To connect to the WestGrid Jabber server requires Jabber software, and a WestGrid Jabber account.

Jabber Software

There are many Jabber clients available for all platforms. Which client you choose depends on which platform you are running on, whether you would like to have a client that is capable of handling other IM protocols (AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo, etc), and whether you would like to run similar clients across multiple platforms.

Here is a list of the most common Jabber clients with links to detailed connection instructions:

Windows Clients

Psi - crossplatform, Jabber only

Pidgin (formerly Gaim) - crossplatform, multi-protocol

Spark- crossplatform, Jabber only

Linux Clients

In general, depending on which Linux distibution you are using, you may already have a Jabber client installed. If not, installation usually only requires you to 'yum install' or 'apt-get', etc.

Psi - crossplatform, Jabber only

Pidgin(formerly Gaim) - crossplatform, multi-protocol

Spark- crossplatform, Jabber only

Kopete - crossplatform, multi-protocol

Mac OSX Clients

Spark- crossplatform, Jabber only

Adium - multi-protocol

iChat - Jabber only.

WestGrid Specific Installation & Setup Information

In general, you can connect to the WestGrid Jabber Server at: jabber.westgrid.ca

Please use the SSL connection if available in your client as the non-secure option will be disabled in the future.

*Note: The WestGrid Jabber Server uses a self-signed certificate - you may have to manually approve the security settings in your jabber client.

Once registered/connected, to connect to a groupchat room, select Join Groupchat within your client and enter the room name.  The WestGrid Conference server is: conference.jabber.westgrid.ca

Below are client specific instructions for connecting to the WestGrid Jabber Service: