Adium
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Adium is a popular instant messaging client for Mac OS X that supports multiple protocols through the libgaim and joscar libraries. It is written using OS X's Cocoa API, and it is released under the free software GNU General Public License. Adium was originally created by college student Adam Iser, and the first version, 1.0, was released in September 2001.
The next version—originally slated to be called Adium 2.0, but then renamed to Adium X—is a complete rewrite of the code of the 1.x series. Its largest improvement was switching to libgaim to add support for IM protocols other than AIM; supported protocols now include ICQ, MSN Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, Jabber and Google Talk. Most of the work on libgaim itself is done by the Gaim team; the Adium team mostly works on the Adium X graphical user interface (GUI).
Adium makes use of a plugin architecture; many of the program's essential features are actually provided by plugins. A built-in plugin provides support for the rendering of LaTeX math expressions during conversations. Other features in the newest version include support for file transfer, support for the Growl notifications system, and support for encrypted messaging with the OTR library. Adium 0.88 was the first version compiled as a universal binary, making it run natively with Intel-based Macs.
Adium is also highly customizable through the use of resources its developers call "Xtras". The program can be customized by the use of hundreds of third-party Xtras that alter the appearance of emoticons, Dock icons, contact list styles, and messages styles. Adium can also be enhanced through the use of different sound sets. AppleScripts can also be utilized to automatically alter behavior in responses to certain triggers.
The next major release is Adium X 1.0. The development can be followed at [Adium's trac page]. The most significant change in Adium 1.0 will be the switch from libgaim to Joscar for implementing several protocols (including AIM and ICQ), which will improve file transfer.
Adium also has a fork project, called "Metal Adium".http://www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/20912 This version uses OS X's "brushed metal" theme instead of the default Aqua.
Protocols
Adium X supports the following account types:- AOL Instant Messenger
- Bonjour (formerly Rendezvous)
- Gadu-Gadu
- Google Talk
- ICQ
- Jabber
- Lotus Sametime
- .Mac
- MSN Messenger
- Novell GroupWise
- Yahoo! Japan
- Yahoo! Messenger
- Zephyr
See also
References
External links
- [Adium X] — official website
- [Adium Xtras] — "Xtras" are interface customizations such as dock icons and contact list styles.
- [Adium Forums] — Official Adium Forums
- [Portable Adium] — packaged as portable application for external drive.
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