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CNR : Internet

Gaim is the default Instant Messenger (IM) program in Linspire. You can use Gaim to chat with friends and family on many different IM networks including: AOL, ICQ, Yahoo, MSN, IRC, and Jabber. To start using Gaim you first have to sign up for a chat network that your buddies are on. You can do this by going to their web site and creating a new account. They will try to get you to download their chat software but, you don't need it! All you need is to have a username and password to chat on their network. Here is how you set up your Gaim accounts in Linspire:

1. Sign up for a free IM account with AOL, Yahoo, or MSN. Don't download their software. You won't need it!

2. Click the the icon for Gaim in the Linspire task bar:

3. Click the button to add a new account:



4. First, under the "Protocol" select list, choose the type of account you are adding. The default is for AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) and ICQ. Next, type in your Screename and your Password for this account. Then, under the "Alias" type whatever you want this account to be called. This is what will be displayed in the list of your accounts. If you check the "remember password" box you will not have to type your password every time. When you are done, click the "Save" button at the bottom.



5. After you create your account you will see it appear in your "Account manager" for Gaim. If you ever wish to change the settings you can highlight your account and click on the "Modify" button. When you are done, click on the "Close" button.



6. Now, you are ready to log in and start chatting! If you ever want to return to the "Account Manager" screen just click the button that is labeled "Accounts". This is how you can add new accounts in Gaim. To switch networks (eg. to go from AIM to Yahoo) you can simply pull down the select list for "Account" and choose which one you want to log into. You can only be logged into one network at a time! Before the accounts will appear in this list you must first add them via the "Account Manager". When you are ready to connect, click the "Sign On" button.



7. After you have connected to the network you will have to add some buddies that you can chat with. There is a button that says "Add Buddy". Click this and type in the Screenname of your buddy. Once the person appears in your list you can double-click on their name to start chatting with them!