Instant Messaging and Live Chat

Two tools are available that provide two distinct types of instant-messaging services;

  • Warwick IM - a system for collaborative messaging between logged-in participants
  • Live Chat - a 'chatroom' system for messaging between groups of people

Warwick IM

Warwick IM is the supported service for instant messaging. IT Services recommends the Pidgin IM client for Windows/Linux and the Adium IM client for Mac. Both packages are free and support multiple IM systems, including Warwick IM, MSN and Google Chat.

Instant messaging (IM) is communication via text messages, that you can send to other people. The key features of IM include:

  • Messaging can be one-to-one, or as a group
  • Messages are delivered immediately, and the person you sent the message to can immediately respond, just as in a face-to-face conversation
  • Activity is also relayed, so if a contact is responding the system shows that they are typing a response
  • Contact lists (sometimes called 'buddy lists') are stored on the system, to make messaging contacts quick and easy
  • Availability and status are displayed, allowing users to indicate if they are available or busy


Warwick IM in Pidgin

Live Chat

Live Chat is a simple chatroom system and works by allowing the creation of virtual rooms where participants collaborate.

This system requires less setup for participants and is generally easy to set up, requiring only some special code to be inserted into the Sitebuilder page.

The main differences and features from IM are:

  • Chat rooms can be created in any Sitebuilder page
  • Access is controlled by page permissions
  • External users may access the chat room without requiring a Warwick login

Try out an example Live Chat room

Live Chat is currently under active development. If you would like to try the service out, contact Steve Carpenter on ext. 74804.