Windows/Mac: TorChat is an instant messenger client that makes encrypted, anonymous chat and sharing files with your friends incredibly easy. Built on Tor's location-hiding services, nobody will be able to see what you're doing or who you're contacting.

If you're a fan of the Pidgin multi-protocol instant messenger client and you use Dropbox to synchronise your files across multiple PCs, you'll be interested to know that you can sync your Pidgin profile, even from Windows to Linux.

Pidgin already has support for a variety of messaging protocols, add to its chat-tacular arsenal with add-ons for Facebook and Twitter. Over at Download Squad they've put together a step by step tutorial covering how to soup up Pidgin. We've previously covered the Pidgin Facebook plug-in, but integrating Twitter updates is definitely a new-trick-on-the-block. The trick requires a gmail account so you can access the gTalk protocol in Pidgin as well as a plug-in for the Twitter API. Check out the tutorial for detailed instructions and turn Pidgin into your mecca of messaging. For more customisation ideas check out the ten must have plug-ins for Pidgin. How to add Twitter and Facebook support to Pidgin for Windows

Popular cross-platform instant messaging application Pidgin released an update boasting a boatload of bug fixes that should improve the stability and day-to-day operation of Pidgin. If you want to see the entire list of changes in the most popular IM app on the block, you can find the entire changelog here.

Windows/Linux: The Facebook Chat for Pidgin plug-in connects the popular open-source chat application Pidgin with the new Facebook Chat instant messaging service. Facebook integration is one of the marquee features of Digsby, an up-and-coming IM app with an emphasis on social networking sites, but if you're a part of the majority who still prefers Pidgin, this plug-in will bring you the Facebook integration you want and you won't need to change horses to get it. The Facebook Chat plug-in is free, works wherever Pidgin does. Want to beef up Pidgin even more? Check out the ten must-have Pidgin plug-ins. Thanks Larry, Donal, and Jacob! Facebook Chat

Windows/Unix: Free, open source instant messaging application Pidgin has just released a significant new update, chock full of bug fixes and some snazzy new features—among them more file transfer support, interface improvements, and improved customisation. For more details on the changes, check out the official ChangeLog. Pidgin is free, open source, works on all Windows and Unix platforms. If you're new to Pidgin, check out the ten must-have Pidgin plug-ins to get even more out of the killer cross-platform app. If you're a die-hard Pidgin user, let's hear why you love Pidgin in the comments. Pidgin

Windows/Mac/Linux (All platforms): Multi-protocol instant messaging client Pidgin can do a lot of things, especially through built-in plug-ins, but has yet to integrate internet calling service Skype into its offerings. Enter the Skype API Plugin, an early attempt at getting Skype's instant messaging features working in Pidgin (or Adium for OS X users). The good news: It's relatively easy to install and actually works. The bad news: Voice calls can't be made from Pidgin, and you have to keep the Skype application running in the background (which you might do anyways to make and receive calls). The plug-in also imports every out-call and phone contact in your Skype account as a contact, so heavy Skype users might keep this plug-in disabled by default. All in all, however, it helps reduce the number of contact windows on a desktop and provides a promising early look at (hopefully) tighter integration. The Skype API plug-in is a free download for Windows, Mac and Linux systems. Skype API Plugin

Cross-platform, multi-protocol instant messaging application Pidgin is very functional, but by default it's not what most people would call sexy. But like many great software projects, from Firefox to foobar2000, the looks and extra functionality are there—you just have to know where to find them. Today we're taking a look at 10 of the best Pidgin plug-ins for taking Pidgin from drab to fab.