1. Download and install the latest version of Gaim
   1. Go to the Gaim website and download the latest version.

      NOTE: If you've never used SourceForge for downloading software before. You'll need to select a mirror (server/website) to download it from before the download can begin. I usually use Optus because I'm in Sydney, Australia and it's the closest (and hopefully the fastest) one for me.

   2. Once the download is finished, double click on the Gaim-1.5.exe file (or what ever version you've downloaded).
   3. During the installation, accept all the defaults when asked (unless you have a good reason not to).
2. Once you've installed Gaim, start it up.
   You should be shown this window:
   
3. To get started click on Accounts (bottom left of the Login screen)
   
   1. In the Accounts window click on +Add
      
   2. Change "Protocol:" to Jabber
      The Window should look like this:
   3. Your "Screenname" is the name you log in with (can be anything - no funny charecters though)
   4. I use to leave the "Server" as the default (jabber.org) but it is sometimes unreliable. I now recomend changing it to one of the following:
      
      • jabber.zim.net.au
      • jabber.meta.net.nz
      • jabber.org.nz
      • jabber.zombie.net.nz

   5. "Resource" is what Gaim tells the rest of the world you are using.
      ie: on my laptop I have "Resource" set to Laptop, on my work computer I have it set to TWS Sydney on my home computer if have it set to Turkey.
   6. "Password" needs no explanation. (Don't use a password that you use for important things.)
   7. "Alias" is what identifies you on other people Jabber clients. It can be what ever you like (they can change it to suit their needs).
   8. If you use a computer/laptop that no one else uses, Tick the "Remember password" check box. Don't do this if you use a computer other people use.
   9. Tick the x "Auto-login" check box if you would like Gaim to automatically log you in when you start up gaim.
      

      NOTE: This is not the same as running Gaim automatically when you start Windows)

   10. If you are connecting to Jabber for the first time (ie: setting up a new account) click on the Register button (bottom left) to register your new Jabber account.
   11. If you already have a Jabber, account just click on Save button (bottom right)
4. If you have used other Instant Messenging (IM) programs you can connect to them using Gaim
   
   1. In the Accounts window click on +Add
   2. Change "Protocol:" to what ever IM service you are subscribed to.
   3. Fill in the detial as appropriate.
      

      NOTE: you can't register with any other IM services using Gaim - you can only log in with an existing account

5. Once you've added all you accounts make sure they're all on line by ticking the x"Online" box beside each account, in the "Accounts" window (and if appropriate the x"Auto-login" box) and this window should pop up:
   
6. To add the final touches to Gaim go to the "Tools" drop down menu in the "Buddy List" window and select "Preferences" (Ctrl+P)
   
   1. Select "Plugins" (bottom of the left menu in the "Preferences" window)
   2. Scroll down to "WinGaim Options"
   3. If you would like Gaim to start automatically when you start windows, tick the x"Start Gaim on Windows Startup" check box
   4. The following are just my recomendations to get the most out of Gaim and not particularly important.
      
      1. In "Interface" —> "Shortcuts" (right hand menu of the "Preferences" window), Tick every option
      2. In "Conversations" —> "Chats" (right hand menu of the "Preferences" window), Tick the "Raise window on events" check box.
   5. There are a number of other usefull "Plugins" in "Preferences" window. Have a look through and tick the ones you like.
7. 
   To add a Buddy (someone to chat to) go the "Buddies" drop-down menu (top left of the "Buddy List" window) and select "+Add Buddy... (Ctrl+B)
   Fill in you Buddy's details (including which IM service ("Account") they subscribe to).
   1. Screen Name eg: friend@jabber.org
   2. Alias the text that comes up in the Buddy List window when your friend is on line (or what ever else you would like to call your friend)
   3. Group Up to you (you probably don't have any groups yet if you are reading this)
   4. Account is the Instant messenger account you are using to communicate with your friend though (if you only have one account you won't have any choice.)
   5. Once you've entered all you buddies' details click + Add

   

NOTE: If you ever loose or forget your jabber password, you may be able to get it sent to you (if you have enough of your details) by going to www.jabber.org/jsf/password.php