1.6 Installing and Setting Up the Pidgin Instant Chat Client

This section includes the following topics:

1.6.1 Downloading the Pidgin Client

After you install the Conferencing server, the Pidgin client with Conferencing protocol support can be downloaded from the following URLs.

  • Windows: http://conferencing-portal-hostname/imidio/downloads/pidgin.exe

  • Linux: http://conferencing-portal-hostname/imidio/downloads/pidgin.rpm

These files (or file locations) should be provided to you via a URL (e-mail).

  1. Download the pidgin.exe (Windows) or pidgin.rpm (Linux) executable file to your desktop.

  2. In Linux and Windows, double-click the pidgin (.rpm or .exe) installer (placed on the desktop during download), or select Open or Run to invoke the installer.

    Pidgin icon

    It might take a while for the installation to begin on the Linux desktop.

  3. In the Installer Language dialog that appears, select your language from the drop-down list.

    The installer wizard walks you through the installation process. The defaults should work for your install, although you might want to select the Shortcut > Desktop option.

  4. Click Finish to complete the installation process.

    The integrated Pidgin instant chat client is now installed and ready for use.

    See the Conferencing online help or the Conferencing User Guide for information on using the integrated Pidgin client with Conferencing.

1.6.2 Setting Up Your Pidgin Client

  1. Start Pidgin.

  2. In the Accounts dialog that appears, click Add.

    If the Accounts dialog does not automatically appear, select the Accounts > Add/Edit menu item from the Pidgin Buddy List window.

  3. Under the Basic tab in the Add Account window:

    Pidgin Add Account basic tab

    1. Select ICEcore from the Protocol drop-down list.

    2. Type in your Conferencing screen name in the Screen Name field.

    3. Type in the Conferencing server address in the Server field.

    4. Type in your Conferencing password in the Password field.

    5. Type in the alias name you would prefer to use in Pidgin instant chat client.

    6. Select the Remember Password option to avoid typing in your password each type you start instant chat.

  4. Under the Advanced tab, select the ICEcore Options you want for importing your Conferencing contacts:

    Pidgin Add Account Advanced tab

    1. Select Show All Personal Contacts to import all your personal contacts from Conferencing.

    2. Select Show Community Contacts to import all the contacts from the Conferencing Community Address Book.

  5. Click Save.

1.6.3 Accessing the Pidgin Conferencing Features

Selects Accounts > Your Conferencing Account to view the Conferencing menu items that are available:

Figure 1-3 Accounts Menu

Pidgin Account options

  • Edit Account: Select this menu item to edit your Pidgin Conferencing account. For more information, see Setting Up Your Pidgin Client.

  • Show Meeting Center: Select this menu item to open the Conferencing Main Window.

  • Manage Contacts: Select this menu item to open the Conferencing Manage Contacts and Users Window. For more information, see Configuring Your Contacts and Buddies.

  • Start My Instant Meeting: Select this menu item to start your Conferencing Instant Meeting. For more information, see Running and Editing Your Instant Meeting.

  • Disable: Select this menu item to disable your Pidgin Conferencing account.