Ubuntu: Up and Running

Instant Messaging

Since version 9.10 (named Karmic Koala), Ubuntu’s default instant messaging (IM) client is Empathy, but I have found it to be rather buggy. For example, it doesn’t check whether a new account has been created properly or whether an existing one has been entered successfully, error reporting is minimal, and there appears to be no means of removing accounts once they are created. There’s also a lot more besides that just doesn’t work right or seems incomplete, but if you’re curious, try it for yourself—some people really rave about it.

Until these issues are resolved I recommend you use Pidgin, the previous default IM program that used to be included with Ubuntu but was unceremoniously dropped—and not even installed alongside Empathy to allow for continuity.

Therefore, you’ll need to install the program by visiting the Ubuntu Software Center and entering “pidgin” in the search field. Then, double-click Pidgin Internet Messenger, click the Install button, and enter your password when prompted to do so, and the program will be downloaded and installed.

While using the Software Center, if you wish you can also remove Empathy from your PC to save resources by clicking Installed Software in the lefthand pane and entering “empathy” in the search field to bring up the Uninstall button.

Note

If you upgraded from a version of Ubuntu earlier than 9.10 and already had Pidgin installed, you shouldn’t need to install it again, because it will have been left in place. However, you ...