IM @ Duke

Gaim Setup – Linux

In order to communicate with others, an instant messaging client must be available on your local computer and configured to work with the Duke servers. Gaim is a popular client that supports the Jabber protocol as well as others, and is available for multiple platforms (Windows, Linux, Solaris, etc). Gaim is already included in the Linux@Duke installation image. For information about installing the Linux software, please refer to http://gaim.sourceforge.net/.

Configuring Gaim

Configuring Gaim for use at Duke involves three basic steps: pointing the client at the correct server, telling the server who you are, and adding ”buddies” with whom you want to communicate.

Step 1: Launch the Gaim client

Either run gaim & from the command line, or go to the application launcher and select Applications > Internet > IM.

Step 2: Connect to the server

1. Click Accounts on the Gaim Login screen. Select + Add to get the Add Account screen.
2. Fill in the boxes in the Add Account screen as follows. The screen name should be your Duke NetID. 

3. Click Save.
   

NOTE: Be sure you do not check Remember Password. (Security Issue: GAIM's XML config file stores passwords in clear text.)

Step 3: Configuring buddies.

Gaim refers to people you instant message with as buddies. In order to communicate with someone, you must first add them to your buddy list.

1. Click Buddies, then + Add Buddy or use the keyboard shortcut (ctrl-B). A dialog box will pop up asking for details about the person you want to add.
2. Enter the screen name of the person you want to IM. Usually a person's screen name is their NetID followed by @jabber.duke.edu (for example, yourbuddy'sNetID@jabber.duke.edu).
3. Optional: Enter an alias for this person. This alias will be shown instead of their screen name.
4. Optional: Select a group for your new buddy (see details about groups below).
5. Select the account you want to use to communicate with this buddy. Unless you have configured additional accounts and protocols this will default to your jabber.duke.edu account.
6. Click + Add.

Other options

Configuring Buddy Groups

Gaim allows you to organize your buddies into different groups (e.g. family, friends, co-workers, etc). This can be useful if you maintain a large list of buddies. Follow the three steps below.

1. Click Buddies on the menu bar, then + Add Group.
   
2. Enter a new group name then click + Add
3. When you add a buddy, select a group to place him or her in (see configuring buddies above).

Additional configurations

Gaim has a number of configuration options available under Tools in the menu bar, then Preferences (or crtl-P). You can alter the formatting of messages as well as the Gaim buddy list, adjust the behavior of Gaim when you are not available for IM, configure plug-ins for additional features, configure plug-ins for additional features, or make other changes.