Considering Linux

[ledjani]

I am considering from switching to Kubuntu linux from windows xp on my old pc, which my parents use. I was wondering whether there was a good msn messenger clone which has the video conference features, I havent found one yet. My parents talk to their relatives with msn messenger so I really need a msn messenger clone before I can switch. I was wondering whether there was on which included video conference, and also if it was worth switching from windows to Kubuntu linux, which is Ubuntu linux with kde instead of gnome.

 

[drag]

I am not a big fan of KDE personally. It's fine, I suppose.

Gaim is what your looking for. It has support for many different protocols, including MSN.
http://gaim.sourceforge.net/about.php

Remember that in Linux you install software via the package management system rather then downloading installers off of the net. Should be aviable via apt-get if it's not installed by default.

For video confrencing.. it's not so hot. The hard part is going to find a webcam that works easily and a client that supports protocols. It's being worked on.

Gaim should end up supporting VoIP for Google talk's new IM protocol though. I don't know if the version of Gaim supplied with Kubuntu/Ubuntu supports it though. Probably will support it in the next release.
(there is also Gaim support for Windows and OS X)

 

[pkme2]

Your parents deserve Ubuntu, a lot easier for newcomers to use until they become more familiar with. Let them have fun with Skype and they will love you.
The yum install maybe easier for them. Your choice......

 

[daniel49]

I use amsn (an msn messenger clone) for acessing my mail.
I have never looked to see if it included video conferencing.
edit:
opening it up I see view webcam sessions on the tool menu

 

[magomago]

yeah but when was the last time amsn was updated?

 

[phisrow]

I think Kopete(default chat client with KDE) supports that. I've not tried it myself, however.

 

[daniel49]

Originally posted by: magomago
yeah but when was the last time amsn was updated?

It would appear v 0.95 came out about christmas?
http://amsn.sourceforge.net/

 

[ledjani]

Thanks for your replys guys, found them very helpful.

 

[MadRat]

I would recommend SUSE 10.0 for them. Very easy and the autoupdate tool that can be largely automated.

 

[SleepWalkerX]

Originally posted by: MadRat
I would recommend SUSE 10.0 for them. Very easy and the autoupdate tool that can be largely automated.

I second that.