3. Instant Messaging

Kopete is a very complete instant messaging (IM) client. With it, you can chat with people using many protocols, such as AIM/ICQ, MSN, Yahoo!, etc.

Access the Surf the InternetChat menu to launch Kopete. The first time you launch Kopete, the configuration dialog shows up. You can also open it by going to the SettingsConfigure Kopete menu to add an account.

Figure 5.11. Adding an Account

Adding an Account

First select the protocol associated to your account (Jabber, MSN, Yahoo!, ICQ, etc.) Then enter your user name, review the protocol's options, and click on Next and Finish. You are connected with the protocol you've chosen and your contacts appear in the main window. Click on your protocol's logo (bottom right of the window) to control the connection and presence status.

3.1. Sending Instant Messages

Double-click on the name of one of your contacts to initiate a conversation.

Figure 5.12. Chatting with a Friend

Chatting with a Friend

Use the different icons to add smileys, change the font, align your text, etc. Access the Chat+Invite<Friend's Name> menu to invite another friend to your conversation which creates a “chatroom”.

3.2. Sending Files and Email

From Kopete's main window right-click on your contact's name and then click on Other ActionsSend File.

Use the same method to send an e-mail. If you use the MSN protocol a browser window appears and connects you to Hotmail where you can write your e-mail.

3.3. Setting Up Plugins

Access the SettingsConfigure Plugins menu. Here's a selection of the most interesting ones. Bear in mind that some of those plugins are somewhat immature and might not behave like you expect:

Bookmarks. Allows you to bookmark sites sent by your friends, either by contact or as a unique file.

Highlight. Enables you to filter certain words or expressions and to highlight them: background or foreground color, sound, etc.

History. Keeps a log file of all the messages you exchange with your contacts. They are stored in the /home/username/.kde/share/apps/kopete/logs/[*]Protocol folder.

Netmeeting. Allows you to use voice and video transmission with MSN Messenger clients through GnomeMeeting (see Section 4, “Webcams and Video Conferencing”).