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Friday August 2nd, 2013

OIT > Computing > Instant Messaging > Pidgin

Instant Messaging with Pidgin

Summary: This document aids you in configuring the Pidgin client for use with OIT Instant Messaging. (Pidgin replaces GAIM.)

Pidgin is a free, open-source instant messaging client available for Windows and Linux. It is a multiple-protocol client, meaning it can simultaneously communicate with different instant messaging systems in addition with OIT's Jabber-based service. Current versions can be downloaded from the Pidgin site.

This documentation was tested with version 2.5.4 on Windows XP, SP3.

Setting Up Your Account

  1. Add Account Window
    Figure 1

    In the Welcome to Pidgin window, click the Add button.
    If you are already using Pidgin for other accounts, select Manage from the Accounts menu and click the Add button.

  2. Select XMPP (same as Jabber) in the Protocol drop-down menu. (See Figure 1)

  3. Type your UCInetID in the Username field.

  4. Type uci.edu in the Domain field.

  5. Type your UCInetID password in the Password field.

  6. Due to security concerns, we do not recommend saving your UCInetID password with Pidgin.

  7. Pidgen Advanced Settings
    Figure 2

    Click the Advanced Tab. (See Figure 2)

  8. Check the Require SSL/TLS box.

  9. Make sure that the Connect port is set to 5222

  10. Type chat.nacs.uci.edu in the Connect server field.

  11. Click the Add button to create the account.

Adding People to Your Buddy List

When you add someone to your Buddy List using Jabber, you are initially sending a request to be added. The person you are adding will need to authorize you as a contact before you can communicate with them via Jabber. Currently, OIT Instant Messaging can only communicate with other XMPP/Jabber systems in the .edu or .gov domains.

 

  1. Pidgin - Add a Buddy
    Figure 3

    From the Buddies menu, select Add Buddy... (See Figure 3)

  2. Type your friend's username as UCInetID@uci.edu in the Buddy's username field.

  3. Type your friend's name in optional Alias field if you'd like to see their name instead of their username.

  4. Add the person to a group if you would like to organize your buddies into groups.

  5. Click the Add button.

  6. You may need to wait until the person authorizes you the next time they log in.