The supplied IMS program is called Gaim. Whether you use MSN, AOL, Yahoo (or whatever), you'll probably find that all of your existing accounts will work with Gaim.

We'll start by registering an account with the Linux.co.uk Jabber server, then point you in the right direction with regards to adding all your current IMS based accounts.

• Step 1 - log in to your user account

• Step 2 - navigate to Applications -> Internet ->  Gaim Internet Messenger
  
• Step 3 - click on Add in the Accounts window
  
• Step 4 - select the protocol you want to use, Jabber in this instance
  
• Step 5 - enter a Screen Name, this would be your nickname or Unix user ID
  (you'll get an error / be asked to retry if this ID is already in use)
  
• Step 6 - next, enter jabber.linux.co.uk in the server field, then click Register
  
• Step 7 - a new window should appear, enter a password, your name and your email address
  (make sure you enter your REAL details here!)
  
• Step 8 - click Register
  
• Step 9 - click the Online checkbox and a password prompt should appear - enter your password and click Ok
  
• Step 10 - you should now be online and a chat window should appear welcoming you to the service
  
• Step 11 - close the chat window and select Buddies -> Add Buddy from the Buddy list window
  
• Step 12 - enter FlashLinux@jabber.linux.co.uk in the Screen name
  
• Step 13 - enter FlashLinux in the Alias, then click Add
  
• Step 14 - an entry for FlashLinux should appear in the buddy list
  You're now "done" until someone at this end accepts the buddy invitation
  
• Step 15 - at some point a message will pop up telling you that FlashLinux@jabber.linux.co.uk wants to add you to their buddy list. Click Authorize and the cycle is complete. You should be able to double click on the FlashLinux buddy entry to start a chat session.
  
• Step 16 - navigate to Tools -> Preferences from the Buddy List window
  
• Step 17 - click on Plugins
  
• Step 18 - tick on Auto-Reconnect , Gaim-Encryption and System Tray Icon - then click Close
  
• Step 19 - close all remaining Gaim windows so you're left with a blank screen
  
• Step 20 - assuming created a Notification area as described in the section on using your key for the first time, you should see a little yellow man somewhere on one of your panels that represents the fact that Gaim is still running. Click on the little yellow man to bring up your buddy list.
  
• Step 21 - you will probably want to go back into your settings and enable options to save your password and automatically log on