Microsoft Lync Conferencing

We now recommend the use of Microsoft Lync (now known as Skype for Business). A linux client, Sky for Linux, is available. The IT Security Office has approved Sky for Linux... CNF Computing can provide a copy of the approval for backup when purchasing.

Other Options

With the move to new core network switches for the CNF network, staff may now instant message with other staff.

Caveats

  1. Some software installation is required (chat client and Bonjour/Avahi)
  2. Chat is one to one, between two individuals
  3. No encryption of chats unless you separate install an encryption plugin in your chat client
  4. Only works on the CNF network as CNF Computing is not running a chat server. Your chat client simply looks for and discovers other chat clients on the network.

Software Installation

Bonjour (required) - Windows

  1. Point your web browser to http://www.apple.com/support/bonjour/
  2. On the upper right of the web page, under Software Updates, click Bonjour Print Services for Windows
  3. On the new web page, click "Download"
  4. Run the installer and follow the instructions to install Bonjour

Avahi (required) - Linux

For some linux distribution, Avahi may already be available as one or more installable packages. If not available, install the latest avahi from http://avahi.org

Pidgin (required) - Linux and Windows

For some linux distributions, Pidgin may already be available as an installable package (this is the case for Fedora and RedHat Enterprise Linux) directly from the Linux distribution packager. If not, follow the below instructions:

  1. Point your web browser at http://www.pidgin.im/
  2. Click the "Get Pidgin" link to download the installer
  3. Run the installer and follow the instructions to install Pidgin.

Adium (required) - Mac OS X

  1. Point your web browser to https://adium.im/
  2. Click the "Download Adium" link to download the installer.
  3. Run the installer and follow the instructions to install Adium.

Setting up your Chat Client

  1. In Pidgin/Adium, go to the Account Management window and click "Add" (or if this is your first time running Pidgin/Adium, "Add" a new account)
  2. For the Protocol/Account Type, select "Bonjour"
  3. For the username, type in a username of your choice (eg your first name).
  4. Click "Save"/"OK"
  5. Enable/Login to the account (in some versions of Pidgin, this involves checking the "Enabled" box)
  6. If anyone else is online, their username will appear in the Buddy List
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