using UMChat
What is UMChat?
UMChat is an Instant Messaging service (IM) at the University of Minnesota that enables U of MN students, staff and faculty to exchange messages on the Internet in real time.
One of the key features of UMChat is that it's tied in with the university X.500 account system. This allows IM users to associate each chat participant with their "University" identity: users can't masquerade as someone else and you always know who you're talking to.
How do I chat via UMChat?
UMChat makes use of Jabber technology. You can use the Jabber Web Client located in the Portal (myu.umn.edu) or other Jabber-supported desktop clients to chat via UMChat.
Since UMChat is a real-time messaging system you must be logged in at the same time as other chat participants. When you enter a chat-room you'll see other participants listed by their x.500 id or nickname.
Buddies
The term "buddy" is used in UMChat when referring to any chat participant. To easily reach your buddies, you can set up a buddy list. By setting up a list of buddies you're creating a "window" between yourself and them; if your buddy is available, you will see a lit bulb icon next to their name, unavailable buddies will show a grey bulb icon.
Private or Public Chat
You'll need to know your buddy's nickname if you want to invite him or her for a private chat - a room that is password protected. A private chat can also include a group of people who know the room password. You cannot join a private room unless you know the password, but public rooms are open to anyone who is able to login to UMChat.
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