Name

gaim [options] — gaim

Synopsis

/usr/bin stdin stdout - file -- opt --help --version

gaim is a instant messaging client that works with many different protocols, including AOL, MSN, Yahoo, and more. It is also an IRC (Internet Relay Chat) client. It runs in an X window:

$ gaim &

If you don’t already have an account with one of these IM services, you’ll need to create one first; for example, visit http://www.aim.com to create an AOL Instant Messenger account. Once this is done, simply click the Accounts button to indicate your account to gaim, enter your screen name and password in the login window, and you should be connected.

Useful options

-u screenname

Set your default account to be screenname.

-l

Automatically log in when invoking gaim (assuming your password is stored).

-w [ message]

Set yourself to be away, with an optional away message.

Get Linux Pocket Guide now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.