IChat account basics

Hello,
I'm new to iChat. I have a new unibody macbook. I have used Skype video chat, but I don't have MobileMe/.Mac subscription. How can I use iChat? What account do I login with? I want to chat with someone who has a .mac address and regularly uses iChat.
What type of account offers me the best quality video chat in iChat?
Thanks!

Is the quality of the actual iChat (video & voice) the same if I'm using an AIM screen name VS. using a .mac screen name?
Yes. Except for the ability to participate in an encrypted text chat, AIM and MobileMe screen names have identical functionality in iChat.
(42169)

Similar Messages

  • How do I create an IChat account with 10.6.8?

    I keep getting routed to a page that says:
    Symptoms
    iChat's "Get an iChat account" no longer works in Mac OS X v10.6.x.
    Products Affected
    iChat, Mac OS X 10.6
    Resolution
    This feature has been replaced by iCloud, which requires OS X Lion v10.7.2 or later.
    With OS X Lion, you can use an iCloud account ending in @me.com or @mac.com as your iChat account. A free AIM account can be acquired (or configured) separately at the AIM website.
    I'm clearly don't know much but just wanted to set up an IChat account and don't know what to do now. My macbook says it doesn't need any updates? Can someone help me?
    Thanks so much

    Hi,
    Alternatively Apple IDs that end with @mac.com can be used as Valid AIM names in iChat.
    You can still register for these Here
    The Password you use should be 16 characters or Less (AIM Server limits)
    You also need to link it to an Existing email address.
    This cannot be one that you already use with another Apple ID 
    (If you only have one Email Address you use it is simpler to use the AIM registration method).
    10:12 PM      Thursday; December 15, 2011
    Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
      iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Lion 10.7.2)
     G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
     MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
     Mac OS X (10.6.8),
    "Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

  • I want to delete my ichat account and make a new one

    i just got my mac and made a ichat account. i think i messed uo because i had used two different emails. i tried to add my friend but everytime it said waiting for authorization and it keep saying i was offline. i was wondering if there was any was i could fix this problem. PLEASE HELP SOMEONE!

    Hi,
    You haven't added any Spec for your machine or iChat version but you seem to imply it is new so I will presume Lion and iChat 6
    iChat can use  4 types of names and some of those have sub-categories if you like.
    In the iChat Menu > Preferences > Accounts you should have at least the Bonjour Option in the list even if you have no other accounts.
    This is used between Macs on your LAN.
    If they are using iChat and have Bonjour Enabled then you will see their Name as they call themselves in their Address Book. iChat will broadcast your Name as at the My Card in your Address Book (Head and Shoulders icon card).
    iChat can join the AIM service and these can be one of three (sub) type of  Names, although the Buddy list can have Buddies of each type.
    You can register at AIM themselves, with @Mac.com and use a MobileMe name (Ending @Me.com)
    Generically the Account/Buddy List is referred to as an AIM list as @Mac.om and MobileMe names are Valid AIM Screen Names
    iChat can use Jabber Names/IDs. These include Google and there is an Option with iChat 4 onwards to use this a a separate sub category when adding an Account to iChat (In creating a BUddy List)
    A Jabber ID can add Goolge Buddies or a Google Buddy List can have Jabber Buddies.
    iChat 6 adds the ability to use a Yahoo ID as well.
    Although the Yahoo for Mac App (it is still in Beta) can add MSN contacts this cannot be done in iChat.
    Adding Buddies.
    In an "AIM" List you can add Buddies by clicking the Plus icon at the Bottom of the Buddy List and selecting Add Buddy
    You type the Buddy's name in full (As in [email protected], or [email protected] or the AIM name that the persons tells you (it may not be an Email) )
    Allowing or Blocking a Buddy is then done in the iChat Menu Preferences > Accounts > Security tab.
    With a Jabber/Google List  you have to Authorize the Buddy as you Add them. A Person has to be in th Buddy List rather than allowing or Blocking them later.
    To be more precise a Request to Authorize is sent to the Buddy and they either Accept or Deny.
    In iChat 3 through 5 this needed to be done when the Buddy was On Line as iChat does not repeat the Request.   From what you post it seems this has not changed in iChat 6
    (Other Jabber apps continually send the request until such time as the person actually sees the request and does something about it.)
    So it may not be that the Name is "Wrong" or that you have set up your account incorrectly.
    I have no info on setting up a Yahoo account at present or how Buddies are added for Allow/Block Authorise or not.
    What you cannot do is use an AIM Account to add Google or Jabber buddies to (Or vice versa) even though on the whole the naming formats (email Style IDs) applies to both.
    AIM Registrations ask for a second email for Password recovery
    @mac.com Registrations require a second email to Verify the Apple ID you are creating (It happens to be an Valid AIM screen Name as well  (@mac.com look like email but are not so you cannot verify them back through @mac.com as it were).
    The Waiting for Authorisation message only comes from a Google Talk ID or a Jabber Buddy List.
    It will show if you add an AIM valid Name or if the Buddy is Off Line and not seeing the Request to answer it.
    Example iChat 4 pic
    (not sure why I had these to options crossed out but I may have been talking about iChat 3 when I used it)
    Obviously iChat 6 has Yahoo as well.
    8:30 PM      Sunday; August 28, 2011
    Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
     G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
     MacBookPro 2Gb( 10.6.8)
     Mac OS X (10.6.8),
    "Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

  • How do i make a new iChat account?

    I recently clicked on the provided application iChat since my friends have it. It had asked me to put in a screename and password. So i did. Then it brought me to the little rectangular icon  that showed my macbook user picture and my screename. I put the mouse over the screename and it asked me if i wanted to show handle or name. I clicked name but it had my moms name. My moms name is used for the Apple ID my family uses. I want to make it so that name is mine. Please help me!

    Hi,
    Open iChat again
    Go to the Preferences. Then the  Accounts section.
    At the bottom of the list on the left (Should have the account you  entered in the set up procedure and Bonjour), press the + (plus) button at the bottom.
    https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3245947?tstart=0
    This will open a new Screen.
    If you then Select AIM in the top item (It will be come a drop down) and then hit the "Get an iChat Account" button it should take you to the AIM Registration page  (this has moved so you possibly have to use the Link I provided.)
    Alternatively you can select @Mac.com and use the "Get an iChat Account" Button
    This will take you here to the @mac.com registration page.
    If using this one you need to have an Email Address that is not associated with an Apple ID already.
    Also do not make the password over 16 characters in length as this is the Limit with the AIM servers (The page encourages longers to be "More Secure")
    Just to be clear.
    AIM and the two Apple IDs (MobileMe and @mac.com are all Valid AIM Screen Names)
    Family MobileMe accounts that are not the Master account tend not to work as they are alias email account and not full Apple IDs.
    Other forms of Apple ID are Not Valid AIM Screen Names (Unless you happen to also register it with the AIM registration process.)
    iChat version 3, 4, 5 and 6 can support you using Jabber IDs
    These include Googlemail ID where Talk has been enabled on your Google Account setting.  (Google run a Jabber server).
    Facebook also run a Jabber server  and your ID can be used in iChat.
    Other than Google and Facebook most Jabber IDs require you use a Jabber app to register an ID as most Jabber servers do not have a web browser page to register.
    In iChat 6 (with Lion) you can also use a Yahoo ID
    Again you have to have Registered this beforehand (this can be done On-line in a web browser)
    NOTE
    Any Jabber/Google ID and Yahoo ID will only Video Chat to other users who are using iChat as well at their end.
    9:11 PM      Sunday; August 7, 2011
    Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
     G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
     MacBookPro 2Gb( 10.6.8)
     Mac OS X (10.6.8),
    "Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

  • Using .mac alias as an iChat account name

    Hi,
    I'm a full .mac member.
    Thus, I am able to create aliases (e.g. [email protected]).
    I'd like to use this alias as an iChat account name (so I can have two iChat accounts : one personal, one professional).
    Is this possible ?
    Thanks,
    Regards,
    Tibo

    HI TiboDeParis,
    Nope.
    Screen names have to be full names or Trial accounts.
    Trial accounts work after the 60 days are up.
    The other option is of course an AIM screen name.
    11:47 PM Monday; April 17, 2006

  • How to set up 2 ichat accounts in a home office??

    Hi guys anybody know how to have 2 ICHAT accounts? do you have to have 2 DOTMAC accounts? i hope not.
    thanks in advance,
    JOHN
    mac book   Mac OS X (10.4.6)  

    Hi
    Get a free .mac http://www.apple.com/dotmac/ click on free trial and name will work after the 60days.
    AIM name free HERE
    Tony

  • I cant log in to my ichat account, it keeps telling me my mobile me password is wrong when its not?

    I cant log in to my ichat account, it keeps telling me my mobile me password is wrong when its not?

    Hi,
    If you have an @mac.com or @me (MobileMe) name then the password needs to be kept to 16 characters or Less due a limit at the AIM server end.
    Use iForgot to change the Password
    A @me.com name associated with Lion/iOS5/iCloud will only work in Lion and iChat 6
    7:55 PM      Sunday; November 20, 2011
    Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
      iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Lion 10.7.2)
     G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
     MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
     Mac OS X (10.6.8),
    "Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

  • HT2020 iChat account?

    I'm trying to set up an ichat account but keep getting directed to AOL. Do I need to set up an AOL account, I have a mobileme account already.

    Hi,
    You will notice in Defcom's Picture that AIM, @mac and MobileMe are separated by line for Jabber and Google (And as it is an iChat 6 pic from Yahoo as well).
    Technically @mac.com and MobileMe names are also Valid AIM Screen Names.  (The MobileMe name has to be still currently paid for and active).
    In iChat 5 the pic /Screen will vary as you will have the Get an iChat Account button, nor will it have Yahoo.
    (if you highlight the AIM option it should take you to the AIM registration page  - except they moved it.  The MobileMe and @mac.com takes you to the @mac.com registration page)
    After you have entered the details and clicked the Done Button then the Server Settings tab will show the AIM server name and ports as it is a Valid AIM Screen Name.
    NOTES
    The MobileMe name cannot be one linked or created with iCloud for an iOS5 device  (they only work in iChat 6)
    The password of @mac.com or MobileMe names have to be 16 characters or less (AIM server limit)
    As I mentioned earlier a MoblieMe account needs to be currently active.
    This will continue for some until June when MobileMe will end completely (Presumably people will have moved to iCloud)
    9:26 PM      Wednesday; February 8, 2012
    Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
      iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Lion 10.7.3)
     G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
     MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
     Mac OS X (10.6.8),
    "Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

  • Is there any way to delete an ichat account?

    I would like to change my Apple ID and am told I can't because it is also my iChat account.

    If you have one working name that does what you want I would leave it.
    If the second name however is the one you want to use then put it back in iChat and drag the Buddies from one Buddy List to another.
    It will really depend on how many Buddies you have and how they know you (your Screen Name). If they are not that aware of your Screen Name yet it may pay to change now.
    Having said that most people seem to develop different Screen Names for different purposes such as Home and Work etc.
    8:49 PM Friday; January 9, 2009

  • Is it possible to have unique pictures for different iChat accounts?

    Hello -
    I am new to Macs and am setting up multiple iChat accounts (Google chat, facebook, work, etc.). However, the work picture seems to be overwriting my picture in Google. Ideally I could have my casual Google picture and my more formal work picture coexist under a single iChat group of accounts.
    I haven't found a way to do this yet. Any suggestions?
    Messages version 7.0.1
    Thanks!

    Hi,
    Although this was possible in earlier version of iChat it is not possible in Messages.
    In earlier Versions you could set up separate Buddy lists (the then default)
    At each Buddy List pic you could call down the change drop down and select a Pic.
    It could be done for each Buddy list.
    In Messages when you do this the Pic changes in all Buddy Lists.
    NOTES
    Changing the pic this way overrides the normal Choice which is the Contacts (Formerly Address Book) pic.
    Changing the Address Book > My Card pic will override the Mac Users Account pic which is the default for that.
    Put another way when you create a Mac user Account you get to chose a pic that is shown in the Login list (Also System Preferences > Users and Groups > your account).
    This gets pulled to the Contacts/Address Book as the My card is created with your other details.
    That is turn is used by Messages (or iChat in Earlier versions)
    You can change them so that your have three different Pictures.
    10:28 PM      Friday; November 9, 2012
    Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
      iMac 2.5Ghz 5i 2011 (Mountain Lion 10.8.2)
     G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
     MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
     Mac OS X (10.6.8),
     Couple of iPhones and an iPad
    "Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

  • My iChat account on Messages stays logged out Mountain Lion

    Since I upgraded to Messages Beta while on Lion, my iChat account has randomly logged out constantly while in use...
    The only way I could fix this was by restarting my computer, but eventually it would log out, and stay logged out, again.
    Now having upgraded to Mountain Lion, and today updating to 10.8.1 (hoping it would fix the issue), nothing has helped.
    In Mountain Lion, my Messages now logs out within 5 minutes of being logged in, and stays logged out.
    I've tried fixing the port on the account, using/not using SSL, trying with/without using proxy, etc...
    I'm not a pro with using these complicated internet thingys, but I just want my iChat to work (in Messages!!!!).
    PLEASE HELP ME

    bump

  • How to edit free iChat account profile

    Hi. I created an iChat Apple ID using the "Get an iChat account..." button on the Account Setup pane.
    Is there any way for me to change the account information I originally entered (email address, password, security question, etc)?
    I'm looking for a webpage, similar to the one where I set up the account, to edit all the account details. I searched in this forum for phrases like "edit ichat account" and "edit profile", but none of the posts I came across addressed the issue.
    Thanks.

    I suppose I should have stated it...but that was the first thing I tried.
    Whether I use [AppleID] or [AppleID]@mac.com in the Member Name field, I get an Incorrect Member Name or Password error. I guess that makes sense, since the free iChat account isn't a Mobile Me account.
    I know that my AppleID and password are correct, however, since I can log into that account in iChat.
    Any other suggestions?

  • I am trying to make a new ichat account

    I am trying to make a new ichat account. i go into preferences and go to accounts and hit the plus and click on creat an ichat account but when i fill in my information it says i need to change the feild underneath my vipcode and i have tryed it over and over again but it says its wrong.

    Seen this?
    Apple - Support - iChat

  • Has my friend's iChat account been hacked? Has mine?

    I have been using iChat with an AIM account with iChat for years and have never seen anything like this.
    I just received a chat message in iChat from somebody on my buddy list - but it wasn't my buddy. It was somebody wanting me to join a sex web cam site.
    Has my friend's iChat-or-AIM account been hacked? Has mine?
    Is there a way of reporting it?  I don't know if he uses an Apple account or an AIM account. Either are possible with iChat.
    I couldn't find a way of reporting the abuse on the AOL site. All their contact forms and phone numbers are for paying AOL members only, and I was unable to post in their forums. In the meantime, I set my iChat privacy levels to only allow buddies to access and removed my friend from my buddy list.
    Advice is welcome.
    Thanks,
    doug

    Hi,
    You should know who is contacting you fro the Chat Window itself.
    It's title will either be the Screen Name of the Contact or the Real Name if they are in your Address Book.
    Either way the Screen Name will also shows as the Grey text info at the top of e Chat Area.
    The Apple IDs ending in @mac.com and @me.com (from MobileMe) are valid AIM names.
    You can see the Screen Name of someone in your Buddy List by mousing and holding over their Entry.
    This may display two or more names if you have them listed on their Address Book Entry.
    They should change their Password, either at AIM if it is an AIM Name or via iForgot for Apple ones.
    Then change it in iChat so it will then log in
    Next, no matter what sort of AIM valid name it is they should go here and Log in.
    Next they could use the Lifestream option and set the Privacy Level they want.
    Repeat for the Actual Privacy setting.
    It used to be possible to Create a Display Name in the Registration Process  (It was a one page deal where you could see it)
    The current Process for Registration is a step based process and I have not created a new name to follow it through to see if Display Names are allowed.
    However it still appears in those AIM Settings
    Choose Manage Account > Click the Edit Button (You will be asked a security Question)
    At the new page choose the Greetings option far right.
    Another new screen has a drop down to alter the Display Name.
    This means that someone could have search Lifestyles and then used a new Screen Name and added a Display Name that at first glance Looks like your Buddy.
    I doubt that they have been Hacked as such.
    It is more likely the DIsplay Name method has been used.
    There is one other option.
    If they have used  Mac in a public place and entered their Screen Name in to iChat there And their Password the computer will remember the password to the Keychain.
    Even if the iChat Account is deleted from iChat the Keychain will still have the details and anyone with access can find out the Password.
    (if you don't enter the password iChat will pop up a separate request each time you try and login)
    If this is the case then changing the password should help
    You/he can also go to IChat > Preferences > Accounts and deselect the option for Multiple Logins.
    If another computer (Or app) is logged in when you next start up iChat you will get a Text chat from AIMSysMessage (An automated response from the AIM servers) asking if you want to Log the other login out.  Reply with a 1 (type just the 1 and hit enter) will log the other instance out.
    I spent some time searching the AIM/AOL help pages and using Google to see if I could find anything but only came across prompts on how to do it on the AIM for PC app.
    9:17 PM      Tuesday; July 5, 2011
    Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
     G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
     MacBookPro 2Gb( 10.6.8)
     Mac OS X (10.6.7),
    "Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

  • Is it possible to find out all of the computers from which MY iChat account has logged into?

    I think one or more people have been using MY iChat (mac.com) account to send out emails (pretending they are me). I've changed my password so it won't happen again, but Is there a way for me to see which computers have logged into/used MY iChat account?

    Hi,
    I am not aware of any way you can get iChat to reveal this info directly.
    You could use iChat with another Screen Name and Little Snitch.
    Little Snitch is a Utility that will tell you what IPs and Ports an App is trying to use.
    This way you add your old ID as a Buddy.
    If they are On line then send them a Video Invite.  You do not have to go the whole way but just enough for Little Snitch to tell you the IPs involved (A Public and possible a LAN IP).
    Once you get that far past the Little Snitch Pop ups you can end the chat
    Little Snitch will keep a running record in its Application Interface for you to fully note down the details (the ISP will also be listed)
    I would also contact Moblieme about this.
    If you can get hold of any of the email I would also look at the Full Header info
    In Mail you can set this in Viewing (Preferences).
    This will also list the ISP (Servers) it has passed through.
    You can also generally see if the name has been spoofed.
    10:57 PM      Wednesday; July 27, 2011
    Please, if posting Logs, do not post any Log info after the line "Binary Images for iChat"
     G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
     MacBookPro 2Gb( 10.6.8)
     Mac OS X (10.6.8),
    "Limit the Logs to the Bits above Binary Images."  No, Seriously

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