How do I use MSN or Yahoo or ICQ instant messaging under Linux?

Q. I have lots friends most of them use MSN, ICO or Yahoo for chatting purpose. So how do I chat using Linux?

A. You need to use Gaim messenger. It is an instant messenger that supports many commonly used instant messaging systems including:

1. Yahoo
2. MSN
3. ICQ
4. Jabber
5. Internet Relay Chat and others (see complete list)

Gaim supports plugins for RSA and GPG encryption, as well as Off-the-record messaging.

Gaim installation

By default most modern Linux distributions install the Gaim. You can find it Internet menu.

If you are using Debian Linux, type the following command:

# apt-get install gaim

If you are using Fedora Linux, type the following command:

# yum install gaim

If you are using Red Hat enterprise, type the following command:

# up2date gaim

To start gaim, the following command (or click on K icon > Internet > Gaim >:

$ gaim &

See also:

• Gaim documentation