Lemme talk to you, I need some conversation.

April 19, 2010 2:41 PM

Is there a web based app I can use to IM with members of my department without having to install anything on our computers?

I work at an organization that has locked their computers down so regular users can't install anything. While it's not against company policy to use IM programs, the IT dept. is inundated and it takes them a long time to implement sweeping programs like installing an IM setup for us. Is there any program that will allow us to chat via unique usernames and possibly create group chats with one another? I'm thinking like OpenFire, but online as opposed to installed on a local server.

Thanks for your help

posted by orville sash to Computers & Internet (12 answers total)

AOL, Google Talk, and MSN all have web interfaces.
posted by sanko at 2:48 PM on April 19, 2010

Check imo out. It could fit your needs.
posted by theKik at 2:49 PM on April 19, 2010

Meebo?
posted by nathancaswell at 2:49 PM on April 19, 2010 [1 favorite]

If you're on PC, you can run any of the big chat programs virtually from this site:

http://spoon.net/Internet

You do have to install a little program first, to use their VM, so this might not work actually.
posted by drjimmy11 at 2:51 PM on April 19, 2010

(actually it's just the "Spoon browser plugin," so hopefully you would be able to install it. )
posted by drjimmy11 at 2:52 PM on April 19, 2010

Do you all have flash drives? If so, install portable apps (http://portableapps.com/) and use pidgin!
posted by lucy.jakobs at 3:21 PM on April 19, 2010

Seconding meebo. It's great. I use it in the computer lab at work to keep a chat window open with my wife while getting things done.
posted by monkeymadness at 3:24 PM on April 19, 2010

Gmail and Facebook both have chat interfaces.
posted by adamrice at 4:03 PM on April 19, 2010

Meebo - but also look at portableapps for a version of pidgin that's portable and therefore needs no installation and leaves no residue. Bonus, loads of other software that goes on a thumbdrive that you don't need to 'install' either.
posted by filmgeek at 8:22 PM on April 19, 2010

Meebo is good. Other available options:

» ebuddy
» I Love IM
» Kool IM
» IMO
» Pidgin
posted by colorproof at 8:58 PM on April 19, 2010

+++Meebo

It's great and it has an iPhone app.
posted by shew at 8:47 AM on April 20, 2010

Google wave?
posted by msbrauer at 6:10 PM on April 20, 2010