Cross-platform chat software that runs without installation on a PC?

September 24, 2006 2:17 PM

I'm looking for a good, cross-platform chat client that I can run on a Mac, and my S.O. can run on a Win2K box on which he's not allowed to install software? e.g., something he can run from a USB drive? We're currently using google talk, but want something with more functionality.
posted by stonerose to computers & internet (7 comments total)

www.meebo.com
posted by zhivota at 2:20 PM on September 24, 2006

Perhaps I should explain. Meebo is browser based. If you have a browser with the modern plugins installed, you can use this (assuming the site is not blocked by some work firewall).
posted by zhivota at 2:26 PM on September 24, 2006

I've been happy with Portable Gaim on windows/linux.

For your mac, the counterpart would be Adium (it uses the same code base)
posted by chrisamiller at 2:38 PM on September 24, 2006

I wasnt looking for this software, but Portable Gaim looks great! Will have to see if it'll work through my work proxy!
posted by lemonfridge at 2:59 PM on September 24, 2006

Perfect! Thanks, zhivota and chrisamiller. This will make a working trip to Africa a lot more pleasant.
posted by stonerose at 5:30 PM on September 24, 2006

Miranda runs off a USB drive and supports a number of different chat clients. That's what I use.
posted by Lucinda at 5:56 PM on September 24, 2006

http://www.bitwiseim.com
posted by Sonic_Molson at 8:22 PM on September 24, 2006