The following section describes how to create and manage contacts, and perform instant messaging in orchidmedia using the Contacts Activity. It is necessary to create contacts in orchidmedia in order to use the email or instant messaging services. As you use these services, you will also have plenty of opportunity to create contacts as you go, as each service have automated processes to create contacts from emails received and existing instant messaging accounts.
You can import contacts from the Import function from an external software package like Microsoft Outlook. (see the Import topic to find out how).
You can select the Contacts activity in the orchidmedia Desktop Companion by selecting the Contacts Icon (1) from the Activity List in the Navigation Panel.
The Contacts Activity
When you select the Contacts Activity, the Contact folders for the current User are displayed in the User Folder Tree View, shown in area (2). You can create and manage contacts in the folders provided, or you can create your own folders using the pop-up menu for the User Folder Tree View, shown in area (2), or by using the Media Folders Window. (See Common Features|Media Folders Window for more reading on folders).
If you select a Contacts folder in the User Folder Tree View, the software will filter for only those contacts created in the selected folder. You can use Contact folders to separate work contacts from social contacts, or create contacts associated with a specific project or activity, such as a mail distribution list.
Selecting the Contacts Activity, displays the Contacts View in the activity Panel, along with the Contacts Toolbar, and Contacts Menu actions in the Menu bar.
Under the Nickname and beside the Avatar on the Navigation Panel (3), you can see the current Instant Messaging status. In the above case, it's set to offline. From it's position on the Navigation panel, you can see the Instant Messaging status from any of the software's activities, including the Contacts Activity. Click on the Status button next to the status text, and you can access the Instant Messaging Menu actions to connect.
Instant Messaging Status Menu
Further reading from Contacts:
