How to use Meebo and customize its interface

[Abbie]

Meebo, which was recently acquired by Google, is very simple to use. Here's how to make it a little more exciting while using.

Change the look of the interface

By default, the interface of Meebo, bought by Google for $100 million, is gray in color. In reality, the site offers many other skins. You can change the conventional plain backgrounds with images and photographs inspired by the world of cinema, video games or your favorite singers. For this, after logging in the service, click on the top right of Preferences, then Appearance. In the Appearance window, you can choose a new background color or image. To change the background color, simply click on one of your choice at the bottom of the window. The interface is then changed instantly. If you prefer to add a picture, click the dropdown menu just above colors. Click on the category of your choice, namely Products. To apply a theme, simply click on it. If you want to remove the image back to a plain background, click on "erase the image" at the bottom right.

Personalize the instant messages

By default, Meebo offers the font in black. To add some fun to your messages, here's how to change the font style and also send smileys. In a chat window, to customize the font of your messages, click the A to the left, above the input box. Click the drop-down menu with the name of a font and choose the one you like. Click on the dropdown menu to the right to choose the size. Then click on a font color on top. Add emoticons to your message by clicking on the smiley over the box.

Manage the notification area of Meebo

To connect to Meebo, you do not have to have your browser open all the time. You can connect and receive messages from your contacts directly into your system tray. Go to this link and download the Meebo notifier. Install it (by choosing the Standard installation). In the new window, enter your Meebo login id and click the Login button. An orange icon appears in your system tray. If one of your contacts sends you a message, a small notification appears above the that orange icon. Double-click on it to open the Meebo interface and chat with your contacts.

[Abbie]

Today, it is not uncommon to communicate people with several instant messaging networks like MSN, Facebook, Google Talk, AIM, etc. Rather than using a software for each network, it would be wiser to use one that has implemented everything in one package, called the Meebo. It is a free software that can be used only by creating a account on its site. You can then add your profile information or your email accounts in the same software and then use multiple im's.