Help me waste time at work!
June 1, 2007 8:10 PM Subscribe
How can I sent instant messengers discreetly while at work?
I seem to remember seeing this answered on askmefi a few months ago, but i searched and cant find anything. Anyway, I know there's a billion IM programs out there, but I'm looking for one that is as discreet as possible. I'm sure my boss wouldnt appreciate me chatting with my friends. but hey, my job is insane and i need a little break sometimes!
so... i need a program where there arent like, pop-up windows or flashing tabs or anything like that. something that might look like any innocent little webpage or document and yet... i can send IMs. any ideas?
I seem to remember seeing this answered on askmefi a few months ago, but i searched and cant find anything. Anyway, I know there's a billion IM programs out there, but I'm looking for one that is as discreet as possible. I'm sure my boss wouldnt appreciate me chatting with my friends. but hey, my job is insane and i need a little break sometimes!
so... i need a program where there arent like, pop-up windows or flashing tabs or anything like that. something that might look like any innocent little webpage or document and yet... i can send IMs. any ideas?
Meebo
Supports AIM, Yahoo, Google Talk, & MSN
posted by ekstasis23 at 8:25 PM on June 1, 2007 [1 favorite]
Supports AIM, Yahoo, Google Talk, & MSN
posted by ekstasis23 at 8:25 PM on June 1, 2007 [1 favorite]
I'll second meebo. Very simple and effective, no pop-ups, no ads (that I can recall).
posted by Zephyrial at 8:34 PM on June 1, 2007
posted by Zephyrial at 8:34 PM on June 1, 2007
You could also try Virtual Desktops. There's probably a way to setup keyboard shortcuts to quickly switch back and forth. Also, if you're willing to spend the money, StealthSwitch will do what you want.
posted by CliffDiving44 at 9:01 PM on June 1, 2007
posted by CliffDiving44 at 9:01 PM on June 1, 2007
Best answer: Meebo + Ghostzilla
Meebo is an internet IM client, so no installing, and Ghostzilla is a portable discreet browser, so no installing or distractions there. They work quite well together. Just remember, because Ghostzilla is based on a very old (relatively) browser, it has many security flaws. I'd use it just for meebo, which you shouldn't have to worry about.
Make sure there won't be a problem with any IT people at work; don't get fired over such small things. Also, if you are that bored, Ghostzilla can be useful for other things too (RSS, anybody?) but again, be careful where you go.
posted by zenja72 at 9:21 PM on June 1, 2007
Meebo is an internet IM client, so no installing, and Ghostzilla is a portable discreet browser, so no installing or distractions there. They work quite well together. Just remember, because Ghostzilla is based on a very old (relatively) browser, it has many security flaws. I'd use it just for meebo, which you shouldn't have to worry about.
Make sure there won't be a problem with any IT people at work; don't get fired over such small things. Also, if you are that bored, Ghostzilla can be useful for other things too (RSS, anybody?) but again, be careful where you go.
posted by zenja72 at 9:21 PM on June 1, 2007
Do you use terminal type windows at work at all? Do you have access to a unix machine? If so, centerICQ looks fairly innocuous.
posted by datacenter refugee at 11:07 PM on June 1, 2007
posted by datacenter refugee at 11:07 PM on June 1, 2007
I second that gaim can be run from the command line, but I can't remember the name of the package right now. There are several other linux IM IM clients, like Centericq
posted by chrisamiller at 11:24 PM on June 1, 2007
posted by chrisamiller at 11:24 PM on June 1, 2007
You should also check out miniaim, which does everything you're asking for AOL Instant Messenger. Also, the developer just announced he's restarting the project after dropping it for several months.
posted by shinynewnick at 5:08 AM on June 2, 2007
posted by shinynewnick at 5:08 AM on June 2, 2007
note:
A good sysadmin will be able to tell if someone is using IM.
A great sysadmin won't care.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 5:50 AM on June 2, 2007
A good sysadmin will be able to tell if someone is using IM.
A great sysadmin won't care.
posted by Cat Pie Hurts at 5:50 AM on June 2, 2007
What about net send? Just open a command prompt window and type:
posted by DakotaPaul at 6:53 AM on June 2, 2007
C:\> net send johndoe "hey john"posted by DakotaPaul at 6:53 AM on June 2, 2007
Just as a note, if you have coworkers who also use IM, you can turn it (in your boss's eyes, at least) from a time-waster to a productivity-enhancer. Around my office we use IM frequently to coordinate activities (the receptionist often uses it to ask if we'd like to take a call), and of course are then freer to use it to communicate with people outside of work as well.
posted by awesomebrad at 10:37 AM on June 2, 2007
posted by awesomebrad at 10:37 AM on June 2, 2007
Google chat works in the Gmail interface, and that can be accessed via SSL.
Messenger has a web interface too.
posted by idb at 4:27 PM on June 2, 2007
Messenger has a web interface too.
posted by idb at 4:27 PM on June 2, 2007
Response by poster: ok i'm trying all different kinds on my home computer right now... will pick a winner soon! wow, ghostzilla is awesome. why dont i ever know about these things!
posted by silverstatue at 5:56 PM on June 2, 2007
posted by silverstatue at 5:56 PM on June 2, 2007
Yeah, I'm the boss who caught her staff member having inappropriate IM conversations (sexual nature) on the office computer during business hours. Just know that nothing you say is private, not even those IM conversations, and be VERY VERY careful. If they're not happy with your work performance and are looking for a reason to fire you, this could hand them something on a shiny silver platter.
posted by Sabine3283 at 7:21 AM on June 24, 2007
posted by Sabine3283 at 7:21 AM on June 24, 2007
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by rancidchickn at 8:19 PM on June 1, 2007