I recently opened a Twitter account and that has encouraged me to look for the best Twitter clients on the Web. Twhirl is probably one of them.

Before using Twhirl, you need to install Adobe AIR. Although this may seem an inconvenient requisite, it takes only a few minutes and also enables you to run other AIR-based applications. Just make sure it's the Beta 3 version.

Twhirl supports several Twitter accounts and is really comfortable to use. It sits on your system tray and can be set to periodically check new messages from your friends: as soon as they publish an update, you'll see a small notification window. The program displays a slick interface with customizable skins and text fonts. Twitters messages are easily identified by your friend's avatar and can be color-coded according to their type. Also, try hovering your mouse over each message's user avatar and you'll see an array of options: reply the message, send a direct message to its author, favor the tweet, etc.

Of course, Twitter is not only about reading, so you can also publish your own updates from Twhirl. A small button on the bottom bar toggles the input panel for you to write, which includes an automatic URL shortener. Simply write your message, press Enter and your Twitter account will be updated.

Twhirl is truly a must-have for all Twitter users. It's a fast, convenient and simple to use client which can be easily customized.