Sure, you can use Gaim or Trillian to connect to multiple networks but why not use the proper protocol - Jabber - and let the server do the work for you? Just pick a jabber server with MSN, ICQ, AIM and Yahoo transports. Then it doesn't matter which client you use, as long as it supports jabber you're fine.
Hmmm. I've just signed up for DSL for some of the same reasons you state. With cable, I have a 2-4 megabit connection. Quite reliable too. The problem is that I'm stuck with the cable company. And they cannot call themselves a real ISP. The lack of knowledge and degree of service prohibits that. With DSL, I can choose my own ISP. There are some DSL providers that have their own DSL network but the most ISP lease the capacity from an existing DSL provider. And I chose one that provides a 8 megabit connection, a shell account and (from what I heard) great service and support.
But one of the most important reasons is that this ISP runs completely on Debian.
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Its kind of like my dog who hides his eyes and thinks you don't see him.
That's a neat trick! How can I teach my dog to hide his eyes?
Sure, you can use Gaim or Trillian to connect to multiple networks but why not use the proper protocol - Jabber - and let the server do the work for you? Just pick a jabber server with MSN, ICQ, AIM and Yahoo transports. Then it doesn't matter which client you use, as long as it supports jabber you're fine.
I would choose Psi http://psi-im.org/psi.affinix.com/ if you work in Windows or KDE and Gajim http://www.gajim.org/index.php?lang=en for Gnome.
Plus, you can install all sorts of nifty tools on the Jabber server: email checking, receive RSS feeds, control your jukebox...
"I must admit, I never watched the show"
If you never watched the show, then on what are you basing your opinion?
Hmmm. I've just signed up for DSL for some of the same reasons you state. With cable, I have a 2-4 megabit connection. Quite reliable too. The problem is that I'm stuck with the cable company. And they cannot call themselves a real ISP. The lack of knowledge and degree of service prohibits that. With DSL, I can choose my own ISP. There are some DSL providers that have their own DSL network but the most ISP lease the capacity from an existing DSL provider. And I chose one that provides a 8 megabit connection, a shell account and (from what I heard) great service and support.
But one of the most important reasons is that this ISP runs completely on Debian.