Register for an account with one of the supported messaging services.
Milo Casagrande
milo@ubuntu.com

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# Register for a new account

Most account types require you to create an account with a account provider before you can connect using instant messaging applications like Empathy. With some account providers, you can use Empathy to register for a new account, using the same steps as you would to add an account.

This page provides information on creating a new account for various types of accounts. Your account provider should give you a login ID and a password, as well as any additional information you need to connect using Empathy.

# Facebook

Facebook is one of the most-used social networks. It allows users to create their own profile and to communicate with their friends.

To use Facebook to communicate with your friends, you will need to create a new account from the website: www.facebook.com.

# Jabber

Jabber is an open instant messaging system. Like email, Jabber allows you to choose your account provider and communicate with all other Jabber users, regardless of their account provider.

You will need to create a new account with a Jabber provider. There are many free providers; one popular provider is Jabber.org.

If you use Google Mail or Google Talk, you already have a Jabber account. Google Talk is a Jabber service. Simply use your Google Mail address and password in Empathy to connect.

# People Nearby

You do not need to create an account with a service provider to use this feature. This service works whenever you are connected to a local network, such as a wireless hotspot. It automatically finds all other users on the network who are also using this service.

For more information, see .

# SIP

SIP is an open system which allows users to have audio and video conversations over the Internet. You need to create an account with a SIP provider. You can communicate with all other SIP users, regardless of which SIP provider they use.

There are a number of popular free SIP account providers; one popular provider is Sipphone.

Due to technical differences, the free Ekiga.net service does not currently work with Empathy.

Some SIP providers allow you to call normal phones from your computer. Generally, you will need to subscribe to a paid service for this feature.

# IRC

You do not need to register for an account to use IRC. Although you specify a nickname when you add an IRC account to Empathy, this nickname is only established each time you connect. If another user is using the nickname, you will need to choose a new nickname.

Some IRC networks use a service called NickServ to allow users to protect their nicknames. See for more information.

Some IRC servers are password protected. You will need to know the password to connect to these servers. Generally, these are private IRC networks.

# Proprietary Services

There are many proprietary instant messaging services that have been developed by different companies or organizations. Empathy allows you to connect to an existing account for most popular services. To create a new account with one of these services, you will need to visit the service’s web site and agree to its terms of use.

AIM

ICQ

MSN

Yahoo!