Illinois Chat: Logging In from More Than One Computer

Introduction

One area where Illinois Chat really shines is its support for logging in from multiple computers, simultaneously.

Other instant messaging systems usually require using multiple screen names, or support only one login at a time. (For example, if you're logged in to AIM on a desktop and then log in with the same screen name on your laptop as well, AIM prompts you to identify which session you're using and then logs you out of your other session.)

In contrast, Illinois Chat supports multiple logins through its use of "resources." Resources are described below.

Resources

The majority of IM software clients automatically use their own software name as a resource (such as "Pidgin" or "Spark"). However, most chat software also allows you to customize your computer's resource name.

In order for your multiple logins to work correctly, each computer you use to connect simultaneously through Illinois Chat must have a unique resource name assigned to it. A typical example would be calling your laptop computer "laptop," calling your home computer "home," etc.

Consult your instant messaging software client's documentation for specifics about how to assign a resource name for each of your computers.

IM conversations while logged in to different computers

IM conversations should work fairly naturally, even if you sign in to different computers. If you log on to a computer with a different resource name, and start a new conversation with someone on your contact list, your contact will be able to chat with you on your active computer.

Occasionally, IMs from your contacts can end up being sent to the "wrong" computer (a less-than-active one). In this case, it may be necessary to close existing conversations with a contact and re-initiate the chat session.

Logging in to the same computer

If you log in twice on the same computer, the older of the two connections will be dropped. If you have two different IM software clients on the same computer that are both configured to "reconnect when disconnected," then this can result in one kicking the other off, then the other returning the favor. This is not a "bug," nor is it a problem with the clients – it is necessary to set the resource name for each IM software client to have a unique name for each connection, whether the connection comes from the same computer or from a different one.

For example, if you have both Spark and Pidgin installed on the same laptop, you could assign the resource name "laptop-spark" to the Spark software, and the resource name "laptop-pidgin" to the Pidgin software. This will prevent resource name conflicts within the same computer.