IM

Hi,

Sorry for crossposting (see http://drupal.org/node/328100) but I didn't get any replies on the d.org forum.

I'm searching for the best solution to provide 1-to-1 instant messaging functionality to logged-in users. My wishlist:
- a block with logged-in users (that's the easy part)
- when you click on a user, a chat window opens (no additional actions like login, create nickname, create chatroom etc.)
- when you send a message, it shows up on the screen of the other user
- not dependant on other accounts like msn, icq
- chats are 1-to-1; closed and invisible for others

In addition to Skype and WebHuddle, the Drupal Dojo used Internet Relay Chat (IRC) for the first lesson on Thursday, January 4, 2007. IRC is a useful tool for Drupal developers and users to quickly resolve issues, collaborate and work on Drupal modules and themes, and, among other uses, consult with fellow Drupal consultants.

There have been many questions in the Dojo regarding how to get started with IRC, and it is presumed that the Dojo will continue relying on IRC for future lessons. Although it appears an improved screen-sharing application will be used for future Dojo lessons, having a stand-alone IRC program and knowing how to use it will be helpful in order to access the various Drupal channels should you need them in the future.

With that in mind, the following article is provided with the hope that it will be helpful and have you up and running with IRC in as little time as possible. It is a simple guide and is based on installing Miranda IM, which is designed to run on a Windows machine and will allow you to tie in IRC, Yahoo IM, AIM, MSN, Jabber, etc. For an IRC that will work with Mac OS X machines, please read this comment on Colloquy.

Please read on for more info and post your Miranda/Colloquy-related questions here if you need help. Hopefully someone will respond and be able to help you.