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Pidgin is a free and open source client that lets you organize and manage your different Instant Messaging (IM) accounts using a single interface. The Off-the-Record (OTR) plug-in designed for use with Pidgin ensures authenticated and secure communications between Pidgin users.
Homepage
Computer Requirements
Version used in this guide
License:
GNU Linux, Mac OS and other Microsoft Windows Compatible Programs:
Both Pidgin and OTR are available for Microsoft Windows and for GNU/Linux. Another multi-protocol IM program for Microsoft Windows that supports OTR is Miranda IM. For the Mac OS we recommend using Adium, a multi-protocol IM program that supports the OTR plugin.
1.1 Things you should know about this tool before you start
Pidgin is a free and open source Instant Messaging (IM) client that lets you organize and manage your different (IM) accounts through a single interface. Before you can start using Pidgin you must have an existing IM account, after which you will register that account to Pidgin. For instance, if you have an email account with Gmail, you can use their IM service GoogleTalk with Pidgin. The log-in details of your existing IM account are used to register and access your account through Pidgin.
Note: All users are encouraged to learn as much as possible about the privacy and security policies of their Instant Messaging Service Provider.
Pidgin supports the following IM services: AIM, Bonjour, Gadu-Gadu, Google Talk, Groupwise, ICQ, IRC, MIRC, MSN, MXit, MySpaceIM, QQ, SILC, SIMPLE, Sametime, Yahoo!, Zephyr and any IM clients running the XMPP messaging protocol.
Pidgin does not permit communication between different IM services. For instance, if you are using Pidgin to access your Google Talk account, you will not be able to chat with a friend using an ICQ account.
However, Pidgin can be configured to manage multiple accounts based on any of the supported messaging protocols. That is, you may simultaneously use both Gmail and ICQ accounts, and chat with correspondents using either of those specific services (which are supported by Pidgin).
Pidgin is strongly recommended for IM sessions, as it offers a greater degree of security than alternative messaging clients, and does not come bundled with unnecessary adware or spyware which may compromise your privacy and security.
Off-the-Record (OTR) messaging is a plugin developed specifically for Pidgin. It offers the following privacy and security features:
Note: Pidgin must be installed before the OTR plugin.
Homepage
- Pidgin: http://www.pidgin.im
- OTR: http://www.cypherpunks.ca/otr
Computer Requirements
- An Internet connection
- All Windows Versions
Version used in this guide
- Pidgin 2.7.11
- OTR 3.2.0.1
License:
- Free and Open-Source Software
GNU Linux, Mac OS and other Microsoft Windows Compatible Programs:
Both Pidgin and OTR are available for Microsoft Windows and for GNU/Linux. Another multi-protocol IM program for Microsoft Windows that supports OTR is Miranda IM. For the Mac OS we recommend using Adium, a multi-protocol IM program that supports the OTR plugin.
1.1 Things you should know about this tool before you start
Pidgin is a free and open source Instant Messaging (IM) client that lets you organize and manage your different (IM) accounts through a single interface. Before you can start using Pidgin you must have an existing IM account, after which you will register that account to Pidgin. For instance, if you have an email account with Gmail, you can use their IM service GoogleTalk with Pidgin. The log-in details of your existing IM account are used to register and access your account through Pidgin.
Note: All users are encouraged to learn as much as possible about the privacy and security policies of their Instant Messaging Service Provider.
Pidgin supports the following IM services: AIM, Bonjour, Gadu-Gadu, Google Talk, Groupwise, ICQ, IRC, MIRC, MSN, MXit, MySpaceIM, QQ, SILC, SIMPLE, Sametime, Yahoo!, Zephyr and any IM clients running the XMPP messaging protocol.
Pidgin does not permit communication between different IM services. For instance, if you are using Pidgin to access your Google Talk account, you will not be able to chat with a friend using an ICQ account.
However, Pidgin can be configured to manage multiple accounts based on any of the supported messaging protocols. That is, you may simultaneously use both Gmail and ICQ accounts, and chat with correspondents using either of those specific services (which are supported by Pidgin).
Pidgin is strongly recommended for IM sessions, as it offers a greater degree of security than alternative messaging clients, and does not come bundled with unnecessary adware or spyware which may compromise your privacy and security.
Off-the-Record (OTR) messaging is a plugin developed specifically for Pidgin. It offers the following privacy and security features:
- Authentication: You are assured the correspondent is who you think it is.
- Deniability: After the chat session is finished, messages cannot be identified as originating from either your correspondent or you.
- Encryption: No one else can access and read your instant messages.
- Perfect Forward Security: If third party obtains your private keys, no previous conversations are compromised.
Note: Pidgin must be installed before the OTR plugin.