Meebo is a free instant messaging tool that runs in an Internet browser and allows users to use several instant messaging accounts at one time. Meebo consolidates all your instant messaging accounts on one web page and is less likely to slow down your computer compared to other IM clients.
Meebo works with a variety of browsers for Windows, Mac and Linux systems:
- Internet Explorer
- Firefox
- Opera 9.x
- Safari
- Camino
- Sea Monkey
- K-Meleon
- Slimbrowser
How To Set Up Meebo
To get started, create a Meebo IM account in a minute or 2 using the sign up link on the Meebo website. Before you finish creating your account, click on the links to meebo's privacy policy and terms of service in the account creation tool and read them to understand how and if any of your information may be collected, and restrictions on your activities when using Meebo (keep it legal, clean and reasonably courteous).
Once your account is set up, select the first instant messaging service you want to use with Meebo and sign on with the screen name and password for that IM. To add more instant messaging accounts, click on accounts on the left side of your Meebo and click on Add Account below the list of IM accounts you've already set up. You can use meebo with these IM accounts, but more could be added later: MSN, AIM, ICQ, Yahoo!, Google Talk, Jabber. You can add and remove your instant messaging accounts in Meebo, too.
Setting Your Preferences
Click on preferences to establish settings for sounds, emoticons, chat logs and skins which are background colors and wallpaper for your Meebo browser window. Click on the blue icon next to the welcome message on the upper right to change the icon for your account.
One Word of Caution: Signing off
You must sign off from Meebo properly or you may have trouble logging in to your individual IM accounts later. To sign off from all instant messaging accounts used with Meebo, click Sign Off on the bottom of your buddy list on the right. You can also log off from some IM accounts while leaving others active.
International Instant Messaging
Meebo has been translated or is in the process of being translated into multiple languages, like German, Polish, Spanish, Swahili and Thai. There are even translations in Klingon, Pig Latin and Code Monkey! Meebo international translations are listed at the bottom of meebo.com, just click on your choice of languages.
Other Meebo Advantages
- Meebo Rooms chat room service that does not require an account with an Instant Messaging service or a Meebo IM account.
- Use Meebo to send SMS messages to cell phones if you have an AIM or ICQ account.
- Send files to anyone, and receive files from other meebo account users. Files are restricted to no more than 10 MB at once and 30 MB of files per month.
- Meebo me is a customizable widget you can use on your personal web page or blog to let you chat with site visitors real time.
Now that you know how to get started, go to the meebo website and give consolidated instant messaging a try.
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Shelley Elmblad - Shelley Elmblad has been writing about personal finance and reviewing money management software since 2005.
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