Notes on ScopePort

It seems like Microsoft changed something of their MSN Messenger infrastructure again. All MSN clients that use libpurple (e.g. Pidgin and Adium) can’t connect right now. (Unable to retrieve address book)

This is not a problem of libpurple. The problem is that the MSN servers are hosted and maintained by Microsoft – Only Microsoft! They can do whatever they want. You have no control over the service or what happens to your data. They just change what they want and you can’t connect with your alternate client anymore.

So what’s the alternative? Jabber! Jabber is a decentralised instant messaging network. You can setup your own server and have control over everything. The XMPP protocol used by Jabber is free (as in “free speech”) and allows you to do whatever you want. I recommend using Openfire or ejabberd as Jabber server software.

There are also a lot of free Jabber servers available if you don’t want to setup your own server. You can e.g. signup at jabber.org for a Jabber account.

Reclaim instant messaging and use Jabber!

More Information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jabber / http://www.jabber.org/