This document summarizes the author's testing and evaluation of the instant messaging programs Empathy and Skype. Empathy comes pre-installed with Ubuntu and allows instant messaging across various platforms like Yahoo, MSN, and AIM. It has a simple interface but issues adding the same contact to multiple MSN accounts. Skype is one of the most popular VOIP programs, allowing free calling to phones and other Skype users. It is easy to install and use, with a large user base and capabilities for calling, messaging, and video chat.

1. Brittany Gilstrap & John Main
ITEC 3328-10
Fall 2011
Module 7 Assignment – Instant Messaging & softphone
We chose Empathy for IM and Skype for softphone, though both programs could be used for either, we
did not test out VOIP on Empathy.
Empathy
Comes installed with Ubuntu
Sometime between when the book was written and Ubuntu 11.04 Empathy replaced
Pidgin/GAIM and Ekiga, as the included instant messenger and voice chat program (at release
9.10 according to an Internet search). Empathy is integrated into the GNOME desktop, and has
similar functionality to Pidgin (GAIM/AIM), but includes support for voice and video chats.
Installed with Ubuntu 11.04
Easy to configure
Looks nice with a very simple, easy to learn layout
Convenient by using any of your other IM accounts (Yahoo!, MSN, AIM, etc.) to sign in
Had issues when trying to add the same contact to more than one instance of MSN,
showed the user as being offline when they were still online

2. Skype
http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/get-skype/on-your-computer/linux/
Skype is one of the most popular voice over internet protocol (VOIP) programs around. Well at least
everybody I know who has wanted to do VOIP uses Skype. Skype also has a built in chat tool that can be
used as well (shown in the image), and you can video chat with your friends too. Also, you can let your
contact view what you are doing on your computer if you want to show them something.
Quick and easy to install, the website has a Debian installation package so you don’t have to
mess around with a manual install.
Can call landline numbers (for a fee), but your first call is free (make it count!)
Large user base
Simple and easy to learn layout
Free and easy account setup
Sound quality is not terrible but there was some distortion I actually had no problem with sound
distortion, it was very clear and crisp. (I think maybe because I’m using my built in microphone,
and me being sick it could have been altered somewhat.)
It was very easy to set up and add new contacts
Can also be used for instant messaging and chat with other Skype accounts