ARCHIVED: Use Pidgin to connect to IU UniCom

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Important:

To use this service from an off-campus location, make sure your device is connected to the IU SSL VPN.

Pidgin is an instant messaging client designed to work across multiple chat networks. At Indiana University, people who use Linux and other Unix operating systems can connect to UniCom with Pidgin rather than Microsoft Skype for Business (which works only with Windows and Mac).

Note:

Since Pidgin is a third-party client, support at IU is limited.

To connect to UniCom with Pidgin:

Download the client from Pidgin's site.
Install the third-party SIPE plug-in.
When configuring the plug-in, in the "Modify Account" window:
1. On the Basic tab:
  - For "Protocol:", select Office Communicator.
  - For "Username:", type your complete IU email address.
  - For "Login", type ADS\username, where username is your IU username.
  - For "Password:", use your IU passphrase. You may want to check the Remember password box.
2. On the Advanced tab:
  - Set "Connection type:" to Auto.
  - Set "Authentication scheme:" to NTLM.
You can keep the default settings for the other tabs.

Note:

If you get a "Read Error" when trying to connect, you may need to set the environment variable NSS_SSL_CBC_RANDOM_IV=0 before starting Pidgin.

To join a persistent chat room with Pidgin:

In Pidgin, from the Tools menu, select Room List.
In the "Room List" window, in the Account pull-down menu, select the Skype for Business account; this is usually called (Office Communicator).
Click Get List.
Right-click the room you wish to join and select Join to join immediately or Add to add it to your buddy list.