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Changes between Version 136 and Version 137 of Using Pidgin

Timestamp:: Aug 28, 2008, 12:33:04 AM (15 years ago)
Author:: chemistrydioxide
Comment:: --

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Using Pidgin

-                      v136
+                      v137
 [[TOC(inline,noheading)]]
+== All Platforms ==
+=== Getting Started ===
+==== How do I use AIM, MSN, Yahoo!, Google Talk/Jabber/XMPP, ICQ, or any other protocol? ====
+== Getting Started ==
+=== How do I use AIM, MSN, Yahoo!, Google Talk/Jabber/XMPP, ICQ, or any other protocol? ===
 Use the Account Editor (Accounts->Add/Edit) to add the account of the appropriate messaging service.  Use the checkbox in the account editor to enable the current account.
 For Google Talk, fill in the Domain field with the domain of your Google Mail e-mail address.  For most users this will be gmail.com or googlemail.com, but Google Apps for Your Domain users will use their domain instead.
 ==== How do I register for a new account? ====
+=== How do I register for a new account? ===
 This depends on the protocol.
  * '''AIM:''' Go to [https://reg.my.screenname.aol.com/_cqr/registration/initRegistration.psp?mcState=initialized&seamless=n&createSn=1&sitedomain=www.aim.com&siteState=http://www.aim.com/get_aim/congratsd2.adp this website].
 …
  * '''Novell:''' See your Novell server administrator.
 === Buddy Icons (Avatars), Buddy List and Blocking ===
 ==== How do I set a buddy icon or avatar? ====
+== Buddy Icons (Avatars), Buddy List and Blocking ==
+=== How do I set a buddy icon or avatar? ===
 We call all user pictures, avatars, etc. buddy icons.  There are two ways to set one for yourself:
   * '''Global''' - This will affect all of your accounts.  On the Buddy List window, beside the status selector at the bottom, there is an area that will have a generic photo icon if you have no icon set.  You can click that and select an icon from there.  The icon will take effect for all accounts you have configured in Pidgin.
 …
 Pidgin itself (for the chat window) will scale icons up or down to 32x32 for display in the buddy list and the infopane.  In general, to maintain the aspect ratio, you should begin with a square icon.
 ==== A friend of mine uses my favorite episode of ''The Young and the Restless'' as her buddy icon, but I can't quite make it out in the infopane.  What do I do? ====
+=== A friend of mine uses my favorite episode of ''The Young and the Restless'' as her buddy icon, but I can't quite make it out in the infopane.  What do I do? ===
 The easiest thing to do is ask your friend to put it up on !YouTube or some equivalent service.  Alternatively, you could buy it on DVD, if available.  The mouse-over tooltip on the infopane also has her full-size buddy icon, for a quick fix.  Additionally, clicking the icon in the infopane should also enlarge it.
 ==== How can I unblock someone? ====
+=== How can I unblock someone? ===
 See the "Privacy" option under the "Tools" menu in the Buddy List.
 ==== Why are the status icons so big? ====
 ==== Can I make buddy list entries smaller? ====
+=== Why are the status icons so big? ===
+=== Can I make buddy list entries smaller? ===
 We believe that, by adding a second line of text to each buddy list entry, we're able to show more information about each buddy on the buddy list.  The "Big List," as we call it, shows status text and idle time concisely and attractively.  Most importantly, it puts the buddy icon in the list, making it far easier to locate buddies within a large list where names are harder to pick out than images.  Due to the increased usability of this interface, we have made it the default.
 We are aware that some people feel more comfortable using an interface more similar to IM clients they may have used in the past.  The 'Big List' can  be disabled by un-checking "Show buddy details" in the Buddies menu.
 ==== Can I import or export my buddy list? ====
+=== Can I import or export my buddy list? ===
 Not with Pidgin alone, but the [http://plugins.guifications.org/trac/wiki/PluginPack Purple Plugin Pack] provides the [http://plugins.guifications.org/trac/wiki/listhandler List Handler] plugin, which adds some importing and exporting capabilities.
 ==== Why are my logs combining the logs of several of my buddies? ====
+=== Why are my logs combining the logs of several of my buddies? ===
 It's likely you have inadvertently combined some buddies into contacts when you did not intend to do so.  To correct this you need to find which contact the logs are associated with.  Right-click that entry in the buddy list and click Expand.  Drag out the buddies that do not belong in the contact.
 ==== Where did my buddy go?  I just tried to change its group and it disappeared! ====
+=== Where did my buddy go?  I just tried to change its group and it disappeared! ===
 You inadvertently created a contact from two buddies.  Hover over each buddy in the destination group and watch the tooltips that appear.  You'll see the "missing" buddy in one of them.  Right-click that entry in the buddy list, click Expand, and then drag the buddy that does not belong out to the group.  Watch the buddy list carefully; a bar will appear to show you where the buddy will go if you are in the right location.
 ==== Can I group buddies by their owner, like Trillian's or Miranda's Metacontacts? ====
+=== Can I group buddies by their owner, like Trillian's or Miranda's Metacontacts? ===
 Sure! Right click a buddy on your list and at the bottom of the menu click "Expand".  Then just drag other screen names to the same person below it.  When you're done, click on the arrow to collapse them.  When the contact is collapsed, Pidgin will select a buddy to display based on the status of the buddies in the contact, and their order.
 If you use the Alias function, by either highlighting a buddy and pressing F2 or right-clicking and selecting "Alias...," when two or more buddies in the same group are aliased to the same name, Pidgin will prompt you to automatically merge them together into one contact.
 ==== I grouped my buddies into contacts, can I control which one is selected? ====
+=== I grouped my buddies into contacts, can I control which one is selected? ===
 Yes and no.  Pidgin uses an algorithm to determine which buddy is selected.  If you right click on a contact
 and select expand, you can see an ordered list of the buddies in that contact.  Pidgin will pick the                                                                                                                                                 highest/topmost buddy that is most available.
 …
 With this search pattern, you should be able to drag the buddies in that contact into an order that will yield reasonable results for that contact most of the time.  While this will be sufficient for most people most of the time, we recognize that a small minority of users may need to control things more precisely.  In the source tarball there is a plugin, contact_priority, that does not install by default.  If installed and loaded, this plugin allows for some modifications to the algorithm that Pidgin uses.  Specifically, you can weight certain accounts to be either more likely to be chosen or less likely to be chosen. This cannot, however, be done on a per-buddy basis with the existing plugin.
 ==== Why are protocol icons not displayed in the buddy list and conversation windows any more? ====
+=== Why are protocol icons not displayed in the buddy list and conversation windows any more? ===
 See [http://pidgin.im/~seanegan/blog/identity.html Sean's blog entry on the subject] for the rationale behind this change.  However, as of Pidgin 2.2.0 you can add protocol icons to the buddy list with Buddies-> Show->Protocol Icons.  The [http://plugins.guifications.org/trac/wiki/convbadger convbadger plugin] from the [http://plugins.guifications.org/trac/wiki/PluginPack Purple Plugin Pack] adds protocol icons to conversation windows.
 ==== How do I remove a buddy from my buddy list? ====
+=== How do I remove a buddy from my buddy list? ===
 Right-click the buddy and click Remove.
 === Keyboard Shortcuts ===
 ==== What are the default keyboard shortcuts (key bindings)? ====
+== Keyboard Shortcuts ==
+=== What are the default keyboard shortcuts (key bindings)? ===
 See [wiki:shortcuts this wiki page] for a list.
 ==== How do I make Enter make a newline and Ctrl+Enter send? ====
+=== How do I make Enter make a newline and Ctrl+Enter send? ===
 Locate or create your `gtkrc-2.0` file and insert:
 …
 }}}
 ==== How do I make Pidgin use emacs-like keybindings? ====
+=== How do I make Pidgin use emacs-like keybindings? ===
 Locate or create your `.gtkrc-2.0` file and insert the following:
 {{{
 …
 You will need to restart Pidgin when you have finished.  Note that this will affect other GTK+ applications as well.
 ==== How do I bind keystrokes to menu items? ====
+=== How do I bind keystrokes to menu items? ===
 Locate or create your `gtkrc-2.0` file and insert:
 …
 If you're using a recent enough Gnome, you can instead open the ''Appearance'' preferences applet, switch to the ''Interface'' tab and toggle ''Editable menu shortcut keys''.  In older versions of Gnome, use `gconf-editor` to set the `/desktop/gnome/interface/can_change_accels` key instead (which is what happens in newer Gnomes behind the scenes anyway).  You don't need to restart Pidgin if you take the gconf path.
 ==== How do I make Escape close conversation windows? ====
+=== How do I make Escape close conversation windows? ===
 As of 2.4.2 this option is included by default. The option is under Tools ⇒ Preferences ⇒ Interface Tab.
 === Spell Checking ===
 ==== How do I change the language for the Highlight Misspelled words option? ====
+== Spell Checking ==
+=== How do I change the language for the Highlight Misspelled words option? ===
 Pidgin currently only supports spell checking in your locale language.  This is because gtkspell 2 does not offer a good way for us to know which dictionaries are available or to switch between them.  This functionality has long been promised for gtkspell version 3, which has been delayed somewhat indefinitely.  See [http://gtkspell.sf.net gtkspell.sf.net].
 There is, however a simple plugin called [http://plugins.guifications.org/trac/wiki/switchspell switchspell] that can change the spell check language on a per-buddy basis.
 ==== Why do all words I type get highlighted as misspelled? ====
+=== Why do all words I type get highlighted as misspelled? ===
 We've seen several users with this issue.  It seems to be that the dictionary for the spell checking language is missing.  Most likely you need to install a package named "`aspell-XX`" where `XX` is the language you run Pidgin in, such as `en` for English or `es` for Spanish.
 === Statuses ===
 ==== How does Pidgin decide which saved statuses to show in the status selector? ====
+== Statuses ==
+=== How does Pidgin decide which saved statuses to show in the status selector? ===
 Pidgin shows six "popular" saved statuses in the status selector. These are your six most recently used statuses, offset by a weight. Pidgin sorts all your saved statuses by the timestamp when they were last used.  And then, for each time you've used a status, the timestamp is increased by one day.
 If you are upgrading from 1.x or lower, Pidgin is unable to determine which are the most popular states, as these older releases did not save that information.  As a result, the initial contents of the menu will be somewhat random.  It will settle over the first few uses of (distinct) states into the behavior described above.
 ==== Why are no states listed when I go to set a state for Auto Away? ====
+=== Why are no states listed when I go to set a state for Auto Away? ===
 Pidgin can only use saved states for Auto Away.  You need to create and save a named state first.
 === Smileys (Emoticons) ===
 ==== Does Pidgin support animated smileys? ====
+== Smileys (Emoticons) ==
+=== Does Pidgin support animated smileys? ===
 Yes, but there is a bug which can cause animation to be lost if Pidgin has to resize the image.  Also, only the most recent 20 emoticons are animated.
 ==== How do I use/make smiley themes? ====
+=== How do I use/make smiley themes? ===
 See [wiki:SmileyThemes the page on smileys].
 ==== Can I save custom emoticons as animated gif? ====
+=== Can I save custom emoticons as animated gif? ===
 No, you can't. Gdk doesn't allow us to save animated gif. We are looking for something to workaround this issue.
+=== Look & Feel ===
+==== Can I "skin" Pidgin? ====
+=== Why did my smiley theme disappear after I upgraded Pidgin? ===
+Smiley themes should be installed to the user's .purple directory, not in the location Pidgin is installed to.  This means that you install smiley themes only to `%APPDATA%\.purple\smileys` (if you're using Windows) or `~/.purple/smileys` (if you're using Linux/*nix).  Additions to or removals from Pidgin's installation location will be lost during an upgrade.
+== Look & Feel (All platforms) ==
+=== Can I "skin" Pidgin? ===
 The UI can be customized using GTK themes and by [wiki:SmileyThemes Smiley Themes].  Application-specific skins will never be supported by Pidgin.  This seems to confuse a lot of users, so here's an attempt at an explanation.
 …
 The default location on Windows to add the theme is: `C:\Program Files\Common Files\GTK\2.0\share\themes` (TODO: This isn't correct, it should be the user-specific directory, not the global directory).
 ==== How do I change the font Pidgin uses?  The background color? ====
+=== How do I change the font Pidgin uses?  The background color? ===
 The font preference in Pidgin applies only for the formatting of outgoing messages on those protocols which support said formatting.  The display fonts used by the rest of Pidgin are those specified by GTK+, the toolkit we use to create the user interface.  If you're using Gnome, you can change these in System ⇒ Preferences ⇒ Appearance ⇒ Fonts; the font used for conversations is the ''document'' font, while the rest of Pidgin uses the ''application'' font.
 …
 You could also switch GTK+ themes.  Themes and information on using them can be found at http://themes.freshmeat.net, http://art.gnome.org, or by searching on your favorite search engine, such as Google.
+=== Crashes and Bugs ===
+==== What should I do if Pidgin crashes? ====
+== Look & Feel (Windows) ==
+=== How do I change the look and feel? ===
+See [#CanIskinPidgin this FAQ entry].
+=== What is a gtkrc file and where can I find it? ===
+The windowing toolkit that Pidgin uses, GTK+, is configurable via a text file.
+There is a global file found in the `etc\gtk-2.0` directory your GTK+ Runtime install directory (`C:\Program Files\Common Files\GTK\2.0`, by default).
+There is also per-user file (named `.gtkrc-2.0`) in your user's home directory, the location of this varies according to the version of Windows you're using and the configuration.
+ * For Windows 2000/XP/Vista(?), entering `%USERPROFILE%` in your Windows Explorer address bar will take you to the right directory (probably something like `C:\Documents and Settings\username`).
+ * For Windows 98/ME it will be something like `C:\Windows\Profiles\username`.
+ * If you have the `HOME` environment variable set, it will override the default per-user file location.
+**Note that Windows Explorer will not allow you create a file that starts with a period; you'll need to use a text editor or rename the file in a cmd shell.
+There is also a pidgin-specific file that is located in the configuration directory (`%APPDATA%\.purple\gtkrc-2.0`).
+It is recommended that you edit your per-user file or the pidgin-specific file instead of the global file as the global file will be replaced when GTK+ is upgraded.
+=== Can I make Pidgin transparent/translucent? ===
+You can make Pidgin translucent in most versions of Windows using the "Transparency" plugin that ships with Pidgin for Windows.  A user has also recommended the freeware Windows utility, [http://www.abstractpath.com/powermenu/ PowerMenu] which can to make any window translucent.
+=== Can I make Pidgin or its instant message windows always stay on top? ===
+If you just want the buddy list to always be on top, you can dock it to the side of your desktop.  A user has also recommended the freeware Windows utility, [http://www.abstractpath.com/powermenu/ PowerMenu] which can set any window to be 'Always On Top'.
+== Look & Feel (Linux and Unix-like platforms) ==
+=== How do I change the look and feel? ===
+See [#CanIskinPidgin this FAQ entry].
+Themes and information on using them can be found at http://themes.freshmeat.net, http://art.gnome.org, or by searching on your favorite search engine, such as Google.
+The system-wide location on Windows to add themes is `C:\Program Files\Common Files\GTK\2.0\share\themes`, but this location will be overwritten when installing updated GTK+ runtime versions.
+=== Can I make Pidgin transparent/translucent? ===
+It is not yet possible to make Pidgin translucent in Linux and other platforms that use X11.
+The X.org X11 server provides a COMPOSITE extension that allows applications to have true translucency, but it is X.org-specific and it requires support at the GTK+ level (if it is to be per-widget).  Support for this is apparently scheduled for inclusion GDK 2.12, but we are not currently interested in implementing support for it (note that a plugin could provide this functionality).  Pseudo-translucency offered by other programs (by copying a section of your background image, tinting it, and plastering it onto a window) will never be implemented in Pidgin.
+Note that if you are using a compisiting window manager such as Compiz, you may have global support for modifying the opacity of any window.  For example, in Compiz, the default method to changing the opacity of a window is Alt+Mouse Scroll Wheel.  This method does not require extra support from the applications.
+== Crashes and Bugs ==
+=== What should I do if Pidgin crashes? ===
 Follow the instructions [wiki:TipsForBugReports#WhattodoifPidgincrashes here] to submit a bug report.
 ==== Why does Pidgin crash when I start it? ====
+=== Why does Pidgin crash when I start it? ===
 Here are some things to try:
   * Make sure you are running the most recent version of Pidgin.
 …
   * If none of these help, read TipsForBugReports.
 ==== Pidgin <non-current-version> is buggy.  Why? ====
 ==== Pidgin from Monotone is buggy.  Why? ====
+=== Pidgin <non-current-version> is buggy.  Why? ===
+=== Pidgin from Monotone is buggy.  Why? ===
 Non-current versions have old bugs which may be fixed in the current version--that's why we make new releases.  Monotone is frequently unusable because of changes in the code.  Bugs are introduced during the development process and are hopefully fixed before a release is made.
 === Voice and Video (Microphone and Webcam) Support (Not Implemented Yet) ===
 ==== Does Pidgin support webcams (video)? ====
 ==== Does Pidgin support MSN video chat? ====
+== Voice and Video (Microphone and Webcam) Support (Not Implemented Yet) ==
+=== Does Pidgin support webcams (video)? ===
+=== Does Pidgin support MSN video chat? ===
 Not currently.  It is planned.  See below.
 ==== Does Pidgin support microphones (voice)? ====
 ==== Does Pidgin support libjingle? ====
+=== Does Pidgin support microphones (voice)? ===
+=== Does Pidgin support libjingle? ===
 Not currently.  It is planned.  See below.
 ==== When will voice and video be implemented? ====
+=== When will voice and video be implemented? ===
 We plan to implement these features eventually, but it is a daunting task.  Not all of our developers care about these features, and because of that don't want to work on them.  The time available to those developers who do want to work on these features is limited, and so any work on these features proceeds slowly.
 …
 Some history and current status on voice and video should be collected at the ProgressReport page.
+=== Miscellaneous ===
+==== Can I change the height of the text input area? ====
+You can't manually resize the text input area, nor disable auto-resizing. The area auto-resizes up to a height of half the window height before the scrollbar appears.
+==== How can I enter non-ASCII characters? (like Windows' Alt+###) ==== #win32-alt-codes
+Entering character codes works differently in GTK+; press `Ctrl+Shift+u` and then type the Unicode number (in hexadecimal) with Ctrl and Shift held down. GTK+ 2.10.0 and later versions do not require Ctrl and Shift to be held down while typing the number.  For example, `Alt-164` would become `Ctrl+Shift+u`, `f1`.
+==== Can I still see messages in a chat if I close the window? ====
+Yes.  Pidgin has a persistent chat feature, where you will remain in a chat room even if you close the window.  When you open the window again, all the messages that were sent are still there as if the window had been open the whole time.
+To make a chat persistent, add it to your buddy list, then right click and choose "Persistent" from the context menu.
+==== How do I hide all those "User entered the room" and "User left the room" messages? ====
+Load the "Join/Part Hiding" plugin from the plugins dialog.  You can then configure it to hide these messages on rooms larger than a specified size, or when the user joining/parting has been idle for longer than a specified period of time.
+==== What happened to my timestamps?  Can I change them? ====
+As of 2.0.0, timestamps follow the system locale.  This is a significant difference from previous versions of Pidgin, and though it was requested more than once, we know it will prove to be a controversial decision.  Fortunately for all of you out there, we also provide plugins to change it.
+The two plugins we provide are the Timestamp plugin and the Message Timestamp Formats plugin.  Timestamp allows you to have iChat style timestamps, but it is implemented to behave slightly differently.  The Message Timestamp Formats plugin allows you to manipulate the timestamps in a couple different ways, such as restoring 24-hour timestamps and/or causing all timestamps to have dates in them.
+==== What is a "Buddy Pounce"? ====
+Pidgin introduced buddy pounces a few releases before AOL came out with "Buddy Alerts."  Despite this, you could think of a buddy pounce as an alert and get an idea of the most minimal use of a buddy pounce.  In reality, a buddy pounce is much like a macro, or a recorded action.  When you set a pounce on someone, you can choose from a number of events, such as sign on or status change, and then you choose from a number of actions.  These actions include everything from playing a sound (like an alert would do) to sending a message to the person, to executing a command.  This action will occur the next time pidgin detects the event, i.e. the next time the person in your buddy list who you have pounced signs on.
+==== Can I use Pidgin for e-mail, blogging, RSS feeds, social networking, or anything else that isn't IM-related? ====
+No, you can't.  We get requests for this often, but Pidgin is indeed a messaging client.  Aside from the capabilities each protocol may support, the Pidgin developers have no intention to turn Pidgin into a multi-feature Internet client capable of doing everything under the sun.  We also won't be helping to develop plugins to turn it into that.  There are many Internet applications available for Linux, Windows, or whatever operating system you use that would undoubtedly do a better job.
+Note that [http://www.livejournal.com LiveJournal] provides an XMPP messaging service which makes it possible to make entries to your blog via IM, no matter what XMPP-supporting IM client you use.
+==== Pidgin beeps whenever I press backspace, how do I disable that? ====
+See http://developer.pidgin.im/ticket/3683 .
+==== Can I turn the tray icon off? ====
+Yes.  By default the tray icon will load if you have a Notification Area or a System Tray in your desktop environment.  Look at the Interface tab in Tools->Preferences.  Change the 'System Tray Icon' setting to 'Always', 'Never', or 'On unread messages' as you prefer.
+==== What do those colors in the conversation tab mean? ====
+ * '''Red''' - A message is waiting for you in a chat that does not contain your name
+ * '''Blue''' - Someone (in one-on-one IM) sent you a message or (in chats) said your name/nickname
+ * '''Green''' - The buddy is typing
+ * '''Yellow''' - The buddy began typing, and then stopped
+ * '''Gray''' - There has been a join or a part in that chat, or the buddy has signed off
+==== I get "accept/reject certificate" prompts all the time. What do I do? ====
+This may mean that the Pidgin root certificate set is incomplete. If so, we'd like to hear about it. Do the following:
+. Accept the Certificate
+. Go to Tools->Certificates
+. Select the relevant server and export the certificate to a file.
+. [/simpleticket File a ticket]. Attach the exported certificate, and specify which protocol you are connecting to, as well as the server the certificate is for.
+==== How do I join an existing chat room? ====
+'''Option 1: via invitation'''[[BR]]
+Ask someone who is in the chatroom to invite you. On MSN, this is the only way to join a chat room.
+'''Option 2: join yourself'''[[BR]]
+use ''Buddies > Join a chat room'' in the buddy list window
+==== How do I create a chat room? ====
+'''IRC, XMPP/Jabber, ICQ, AIM'''[[BR]]
+Just join a non-existing chat room and it will be created.
+'''MSN'''[[BR]]
+Right-click an MSN buddy on your list and click "Initialize chat".
+'''SIP/SIMPLE'''[[BR]]
+This protocol doesn't support chat rooms.
+== Windows Specific ==
+=== Proxy and Connection Settings and Problems ===
+==== Why can't I connect? My firewall is configured to allow Pidgin access. ==== #windowsfirewall
+== Proxy and Connection Settings and Problems (Windows) ==
+=== Why can't I connect? My firewall is configured to allow Pidgin access. === #windowsfirewall
 We've had a lot of problems with various firewalls, particularly Norton Internet Security (and Symantec Client Firewall).  Many firewalls will not fully stop interfering with a program's ability to connect when configured to do so.
 …
 The Mozilla folks maintain a good Windows Firewall information resource [http://kb.mozillazine.org/Firewalls here].
 ==== What does "Windows socket error !#10060" mean, and how do I fix it? ====
+=== What does "Windows socket error !#10060" mean, and how do I fix it? ===
 This is a horribly obtuse error message which simply means that Pidgin was unable to connect to some remote host, probably the IM server you were trying to use.  This is almost never a problem with Pidgin or its configuration; generally it indicates a network problem, firewall problem, or NAT/router problem.  If you are running a Windows firewall product, check [#windowsfirewall the appropriate FAQ question] for possible solutions.
 ==== Can Pidgin use my Windows (IE) Proxy Settings? ====
+=== Can Pidgin use my Windows (IE) Proxy Settings? ===
 Yes, if you set the proxy preference to "Use Environmental Settings", Pidgin will parse the HTTP Proxy setting from Windows as long as you have a specific server set; auto-detection and configuration via `.pac` URL do not work, nor do proxy bypass settings.
+=== Running Windows Pidgin From a USB Drive (Portable Mode) ===
+== Proxy and Connection Settings and Problems (Linux and Unix-like platforms) ==
+There are no known *nix-specific network issues.
+== Sound (Windows) ==
+There are no known issues with sound on Windows.
+== Sound (Linux and Unix-like platforms) ==
+=== How do I get sound to work correctly? ===
+Pidgin uses gstreamer to play sounds.  Playing sounds directly through esound or arts is no longer supported.  To compile Pidgin with support for gstreamer you need libgstreamer0.10-dev and its dependencies.  These packages are named differently on different platforms.  If you do not wish to install these packages you can also just change your sound playing method in preferences to `Command` and use `esdplay %s`, `artsplay %s`, `aplay %s`, or `play %s`.
+=== How do I make Pidgin use ALSA or OSS for playing sounds? ===
+=== What does the "Automatic" option do? ===
+The "Automatic" option lets gstreamer pick how the sounds are played.  You can use the `gstreamer-properties` tool to control this if you use GNOME.
+== Running Windows Pidgin From a USB Drive (Portable Mode) ==
 It is relatively easy to set up Pidgin to run from a USB drive. Most of Pidgin is very good about not assuming that it is installed; a slightly customized launcher makes it all come together nicely.
 …
 In order to upgrade Pidgin portable to a new version, simply download the latest [http://sourceforge.net/project/showfiles.php?group_id=235&package_id=230234 zipped binaries] and follow the steps described in the '''Pidgin''' section above.
+=== Smileys (Emoticons) ===
+==== Why did my smiley theme disappear after I upgraded Pidgin? ====
+Smiley themes should be installed to the user's .purple directory, not in the location Pidgin is installed to.  This means that you install smiley themes only to `%APPDATA%\.purple\smileys`.  Additions to or removals from Pidgin's installation location will be lost during an upgrade.
+=== Look & Feel ===
+==== How do I change the look and feel? ====
+See [#CanIskinPidgin this FAQ entry].
+==== What is a gtkrc file and where can I find it? ====
+The windowing toolkit that Pidgin uses, GTK+, is configurable via a text file.
+There is a global file found in the `etc\gtk-2.0` directory your GTK+ Runtime install directory (`C:\Program Files\Common Files\GTK\2.0`, by default).
+There is also per-user file (named `.gtkrc-2.0`) in your user's home directory, the location of this varies according to the version of Windows you're using and the configuration.
+ * For Windows 2000/XP/Vista(?), entering `%USERPROFILE%` in your Windows Explorer address bar will take you to the right directory (probably something like `C:\Documents and Settings\username`).
+ * For Windows 98/ME it will be something like `C:\Windows\Profiles\username`.
+ * If you have the `HOME` environment variable set, it will override the default per-user file location.
+**Note that Windows Explorer will not allow you create a file that starts with a period; you'll need to use a text editor or rename the file in a cmd shell.
+There is also a pidgin-specific file that is located in the configuration directory (`%APPDATA%\.purple\gtkrc-2.0`).
+It is recommended that you edit your per-user file or the pidgin-specific file instead of the global file as the global file will be replaced when GTK+ is upgraded.
+==== Can I make Pidgin transparent/translucent? ====
+You can make Pidgin translucent in most versions of Windows using the "Transparency" plugin that ships with Pidgin for Windows.  A user has also recommended the freeware Windows utility, [http://www.abstractpath.com/powermenu/ PowerMenu] which can to make any window translucent.
+==== Can I make Pidgin or its instant message windows always stay on top? ====
+If you just want the buddy list to always be on top, you can dock it to the side of your desktop.  A user has also recommended the freeware Windows utility, [http://www.abstractpath.com/powermenu/ PowerMenu] which can set any window to be 'Always On Top'.
+=== Miscellaneous ===
+==== How does Pidgin for Windows determine which language to use? ====
+== Running Linux Pidgin From a USB Drive (Portable Mode) ==
+This should be possible somehow, but it's not tested and not documented.
+== Miscellaneous (All platforms) ==
+=== Can I change the height of the text input area? ===
+You can't manually resize the text input area, nor disable auto-resizing. The area auto-resizes up to a height of half the window height before the scrollbar appears.
+=== How can I enter non-ASCII characters? (like Windows' Alt+###) === #win32-alt-codes
+Entering character codes works differently in GTK+; press `Ctrl+Shift+u` and then type the Unicode number (in hexadecimal) with Ctrl and Shift held down. GTK+ 2.10.0 and later versions do not require Ctrl and Shift to be held down while typing the number.  For example, `Alt-164` would become `Ctrl+Shift+u`, `f1`.
+=== Can I still see messages in a chat if I close the window? ===
+Yes.  Pidgin has a persistent chat feature, where you will remain in a chat room even if you close the window.  When you open the window again, all the messages that were sent are still there as if the window had been open the whole time.
+To make a chat persistent, add it to your buddy list, then right click and choose "Persistent" from the context menu.
+=== How do I hide all those "User entered the room" and "User left the room" messages? ===
+Load the "Join/Part Hiding" plugin from the plugins dialog.  You can then configure it to hide these messages on rooms larger than a specified size, or when the user joining/parting has been idle for longer than a specified period of time.
+=== What happened to my timestamps?  Can I change them? ===
+As of 2.0.0, timestamps follow the system locale.  This is a significant difference from previous versions of Pidgin, and though it was requested more than once, we know it will prove to be a controversial decision.  Fortunately for all of you out there, we also provide plugins to change it.
+The two plugins we provide are the Timestamp plugin and the Message Timestamp Formats plugin.  Timestamp allows you to have iChat style timestamps, but it is implemented to behave slightly differently.  The Message Timestamp Formats plugin allows you to manipulate the timestamps in a couple different ways, such as restoring 24-hour timestamps and/or causing all timestamps to have dates in them.
+=== What is a "Buddy Pounce"? ===
+Pidgin introduced buddy pounces a few releases before AOL came out with "Buddy Alerts."  Despite this, you could think of a buddy pounce as an alert and get an idea of the most minimal use of a buddy pounce.  In reality, a buddy pounce is much like a macro, or a recorded action.  When you set a pounce on someone, you can choose from a number of events, such as sign on or status change, and then you choose from a number of actions.  These actions include everything from playing a sound (like an alert would do) to sending a message to the person, to executing a command.  This action will occur the next time pidgin detects the event, i.e. the next time the person in your buddy list who you have pounced signs on.
+=== Can I use Pidgin for e-mail, blogging, RSS feeds, social networking, or anything else that isn't IM-related? ===
+No, you can't.  We get requests for this often, but Pidgin is indeed a messaging client.  Aside from the capabilities each protocol may support, the Pidgin developers have no intention to turn Pidgin into a multi-feature Internet client capable of doing everything under the sun.  We also won't be helping to develop plugins to turn it into that.  There are many Internet applications available for Linux, Windows, or whatever operating system you use that would undoubtedly do a better job.
+Note that [http://www.livejournal.com LiveJournal] provides an XMPP messaging service which makes it possible to make entries to your blog via IM, no matter what XMPP-supporting IM client you use.
+=== Pidgin beeps whenever I press backspace, how do I disable that? ===
+See http://developer.pidgin.im/ticket/3683 .
+=== Can I turn the tray icon off? ===
+Yes.  By default the tray icon will load if you have a Notification Area or a System Tray in your desktop environment.  Look at the Interface tab in Tools->Preferences.  Change the 'System Tray Icon' setting to 'Always', 'Never', or 'On unread messages' as you prefer.
+=== What do those colors in the conversation tab mean? ===
+ * '''Red''' - A message is waiting for you in a chat that does not contain your name
+ * '''Blue''' - Someone (in one-on-one IM) sent you a message or (in chats) said your name/nickname
+ * '''Green''' - The buddy is typing
+ * '''Yellow''' - The buddy began typing, and then stopped
+ * '''Gray''' - There has been a join or a part in that chat, or the buddy has signed off
+=== I get "accept/reject certificate" prompts all the time. What do I do? ===
+This may mean that the Pidgin root certificate set is incomplete. If so, we'd like to hear about it. Do the following:
+. Accept the Certificate
+. Go to Tools->Certificates
+. Select the relevant server and export the certificate to a file.
+. [/simpleticket File a ticket]. Attach the exported certificate, and specify which protocol you are connecting to, as well as the server the certificate is for.
+=== How do I join an existing chat room? ===
+'''Option 1: via invitation'''[[BR]]
+Ask someone who is in the chatroom to invite you. On MSN, this is the only way to join a chat room.
+'''Option 2: join yourself'''[[BR]]
+use ''Buddies > Join a chat room'' in the buddy list window
+=== How do I create a chat room? ===
+'''IRC, XMPP/Jabber, ICQ, AIM'''[[BR]]
+Just join a non-existing chat room and it will be created.
+'''MSN'''[[BR]]
+Right-click an MSN buddy on your list and click "Initialize chat".
+'''SIP/SIMPLE'''[[BR]]
+This protocol doesn't support chat rooms.
+== Miscellaneous (Windows) ==
+=== How does Pidgin for Windows determine which language to use? ===
 For the user who installed Pidgin, the language selected during installation will be the default.
 This can be overridden by setting the `PIDGINLANG` environment variable (for example, `PIDGINLANG=de`).
 …
 You can add the `PIDGINLANG` environment variable for your system in '''Start > Settings > Control Panel > System > Advanced > Environment Variables'''.
 ==== Where are my settings and data (including logs) saved? ====
 ==== Where is my `.purple` directory? ====
+=== Where are my settings and data (including logs) saved? ===
+=== Where is my `.purple` directory? ===
 Data is stored in your user's "Application Data" directory in a `.purple` subdirectory.  The location of this will vary according to your setup and version of Windows.
  * For Windows 2000/XP/Vista(?), entering `%APPDATA%` in your Windows Explorer address bar will take you to the right directory (probably something like `C:\Documents and Settings\username\Application Data`).
 …
 Logs are stored in a subdirectory called `logs`.
 ==== How do I run multiple instances of Pidgin on Windows? ====
+=== How do I run multiple instances of Pidgin on Windows? ===
 Pidgin will, by default, prevent multiple instances from running simultaneously.
 You can override this restriction by defining the `PIDGIN_MULTI_INST` environment variable or by specifying the `-m` command line parameter.
 If you do this, you may find the `-c` parameter useful to specify unique configuration directories for each instance (e.g. `-c c:\home\.pidgin-alt`).
 ==== Can I use Pidgin for Bonjour (Link-Local Messaging)? ====
+=== Can I use Pidgin for Bonjour (Link-Local Messaging)? ===
 As of version 2.0.2, Pidgin for Windows supports Bonjour.  You must install Apple's [http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/bonjourforwindows.html Bonjour for Windows] to use this functionality.
 ==== Can I run Pidgin on Windows98/ME? ====
+=== Can I run Pidgin on Windows98/ME? ===
 Yes, but you need to use an old GTK+ runtime (2.6.10 or older); you can download the [http://downloads.sourceforge.net/pidgin/gtk-runtime-2.6.10-rev-a.exe standalone GTK+ 2.6.10 runtime installer] and install it separately before installing Pidgin.  These old GTK+ versions are unmaintained and will have bugs that won't be fixed.
 ==== Why does searching in the Buddy List stop after the first character is typed? ==== #typeahead-win32
+=== Why does searching in the Buddy List stop after the first character is typed? === #typeahead-win32
 See [bug:4966 Bug #4966] for information about this issue.
+== Linux and Unix-like platforms ==
+=== Sound ===
+==== How do I get sound to work correctly? ====
+Pidgin uses gstreamer to play sounds.  Playing sounds directly through esound or arts is no longer supported.  To compile Pidgin with support for gstreamer you need libgstreamer0.10-dev and its dependencies.  These packages are named differently on different platforms.  If you do not wish to install these packages you can also just change your sound playing method in preferences to `Command` and use `esdplay %s`, `artsplay %s`, `aplay %s`, or `play %s`.
+==== How do I make Pidgin use ALSA or OSS for playing sounds? ====
+==== What does the "Automatic" option do? ====
+The "Automatic" option lets gstreamer pick how the sounds are played.  You can use the `gstreamer-properties` tool to control this if you use GNOME.
+=== Look & Feel ===
+==== How do I change the look and feel? ====
+See [#CanIskinPidgin this FAQ entry].
+Themes and information on using them can be found at http://themes.freshmeat.net, http://art.gnome.org, or by searching on your favorite search engine, such as Google.
+The system-wide location on Windows to add themes is `C:\Program Files\Common Files\GTK\2.0\share\themes`, but this location will be overwritten when installing updated GTK+ runtime versions.
+==== Can I make Pidgin transparent/translucent? ====
+It is not yet possible to make Pidgin translucent in Linux and other platforms that use X11.
+The X.org X11 server provides a COMPOSITE extension that allows applications to have true translucency, but it is X.org-specific and it requires support at the GTK+ level (if it is to be per-widget).  Support for this is apparently scheduled for inclusion GDK 2.12, but we are not currently interested in implementing support for it (note that a plugin could provide this functionality).  Pseudo-translucency offered by other programs (by copying a section of your background image, tinting it, and plastering it onto a window) will never be implemented in Pidgin.
+Note that if you are using a compisiting window manager such as Compiz, you may have global support for modifying the opacity of any window.  For example, in Compiz, the default method to changing the opacity of a window is Alt+Mouse Scroll Wheel.  This method does not require extra support from the applications.
+=== Miscellaneous ===
+==== Where are Pidgin's settings and logs? ====
+== Miscellaneous (Linux and Unix-like platforms) ==
+=== Where are Pidgin's settings and logs? ===
 Because Pidgin is a libpurple client, it stores its settings and logs in ~/.purple.
 ==== Why does Pidgin use the same `WM_CLASS` for every window? ====
+=== Why does Pidgin use the same `WM_CLASS` for every window? ===
 Both strings in the `WM_CLASS` property are supposed to be the same for all windows in the same instance of an application.  ICCCM states that one is meant to be the same for all instances of the application and the other is meant to be unique to that instance of the application.  ICCCM also states, "If a client has multiple windows with identical `WM_CLASS` and `WM_NAME` properties, then it should provide a `WM_WINDOW_ROLE` property."
 GTK+ sets these `WM_CLASS` values for us so that they are unique for Pidgin instances, and the documentation for the `gtk_window_set_wmclass` function says explicitly not to use it for anything else.  Pidgin uses the `WM_WINDOW_ROLE` hint to differentiate windows.  If your window manager is having problems differentiating between Pidgin windows, please ensure it uses the `WM_WINDOW_ROLE` hint per the ICCCM.
 ==== Pidgin doesn't remember which plugins I have enabled between restarts ====
+=== Pidgin doesn't remember which plugins I have enabled between restarts ===
 Ubuntu Gutsy shipped a broken `/etc/purple/prefs.xml` for a while which caused this problem.  See [https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/pidgin/+bug/144122 this bug report] for information on the problem and how to fix it.