Software Reviews: Adium

Those who enjoy communicating by instant message have often been stuck with only one choice: AOL Instant Messenger. However, throughout the years, other programs have come and gone, and variations, such as iChat, have sprung up, allowing at least some choice in program and feel. However, for those that use an Apple computer, there is a far superior product available, one which will delight fans of instant messaging, and provide many years of bug free, enjoyable service.

That product is known as "Adium", and is available for free at www.adiumx.com. Essentially, Adium is freeware, which means anyone can download it and keep it for as long as they want for free. After downloading the software, users are never asked for donations, and OSX (or Leopard) will automatically check for updates. That's it, unlike some freeware, which prompts for constant feedback or insists on donations, Adium simply lets you enjoy it, and that may very well be one of the single best things about it.

Even though the experience of using Adium is nice, the magic is in what it offers. Whether one prefers AOL, Yahoo, MSN, or another kind of platform, Adium is able to act as a communication portal between a chosen messenger or any number put together. This means that instead of running separate programs for each client you enjoy, you simply run one instance of Adium, and it is able to group all of your contacts and let you contact them through the method of your choice.

Users will also appreciate the complete flexibility that Adium allows. Nearly every part of the interface can be customized. From the type of icon that appears in the dock, to the way that the contact list looks, to the very shape and background of the actual message window, everything can be edited. In fact, for those who are not adventurous when it comes to software editing, presets are available for download (free, of course) from the website. After a preset is downloaded, Adium is able to decode and install it almost instantly. Essentially, what this means is that Adium allows nearly full customization of every part of the user's experience, something that few other messaging programs can hope to offer.

Another beautiful part of using Adium is how flawlessly it works. No matter how many different types of clients are being run, or how many conversations one is attempting at one, the tabbed browsing of the messages and the very nature of the program keeps everything running smoothly, there are never any errors or freezes with Adium, it is simply one of the best instant messaging software programs ever designed.

However, while it may be close to perfect, there are a few flaws, which are planned for fixes in later editions of the software. Namely, sending pictures and other files over Adium is generally hit or miss, and whether or not it works often seems to depend on chance. Also, there is as of yet no option for video chat, although this is planned for future releases.

Like any software program, one must take the good with the bad. However, Adium is one of the best instant messaging programs available, and it can be downloaded for free in a matter of seconds simply by going to the website. The nearly complete customization and endless fun that one can have by using the program alone is well worth the limited cost of a few seconds spent downloading it.