How To

How to Configure iChat for Google Talk

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)

IChat is the bundled chat software that comes on Macintosh systems. Along with its network chat interface, iChat allows you to configure other messenger programs to work with the software. You can configure Google Talk to work with iChat so that you can see all of your Google Talk contacts in your iChat program.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Launch iChat and go to the "iChat" menu at the top-left of your screen. Click on the "Preferences" option. You can also press "Command" to open the preferences menu.

  2. Step 2

    Go to the "Accounts" tab at the top of the window. Under the "Accounts" box on the left side of the window you should see your Bonjour account, as well as any other accounts you have set up.

  3. Step 3

    Press the plus sign underneath the "Accounts" box to add a new account. Select "Jabber Account" for the account type.

  4. Step 4

    Input your Google Talk login in the "Jabber ID" box. If you use Gmail, your account name is probably your email address with Gmail. If you have a Google Talk account but don't use Gmail, enter your login followed by "@gmail.com." Input your Gmail or Google Talk password.

  5. Step 5

    Type "talk.google.com" in the "Server" box. You can also enter an account description like "Google Talk" or "Gmail" if you want.

  6. Step 6

    Select your newly added Google Talk account and click on the "Server Settings" tab. Verify that the server is set to "talk.google.com" and that the port is 5223. Also make sure that the first two boxes under the "Port" box are checked. You do not have to check the "Warn before password is sent insecurely" because Google Talk always keeps your password secure.

  7. Step 7

    Be sure that there something entered into the "Location" box. You can leave it using your machine's name or enter something like "iChat." Leaving it blank will cause Google Talk not to be able to sign in.

Tips & Warnings
  • Be sure that you are running Mac OS X Tiger or later installed. Google Talk will not work in iChat with previous editions of the operation system.

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