Instant Messaging: Trillian (for Windows)

GLAST Software recommends using the Trillian instant messaging (Trillian IM) service to facilitate rapid communication between members of the collaboration who use Windows. Trillian runs on 32-bit Windows platforms only; it features no banner ads, and will also talk to AIM, Yahoo, IRC and MSN chat systems. Contacts are maintained in an xml file.

Note: If you are using a gnomish version of Linux or Unix, you can use Pidgin (formerly Gaim) which acts like ICQ (a pre-Trillian messaging tool).

To download and install Trillian:

• Go to www.trillian.cc, and follow the instructions on your screen.
• To login and use Trillian, first register for an ICQ number at http://web.icq.com/register/. The number will then be e-mailed to you.

• Click on the globe button located at the lower left of the trillian icon and select: Preferences
• Select: Chatting Services -> ICQ -> Privacy
• Select: Accept messages only from users on my Contact List (recommended)

To create an idle time event timer:

Note: This timer setting does not appear to work on Windows NT, but to work fine on Windows 2000. NT users appear active all the time they are online.

• From the globe button, select: Set Status -> New Away Message
• Create a message labeled: Sleeping
• Click: Save button
• From the Globe button, select: Preferences -> General -> Events -> Advanced tab
• Click: Add button
• Check: Enabled box
• Select Event Type: Idle Time
• Select Action Type: Set Status
• Select Away Message: Sleeping
• Click: Set Event button

To login and use Trillian, you must first register for an ICQ number at http://web.icq.com/register/. The number will then be e-mailed to you.

Note: Guilli Johannesson is also maintaining a list of icq numbers with access to gaim and Trillian formatted files. This list is useful for adding contacts. (Password protected: requires collaboration name and password.)