IM Programs - any recommendations re security

I am wondering which IM program I should install. Can anyone recommend a program based on ease of use and security issues.

 

I can't vouch for security but in terms of ease of use and being light on your sytem, you may want to try Miranda IM.

 

IMsecure maybe?

if u want to use the encryption, then the ppl u IM need to have the program as well.

 

InfinityAz - I read some comments on Miranda and while I like the fact of this being light on resources, some people complained that it was a bit "difficult" to set up and use?
I am probably using this only very limited for a special project and if possible don't want to spend hours trying to learn the ins and out of a program.

WsFuser - security in my respect only relates to this program possibly causing security issues with my pc / network/ firewall etc. The conversations don't have to be encrypted, nothing sensitive in there.
Just thinking some programs like Opera/ Firefox are inherently safer than others and if possible I would prefer one of the safer ones. I guess IM Secure may add additional security. Is it really necessary or am I being paranoid?

 

There are many things, which can be set up in Miranda, but you do not have to do it, if you do not want. You will put eg ICQ number and password and that is it. Just try it, if you do not like it, leave it. Miranda is portable, so you do not have to instal it. You can also use plugin called SecureIM, which is encrypting messages on AES192 or PGP/GPG, it supports many IM protocols. By the way, in Miranda you can easily block receiving files, URLs (current ICQ virus), messages.

 

Use GAIM, light, fast and secure with plenty of features including spell check.

 

Hello,
Another vote for GAIM.
Mrk

 

I 3rd Gaim Opensource, Multiple Protocal Support, Encryption Plugins

 

A 4th vote for gaim. If only they could make a plugin to block all links, it'd be so much better. I've had problems with the beta and file transfers, but 1.5 is a solid application.

Fairly easy to use and set up if you're used to Trillian and AIM 5.9. I've tried Miranda, and I found the GUI kind of confusing and not what I wanted for a IM application.

The only other problems I've had with GAIM were the resource usage. I used Trillian before, and it was much lighter with a 4mb usage when idle. GAIM certainly renders the ims faster [with Trillian there was a slight pause of my system before an im window actually appeared on my screen] but it uses about 15k-20k even when I have no im windows open.

 

Thanks guys,
I installed Miranda and it was easy enough to set up and is very light on resources. Should suit me fine