Talking to buddies on AIM using..

[shortymcsteve]

Hey,

I am looking for a way to chat to my friend on AIM without using AIM.
I already have:
MSN
ichat
Google talk
Yahoo

I use a Mac so is there any way i can add AIM contacts to any of those networks? preferably MSN or ichat.
I do realize there are one of two programs that combine several clients but im not sure which is safe and was looking for trusted advice.
I have looked around this site and used Google extensively but i am still unsure so i hope someone can help?

Thanks!
- Chris

[Ven0m]

Adium or Pidgin should suffice.

No, you can't add WLM or iChat users to AIM or vice versa. There's no interoperability for any of them so you'll need IDs for each service.

[Fanatic]

Actually, you can connect to AIM using iChat... it's built-in! But you'll need to setup your own AIM account first (free) at Instant Messenger - AIM - Instant Message Your Online Buddies for Free - AIM

Then go to iChat > Preferences > Accounts, click the + button, choose AIM Account as the type, enter your AIM screen name and password. Voila!

You can also sign in with your Google Talk account.

Now if you want to connect to WLM, AIM, etc.... it IS possible, but it's not easy. You first have to "connect" your WLM, Yahoo and other accounts to your Google Talk account. Then you can sign in via Google Talk and you'll see the other accounts.

It involves a fair amount of trickery to get it all working, but it can be done.

This topic will give you an overview of the process: http://www.bigblueball.com/forums/ge...msn-yahoo.html

One of our guests recently posted step-by-step instructions for connecting iChat to WLM (MSN) on his blog: Passions Just Like Mine: Use iChat with GTalk and MSN Messenger Contacts

Between the two posts, you should be set. Let us know how it goes!