Seesmic Desktop: Manage Multiple Twitter Accounts

Do you tweet? Do you tweet using multiple Twitter accounts? Many users have several Twitter accounts: one for personal tweets, one for business tweets and perhaps one related to a hobby. While the Twitter Web interface is easy enough to use, whenever you want to tweet using a different profile, you have to sign out and then sign in as the appropriate user. Seesmic Desktop is a standalone program that allows you to manage multiple Twitter accounts at once.

Seesmic Desktop is based on Adobe AIR technology. Adobe AIR allows for standalone Web applications that run outside of a Web browser. This gives the user greater control and convenience. When you download and install Seesmic Desktop, you are also downloading and installing Adobe AIR. The installation takes just a few minutes. Once installed, all you need to do is enter your Twitter log on credentials for each Twitter account and begin.

Seesmic Desktop uses a series of columns to display the various Twitter streams related to your accounts. A Home column displays all tweets coming in for all accounts. You can also view tweets for each individual account, create groups of Twitter users, and conduct searches.

While it's nice to be able to view tweets in separate columns, where Seesmic Desktop really shines is when you want to send out tweets of your own. Simply choose the Twitter profile that you want to use and tweet away. Like similar desktop applications for Twitter, Seesmic Desktop has a built in link for shortening URLs with popular URL shortening services such as is.gd and bit.ly.

The Userlist feature is terrific for creating groups of similar friends. For example, you can create groups such as business associates, celebrities, family members, and friends. This allows you to follow specific groups and find relevant tweets without having to wade through a massive Twitter stream of unrelated tweets.

The Search feature offers an excellent way to stay on top of your favorite topics. Simply enter the search topic and receive instant notifications any time a related tweet matches. For example, if you're searching for freelance writing jobs, enter a search for "freelance writing jobs." Anytime someone tweets those words, you'll be notified by the Seesmic Desktop.

While several Twitter applications have been introduced, few allow users to manage multiple Twitter accounts. If you use Twitter and have two or more Twitter profiles, Seesmic Desktop is the application for you.