Jabber Instructions

Jabber is an instant-messaging protocol (like AIM) that has been installed on the Biostat server for use throughout the department. Below are installation instructions using the Pidgin/Gaim program (a multi-purpose, cross-platform instant messaging program). Gaim was renamed to Pidgin in early 2007, so I'll refer to both names interchangeably.

Installation

You'll first need to install Pidgin. If you're using Windows, you can go here to download it. If you're using Linux, Gaim or Pidgin might already be installed. If neither are installed, e-mail Jeremy Stephens, Cole Beck, or the IT mailing list, and we'll be happy to install it for you.

Account Configuration

When you start Pidgin/Gaim for the first time (by running gaim or pidgin from the KDE "Run Command..." dialog or by browsing to it from the KDE Menu to the "Internet" section, or by clicking the "Gaim" or "Pidgin" desktop icon if you're using Windows), two or three windows will open. One of those looks like this:

If the window below doesn't already appear, click the "Add" button and a new window will open. Click the drop-down box next to the "Protocol:" label in this new window, and select "Jabber" (NOTE: if there is no 'Jabber' option, select 'XMPP'). Your window should now look like this:

Next, type your vunetid in the "Screen Name:" box, and type "biostat.mc.vanderbilt.edu" in the server box. You can leave the "Resource:" box unchanged. Your password is the default password as specified in the e-mail sent to you about this server. You should change it once you log on (details below). You can type an alias in the "Alias:" field if you wish (such as your first name), and if you want Pidgin/Gaim to automatically log you in when you start the program, you can check the "Remember password" and "Auto-login" boxes. When you're done the window should look something like this:

Click the Save button. Go back to your "Accounts" window now, and there should be new line there for the account you just created. Close the "Accounts" window. There should only be one Gaim window open now that looks like this:

Click the "Sign on" button, and it should log you in. If you get any error, it probably means that your account hasn't been created. Send an e-mail to Jeremy Stephens or the biostat mailing list if you have any problems.

Once you log in, you'll see your Buddy List, which should look something like this:

To chat with someone who is online, just double click their name and type a message.

Change Password

Next, you'll want to change your password. The way to do this varies slightly depending on if you're using Gaim or Pidgin. To find out for sure, click on the Help menu of your Buddy List, then click About. It will either say Gaim or Pidgin.

Gaim

To change your password in Gaim, in your Buddy List window, click on the Tools menu, then select Account Actions, and click on Change Password. This window will open:

Pidgin

To change your password in Pidgin, click on the Accounts menu, then select your biostat account, and then on Change Password.

Change your password to whatever you'd like. Once you've done that, you're all set.

Buddy List Management

By default, new buddies will be placed in the "Biostat" group. If you choose, you can add new groups and rearrange your buddies as you see fit. The server will even store how you arrange your buddy list so you will have it no matter where you login from.

Connecting From Off Campus

If you want to connect to the Jabber server from off campus, please see the JabberFromOffCampus page in the Restricted web for instructions.

Plugins

Gaim comes with many plugins installed that can be enabled for extra features. You may want to browse the list of available plugins and see which ones you like. There are also plugins available for download that can be installed with Gaim. Here are some common plugins you might find useful.

Off-the-Record Messaging

If you want to ensure that your messages are secure, you can turn on the "Off The Record" plugin. It allows encryption of messages for security reasons. If you're running Linux, it should already be installed, but if you're using Windows, you can go here to download it (Windows installer). To turn on OTR, click on the Tools menu from your Buddy List window, then click on Preferences. When the preferences window opens, click on "Plugins" on the left. Then click the check box next to "Off-the-Record Messaging". Your window should now look like this:

Now close the preferences window. All instant message windows should now have an "OTR" button next to the Send button. If the user you are messaging also has OTR turned on, you can start a private conversation by clicking on the OTR button. When the OTR button displays "Private", then your conversation is encrypted. The first time you start a private conversation, OTR will generate a private key which is saved for future use. Further OTR options can be set in Gaim Preferences.

WinGaim Options

For Windows only, the WinGaim Options plugin gives users an easy way to start Gaim on startup, dock the buddy list, keep the buddy list always on top, and flash windows when messages are received.

Other Notes

Gaim has the capability to log conversations, and you can enable logging in the preferences window. If you have other questions about Gaim, you can check out the FAQ or read the online documentation.

There are other Jabber clients out there (like Kopete) if you decide that you don't like Gaim. If you need help setting up a different client, feel free to ask one of the IT staff members for assistance.

Here's a little Pidgin plugin for KNotify integration: http://www.kde-apps.org/content/show.php?content=62796.