposes. The core includes protocol plugins like MSN, Yahoo, and Jabber. Users can check their site and choose from among a hundreds of different plugins and skins, or even write their own. Many of these plugins are for enhancement and other non-essential purposes. The mBot plugin allows users to run PHP scripts, this enables more users to write more plugins by easily writing it using PHP. With all these powerful plugins running, I still managed to have it run using only 11 MB.

The CONS: It does not support any video chats, conference/group chats, and some flash content. Sending files or pictures is almost impossible. Users cannot enjoy IMvironment, games, or Audibles. Note that this applies specifically to Yahoo! protocol, and as of this time, I seem unable to find any plugins for these missing features especially for the conference feature. But still, I'm very much willing to switch to YM! from time to time whenever a conference invitation arrives.

I'm not quite sure, but I think Yahoo! also maintains a list of plugins for YM, but the amount of memory it takes and with the application running without advertisements, these are enough reasons why I considered using it. Another major point is it's ability to customize almost any text styles you want; this is major plus for those with sight disabilities or difficulties. I will post in the future the list of plugins I have chosen and used. That might supply the PROS in using Miranda IM and you'll be amazed on how powerful the program is. I hope you find this unique and personal review interesting.