The Instant Messaging Page in the User Preferences Window allows you to create instant messaging accounts for the current user in orchidmedia.
Just like using the telephone or email, you need a unique name or code with instant messaging to identify who you are. Orchidmedia provides instant messaging over MSN, and it allows you to communicate with anyone who has MSN Messenger or instant messaging software which uses MSN to send and receive messages. In order to use instant messaging in orchidmedia, you need to obtain a Microsoft Passport or MSN email account. Passport and MSN Email accounts are currently provided free by Microsoft.
Instant messaging services are not available in orchidmedia until you have an IM account.
The Instant Messaging Page looks like this:-
Instant Messaging Page
1. Use the "Click here to get IM Accounts" link, shown above the IM Accounts list, to use your Internet Browser to get a Microsoft Passport or MSN Email account.
2. The IM Accounts List displays the current Instant Messaging accounts for the current user.
3. Connection Options - select how you want the software to connect using the Connection options in Area 3. If you want the software to connect automatically on startup, select the "Connect automatically on startup" checkbox, and the online status for the current user. You can also set the status of the current user to busy after a period of inactivity with the "After inactivity for" option and Set Offline status to option.
4. 
New, 
Delete and 
Edit IM Account Buttons - you can create a new Instant Messaging Account using the New IM Account button shown in area 2. Newly created accounts will display in the list box to the left of the buttons, and you can use the Delete IM Account and Edit IM Account buttons to manage these accounts, after creating them.
Further reading from User Preferences:
