Set up Instant Messaging in Ubuntu 10.10

Ubuntu is great if you use instant messaging because the tools are built into the desktop. It supports a wide variety of online messaging services including Facebook.

Click on the icon next to your username at the top of the screen and then on Chat Accounts.

Leave the top option selected and click on Forward. Select the instant messaging service you want to use from the top menu. For this example we will be using AOL Instant Messenger, or AIM. Enter your screen name and password.

Select the yes option below if you want to set up another account. Otherwise leave it on No and click on Apply to save your changes.

Ubuntu will now sign you in to the instant messaging service and new messages will be displayed on the desktop.

To send a message, click on the Applications menu at the top left, click Internet and then Empathy Internet Messaging. Your contact list will be displayed. Double-click on a contact to begin a conversation.