Getting started with instant messaging

Opera comes with a built-in instant messaging client, with the essential functionality needed to chat with your friends and even make new friends.

Setting up an instant messaging account

To start setting up an instant messaging account, select New account under Messaging.

You can either use an existing instant messaging address for the account, or you can create a new address.

You need to enter a password for the account so only you can use it.

You can decide whether other users on the instant messaging network have to ask your permission before they can send you messages. You can even permit messages only from users who are registered in your contact list.

You can enter personal information that will be shown to users who look you up in the instant messaging system.

To see a Web page with information about your account, click . To update your personal information according to the information on the Web page, click .

When you are done setting up your account, click .

Finding your friends

Before you can send an instant message, you need to to set up a contact containing the instant messaging address of your friend.

If you know the address, you can go to your Contacts in the Hotlist and create the contact manually.

If you don't know the address, do the following...

Select Find contact under Messaging.
Enter your friend's e-mail address, nickname or common name and click . It's usually a good idea to enter just one of the three.
When the search results appear, select the correct search result and click .
After a few seconds, a dialog with contact information will appear. Fill in details you want to add or correct, then click .
If you are asked to request permission, please write a message to your friend asking to let you add him or her.
Your friend will appear in the contact list. Notice the flash icon symboling the contact's status. If the flash is yellow, your friend is available.
Repeat the process if you want to search for more people, or click to finish.

Sending instant messages

When a friend comes on-line (the flash on the contact icon turns yellow), double-click on the icon to send instant messages with your friend.

When the instant messaging window opens, type in your message and press Enter on the keyboard.

If you friend is connected, and replies to the message, his reply will appear below your message. And so you can go on typing to each other.

To send an e-mail to the person you're talking with, click the button on the top of the messaging window.

Getting started with instant messaging

Setting up an instant messaging account

Finding your friends

Sending instant messages

Learn more