Free Instant Messaging Service, cIM, Comes to Campus
NSIT now offers an instant messaging service called cIM (pronounced "sim"). cIM lets two or more people converse in real time, meaning that text messages move back and forth fast enough to feel like a conversation. Anyone with a current CNetID and CNet Password can access the system.
What is Instant Messaging?
With Instant Messaging (IM), you can converse with someone who is geographically distant using your computer. It's also possible with cIM to create separate chat rooms for different groups or purposes as needed. As an added feature, cIM users can communicate directly with Google Talk and other compatible services. cIM is useful for business, academic, and personal communications because it's easy to get quick, interactive responses. We invite you to learn more about Instant Messaging and its advantages, including how it works, how it's used, and how it's different from email.
Why use cIM instead of a commercial system?
Commercial IM systems share cIM's communication advantages, but they lack security since messages are communicated through an off-campus server and could be intercepted. With cIM, all messages remain on campus servers so long as both parties are at the University. In addition, messages are encrypted wherever possible. cIM also allows users to log conversations and encrypt file transfers. Finally, cIM uses your CNetID, so it's easy to remember your password.
How do I get started?
NSIT's supported IM client for both Windows and Mac OS X is Spark, from Jive Software. You can obtain a preconfigured version of Spark from version 13 of the NSIT Connectivity Package, which you can download from the Connectivity Package website. The Connectivity Package is also available on CD at both the Campus Computer Stores (on the third floor of the Bookstore Building) and at the Identity and Privileges Office in Regenstein Library. Once you've installed Spark, just click on "Spark" in your computer's program list and you'll see a login screen. Enter your CNetID and password, and begin!
For help with installing or using the software, contact the Support Line at 4-TECH (834-8324) or support@uchicago.edu. For further information, (including configuration information for unsupported clients), visit http://support.uchicago.edu/im.
Last updated: 10/29/08