Fire

What: Multi-service instant messaging client

By: epicware, Inc., and open-source developers

Cost: Freeware

Download: fire.sourceforge.net

Fire is a free instant messaging client that can access most popular IM services, including AIM, ICQ, IRC, Jabber, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, and Apple Bonjour (formerly called Rendezvous).

If you're concerned about privacy issues, Fire supports Gnu Privacy Guard (GPG) encryption on every service except Yahoo! Messenger. The software can be customized in myriad ways so users can have the look, feel, and sound effects they prefer. Fire also lets Mac users choose among 22 Macintosh voice options for speech.

The figure shows the Buddies and Accounts windows, along with the Fire Preferences dialog box and its various customization items.

Why I like it: Fire can help users of multiple instant messaging systems simplify their online social lives.