Help:Jabber

On jabber.hackerspaces.org runs a Jabber Server which allows for effective communictation between hackers. Every account created is visible by all other users - instant contact list

What is Jabber?

Jabber (XMPP) is a open protocol for services like Instant Messaging and IP-phones. Because of the strong support by Google and investments into the further development this protocol is an important player in the Instant Messaging (IM) and IP-phone market. Also, big organisations like the Chaos Computer Club are using Jabber for their internal communication.

see also:

• Jabber User Guide
• Wikipedia

How can I use Jabber?

You get access using a Jabber client. After the installation you create an account. After that you are ready to go. When you log in again, you get a list of all members from the server to which you can talk to.

Client software

• Pidgin (originally Gaim) is a very good client that supports opportunistic encryption (OTR). Pidgin is very easy to install on Windows and Linux. If you're a cli freak, the nongraphical (based on ncurses) version of pidgin, finch, seems to work fine too.
• Psi Jabber Client for Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X, and GNU/Linux (apt-get install psi).
• Adium for Mac OS X is a very good client that support multiple protocols, which also supports Jabber and OTR.
• iChat (Mac OS X 10.4 and later)

Pidgin Setup

Add a new account in Pidgin.

Fill the form, check the 'create new account' box...

Pidgin doesn't list "Jabber" - the protocol name is XMPP.

Enter the domain for Hackerspaces: jabber.hackerspaces.org

TODO: What needs to be in the "Resource" field? Does it have to be "Gaim"? Update: The resource field does not have to be "Gaim" but could be anything(i.e. the name of your PC, your location, your client, what ever you choice). Its there to allow multiple logins from different clients.

• XMPP/Jabber allows you to be logged in at more than one location (unlike AIM/Oscar which bitches at you when you log in from a second location). The only condition is that you cannot have the same Resource for two logged in sessions of the same user. Thus, you may have Work, Home, Laptop, etc. to show which you are connected on. A user can specify to which of your logged in sessions/locations they want to send the message by using the Send To menu in the chat window.

In the Advanced tab, don't forget to select the 'Require SSL/TLS' option. Click Save

Set a password and you are ready. Log-in again to refresh the userlist.