This is my second post in setting up my Ubuntu 13.10 install. I am working to reinstall my laptop from scratch, and I have grouped all of my notes for my Internet-related programs in this post: email, browsers, VPN, etc.
Category: Instant Messaging
Ayatana Project
The other day, I ran across the Ayatana Project. I guess that is the parent project for some of the applets at the top of the Ubuntu desktop. The home for the project is here.
I noticed that they have a Evolution indicator. A Thunderbird version might be nice, and a GMail version would be even better for me.
The indicator applet is what got me started looking at this project. I currently have Empathy (allows me Google-Talk access) and Evolution in this applet. I saw a question about Skype, which looked really great. I would love to see what else they can put in here, like GMail, Skype, Facebook, etc.
Google Talk with Linux
I read this thread today regard Google’s Instant Message service, Google Talk. I picked up a few tools that appear to allow you to use Google Talk natively in Linux. I tried both on my Ubuntu 8.10 system, and appeared to work although I haven’t given them a thorough test.
First Option: IMO — an online service that allows you to connect from an online page. It supports MSN, Yahoo, AIM / ICQ, Google Talk, MySpace, and Skype.
Second Option: Empathy — an instant message application. I found it in the Respositories for Ubuntu and it installed with no problems.
The one thing I wish empathy would do is Skype. I have to use Skype for work, and it would be nice to have one tool for both.