Pidgin

Why use Pidgin?

Start up Pidgin and you get right down to business. No pop-ups, no advertising, just instant messaging with whatever instant messaging service you like. It even handles some you've probably never even heard of. No need to install multiple IM clients. There's also useful plug-ins to carry out various jobs or make instant messaging entertaining.

initial setup

1. After finishing the installation you'll receive the "Welcome to Pidgin" window. Click the Add button to add one of your instant messaging accounts.
2. Select an instant messaging service you have an account with already in the Protocol pull-down menu.
3. Fill in your user name and password in the fields. Place a check next to Remember password if you don't want to type it in every time.
4. Local alias is something to make you easier to recognize. I'm using harlockarcadia76 on the Yahoo IM network. For alias I'd fill in Dana.
5. Click on the Save button when done.

adding buddies

1. Click on the Buddies menu and select Add Buddy.
2. Type in their instant messaging username next to Buddy's username. Type in their real name next to (Optional) Alias to make them easy to identify.
3. If you want you can add them to a group by using the pull-down menu. Otherwise click on the Add button when done.