---
type: entity
title: Pidgin
tags: [software, xmpp, client, instant-messaging, chat-client, xmpp-client, open-source, chat, floss, communication]
related: [xmpp, xmpp-chatrooms, xmpp-configuration, xmpp-file-transfer, instant-messaging, concepts/floss]
created: 2026-06-30
updated: 2026-07-01
sources: ["output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_allgemein_instant_messaging_chat_chatrooms.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_allgemein_instant_messaging_chat_client_konfigurier.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_allgemein_instant_messaging_chat_dateitransfer.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_dienste_allgemein_instant_messaging_chat_jabber_xmpp.md", "output/rz_uni_greifswald_de_support_dokumentation_floss.md"]
---

# Pidgin

**Pidgin** is a free, cross-platform open-source multi-protocol instant messaging client available for Linux, macOS, and Windows. Within the context of the Universität Greifswald, it is the software specifically recommended by the [[universitatsrechenzentrum-urz]] for accessing the university's [[xmpp]] (Jabber) chat platform. It is the primary client referenced in URZ instructional guides for interacting with the university's XMPP services.

## Usage at Universität Greifswald
Pidgin is used to interface with and connect to the university's [[xmpp]] service, chat infrastructure, and decentralized messaging infrastructure. It is used for communicating, managing chatrooms, and performing file transfers.

### Configuration
The URZ provides specific configuration steps to ensure users connect to the correct server and verify its authenticity. Detailed steps for setting up Pidgin with university credentials can be found in [[xmpp-configuration]].

### Security Features
Pidgin includes a **Certificate Manager** (accessible via **Extras -> Zertifikate**) which allows users to perform [[certificate-fingerprint-verification]]. This is used to prevent man-in-the-middle attacks by comparing the server's SHA1 and SHA256 fingerprints against known valid values.

## Communication Features

### Chatroom Management
Pidgin is used for managing and participating in [[xmpp-chatrooms]]. Multi-user chatrooms can be created through the `Buddys -> Add chat` menu.

**Key Features for Chatrooms:**
- **Room Creation**: Allows users to define room names, nicknames, and optional passwords.
- **Invitation System**: Supports inviting other users to a chatroom via drag-and-drop from the buddy list.

### File Transfer
Pidgin supports sending files via the university's Jabber server.
- **Workflow**: Files are sent using the **Conversation $\rightarrow$ Send file** menu.
- **Transfer Management**: The client provides a status window to monitor, cancel, or delete pending and active file transfers.