Using the Adium Instant Messaging Client (Mac)
This section will provide step-by-step instructions on how to use the EX Instant Messaging (IM) Service using the Adium IM client.
Prerequisites
Before proceeding the user must have an Instant Message (IM) client connected to the EX IM Service. For more information please refer to: Connecting to the IM Server using Adium (Mac).
1 to 1 Chats
Once you have successfully connected to the EX IM Service, you may send/receive messages from other users. Your “Buddy List” window displays the names of other IM users that are currently online (optionally the buddy list displays offline users in grey text). You may only send an IM to users who are currently online.
Initiating a 1-to-1 Chat
1. Double click on the desired username in "Buddy List" window. This will open a "Conversation Window".
- The Conversation Window allows you to exchange messages with the desired user.
- The top portion of the Conversation Windows displays both sides of the conversation.
- The bottom part of Conversation Windows is for submitting new messages.
2. Send a Message
- Enter text into the lower text box of the Conversation Window.
- Press "return" to send the message. Your message should appear in the top portion of the Conversation Window.
You may also send small files and pictures via IM. To do this, simply drag and drop the image or file onto the bottom portion of the Conversation Window. The file will not begin to transfer until the recipient has accepted it. Using IM for file transfers is very convenient, but please keep in mind that bandwidth to the ship is limited. DO NOT send large files/pictures via IM as it may cause the entire IM server to become unstable.
Multiple 1-to-1 Chats
It is possible to engage in multiple 1-to-1 chats simultaneously. Additional chats will appear in the Conversation Window as tabs.
Multi-user Chats, a.k.a Chat Rooms
Multi-user chats or chat rooms allow two or more people to engage in a single conversation. Users can create their own chat rooms or join a chat room that is already in progress.
Creating a Chat Room
- From the Adium taskbar select "File” --> “Join a Chat"
- Enter a name for the chat room (i.e. "ROV Site Selection"). Any name for the chat room is acceptable EXCEPT for "eventlog". This name is reserved for the EX Eventlog.
- Click "Join".
- If prompted to "configure the chat room", click "Accept Defaults". This will open a "Conversation Window". If a Conversation Window is already open, (i.e., you are already engaged in a 1-to-1 chat), the chat room will appear as a new tab in the existing Conversation Window.
- The top text box is the chat window, it shows the conversation
- The bottom text box is where you submit new messages
- The right side of the Conversation Window is the room roster.
Adding Buddies
- To add a buddy to a chat room, drag the buddy's name from your buddy list to the roster section of the Conversation Window. You may also add a buddy to the chatroom by right-clicking on the user, selecting "Invite to chat," and selecting the chat room.
- When prompted, confirm the invite. You may optionally include a message explaining the purpose of the invitation to the invitee.
Joining an Existing Group Chat Room
In Adium, there is no way to search for chat rooms in progress. If you know that there is a chat room in progress, create a 1-to-1 chat with someone who is in the chat room and ask him or her to send you an invite.
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