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Configure Pidgin To Use SSH SOCKS Proxy Tunnel |
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Thursday, 01 May 2008 |
Pidgin is a free Instant Messaging alternative to AOL Instant Messenger (AIM). It uses the same network and you can chat with the same buddy list you use on AIM. It is just a different program to use for the same thing. Pidgin can be configured to use a secure SOCKS proxy tunnel.
Before you do this, PuTTY needs to be configured to connect to your SSH account and to open the encrypted tunnel. Click here for instructions on doing this first.
If you have not done so yet, download Pidgin (opens in a new window) and install it. Then, open it and add your usual instant messenger screen name(s). Close Pidgin and follow the steps below.
Instructions for configuring Pidgin to work with the secure tunnel:
- Open Pidgin.
- Click the 'Cancel' button when it asks you to sign in.
- In the Pidgin main window click 'Tools' at the top to pull down the Tools Menu. Select 'Preferences' from the menu. This opens the Preferences window.
- Click the 'Network' tab.
- Under 'Proxy Server' where it says 'Proxy type:' and has 'No proxy' selected, click on 'No proxy' to pull down the menu and select 'SOCKS 5'.
- Where it says 'Host:' enter localhost.
- Where it says 'Port:' enter 9853
- Click the 'Close' button.
- Close Pidgin entirely and re-open it. Log in when it asks you to and you are now connected securely.
NOTE: If you plan on using Pidgin later without using the secure tunnel, you will have to repeat steps 1 through 5 and switch back to 'No proxy' on step 5.
Click here for instructions on adding even more security to Pidgin by configuring encrypted chats with your friends.
Click here for instructions on configuring Firefox to use the secure tunnel. You will also find out how to download it if you do not have it already.
Click here to sign up for VectroProxy SSH tunnel and go online anonymously.
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