How to use gaim for gmail chat

In response to my earlier post I wanted to make a how-to publically available for those that aren’t familiar with setting up Jabber. If you have a gmail account you already have an account with Jabber. Gmail’s chat uses the Jabber protocol so you’re already half-way there. (If you don’t have a gmail account you really should, post a comment and I’ll send you an invite)

This how-to depends on 1) gaim, 2) gmail account.

1. ‘Add Account’ in Gaim
2. Use the drop-down & select Jabber
3. screen name = your.address (before @ sign for gmail)
4. server = gmail.com (you do not need to use the @ anywhere)
5. resource : I don’t know the importance of this–I use the default
6. password = your gmail password
7. alias = what do you want to be known as?
8. more options / advanced
9. connect server : talk.google.com
10. Register & Connect

Any contact in your gmail address book will be available under your new account.