Instant Messaging with Kopete

Kopete is an online messenger application that allows multiple partners connected to the Internet to chat with each other. Kopete currently supports a number of common messenger protocols, such as AOL* Instant Messenger (AIM), Gadu-Gadu, GroupWise® Messenger, ICQ, Jabber*, MSN, SMS, and Yahoo!*. To be able to use instant messaging (IM), you must register with a provider offering IM services and configure a Kopete account.

To start Kopete, press Alt+F2 and enter kopete.

To configure an account, proceed as follows:

Select Settings+Configure.
Choose Accounts and click Add Account.
Select your messaging service.
Enter your account information. If the messaging service requires registration but you do not have an account for this service yet, proceed as follows:
1. Click Register New Account. In the browser window that opens, enter your user data to register.
2. Switch back to Kopete and enter the data received on registration with the messaging service. This usually consists of the nickname or e-mail address and a password. Complete the configuration of your account by clicking Finish.
Create a new identity with Add Identity.... Usually this is not really necessary, but sometimes you want to distinguish between private and business contacts. A new identity helps to separate these two areas. In the dialog box that opens, enter your nickname and e-mail address. Close with Ok.
Drag and drop your account to the newly created identity. It is now listed under the identity.
Finish with Ok.

If you decided to go online after configuring your account, you can now add contacts in the main Kopete window. Otherwise, first click File+Set Status+Online and enter your password if you are prompted for it. After connecting, click File+Add Contact and select the Kopete account for which you want to add contacts. Enter the contact data or search for a contact and click OK.

To view all your contacts, even if they are offline at the moment, select Settings+Show Offline Users.

To start a chat with someone, click the desired contact and type your message in the lower part of the chatting window. Press Enter to send the message. The upper part of the window displays the messages you have sent and received.