http://www.haloscan.com/comments/clifnotes/TheImClientFormerlyKnownAsGaim/
For those trying PIDGIN (formerly GAIM) for the first time, don't
forget to also try the OTR (Off-the-Record Messaging) plugin, which
adds encryption, authentication, deniability, and perfect forward
secrecy to Pidgin's instant messages.
An installer for the plugin compatible with Pidgin 2.0.0 has just
been released at http://www.cypherpunks.ca/otr/