XMPP stands for “eXtesnible Messaging and Presence Protocol”, and is informally called “Jabber” after the first service to use it. Jabber is an instant messaging service — think AIM or MSN Messenger — with an important difference being that anyone can run a Jabber server, and even add their own features to it. The key difference is that, like email, people on different servers can instant message each other.
If you use Jabber for instant messaging, you can chat with me live:
- calicokris@securejabber.me
Remember: That is a Jabber ID, not an email address.
If you’re not using Jabber but want to, install a Jabber client:
- Pidgin is very popular, though I personally hate it. One advantage is that it supports other instant messaging services (e.g. ICQ, Facebook Chat, etc.).
- Psi and it’s development branch Psi+ are very good chat clients that focus on Jabber only and they have several plugins available to extend their functionality. If you prefer minimalist applications, I strongly them.
- MCabber is good for those who prefer working from a command line.
Then register on a Jabber server and plug it into your chat client. Here are three lists of servers you can choose from:
- https://list.jabber.at/
- https://www.jabberes.org/servers/ (I recommend choosing from this list)
- https://xmpp.net/directory.php (This list wasn’t working last time I checked it)
Calico Kris' Blog 