UFG Instant Messaging Network
Thanks to the power of XMPP, we are proud to offer a free instant messaging service to our clan members!

Why not just use <--Service I Use-->. [msn\aim\yim\icq\xfire]
Not everyone on the web has the same taste in instant messaging as you do. I figure, why not make everyone suffer? Muhaha!

But seriously, the service I'm pushing is better than any of those for a number of reasons.
1. It's UFG branded, so it must be good! =]
2. It uses an open-source standard, so you're not at the mercy of any one company to develop software and protocols.
3. It will be as reliable as the UFG website... no more shitty failed MSN desyncs.
4. A wide variety of clients to suit anyone's tastes.
5. Already supported by most major "multi-IM" clients, like Trillian, Pidgin, and Meebo.com.
6. Gets rid of the "big brother" effect added by having Microsoft or AOL process all of your discussion on their servers. All your conversations move through our Jabber server, hosted on the same web server as UFG.
7. Auxilary services, like file transfers, that actually work as they should.
8. It is compatible with Google Talk... add your Google Talk friends right on your contact list and talk to them too!
9. Proper support for "multiple logins". So you can setup different 'resources' like kirk/laptop and kirk/gamingpc, so people can send messages to you no matter where you are, with no need to log out on the other computer.
10. With the proper use of an "IM Gateway", you can use it to talk to people on other messaging networks. (Supposedly... I haven't played with this much yet.)
11. The ability for "mass IMs" to everyone on your contact list, so you can announce games to anyone. (Tested in the Spark client).
12. Custom status messages that actually work the way they should.
13. Bandwagon. Everyone else will be using this protocol in a few years, why not start now, and get your cool UFG branded account? =]

What is XMPP?
Have you ever heard of 'Jabber'? No? Well, that's what this is. If you've heard of Google Talk, you've heard of Jabber, you just didn't realize it! Here are a few resources if you're interested in learning more about the XMPP\Jabber instant messaging protocol.
Wikipedia Page on XMPP
Jabber Website

How do I get started?
Contact -UFG-Kirk for an account! At the moment, he is the only one with enough access to the UFG services to configure new Jabber accounts.

I have no idea what I'm doing. What Jabber client should I download?
After a bit of testing, I find myself liking a client called 'Spark'. If you have never used any instant messaging software before, Spark's simple and intuitive interface will be easy for you to learn, and may eventually train you to use other IM software.

If you're a power user, who has used MSN or something like it before, move on to the next list of Jabber clients we recommend. Clicking them will provide download links mirrored at UFG, official download pages, as well as unofficial "setup instructions" for beginners. Why am I simplifying this process so much? Because I want everyone to be able to use the UFG IM service, and it will really help us to get people on IM who have never used it before and have no idea where to start. (50% of our recruits).

Jabber Clients - Download and Setup Instructions
This section is still being developed, but will be coming shortly.
Spark
Trillian
Pidgin
Meebo Web IM