Twitter @ Desktop

Popular programs in Instant Messaging

What is Twitter @ Desktop

Designed for those who want an easier Twitter experience but who still want to keep up with all of the latest updates from those whom they follow, Twitter @ Desktop makes it a lot easier to access all of your Twitter updates directly from your desktop.

Basically, Twitter @ Desktop is designed so that you can view your updates on this popular social networking site without having to log onto the Twitter website. You don't have to deal with the graphics, spam or frills. What makes this program rather unique is the fact that it uses plain Unicode text, so it isn't fancy at all.

The program will link to your Twitter account securely and require your verification before it loads your status updates, which is a positive thing. Then, it will display the latest Tweets from the people who you follow on the site for you to read directly from your desktop.

It is a pretty bare-bones program, however, so those who are power users on the site might want to look for another program. It doesn't automatically refresh; you have to do so manually if you want to see the newest Tweets. It also doesn't show pictures, links or other important information; instead, it simply posts the user's Twitter handle and the Tweet. This can be good for quick updates, but it can make it a bit tricky to follow longer conversations.

For those who want to be able to quickly check Twitter without having to deal with all of the fuss, this program can be a good option. Unfortunately, the installation process is a bit tedious and frustrating, and it does require you to install a toolbar, which many people don't like. You can always uninstall the toolbar after you have installed the program, but many people don't want to take this extra step, so that's something for you to think about. Also, if you're someone who wants to get more out of your Twitter experience, this program might not be your best choice; it's more of an option for those who want to make checking statuses on Twitter easy and frills-free.

Pros

• Integration with Twitter is secure and does your require your authorization during each session.
• The program is very easy to use after installation.
• It's great for those who want a frills-free experience.

Cons

• A toolbar installation is required.
• It isn't easy to follow longer conversations.
• Most details about users are not given; you can only see the handle.
• It does not offer all of the features that power users prefer.