I think GAIM works with Linux and Trillian doesn't.

eta: Perhaps with MAC as well, but I have Linux, so paid more attention to that. See info at [link]

Another multi-IM alternative is Miranda [link] Unlike GAIM, it's a native Windows application so may perform better on older hardware.

Support for various IM protocols can easily be added [link]

So what makes GAIM better than Trillian again?

Just from personal experience, Trillian always seemed to have trouble with some of the protocols especially Yahoo but also AIM. Since I've used GAIM, only once have I had to download a newer version to fix a problem with Yahoo and never had a problem with AIM. And it's going on 7 months now.

Thanks for the advice, dcp. I mostly want to tinker/experiment/dissect it (which is why I have it). I've called around to shops in my area and the cost of professional repair is more than what it's worth. Oh well.

A modem/router question:

I've just cancelled my Verizon DSL service, which has been fraught with account mix-ups and outages and what not. I've subscribed to Comcast cable high speed internet service--the cable guy is supposed to come this Saturday to install the modem & what-have-yous.

One thing I did like from the Verizon people was this elegant all-in-one modem/router they provided me with, called Westell Versalink 327W--a small, sleak black device you plug into your phone jack, and it serves as a modem AND a wireless access point. I'm wondering if there is an equivalent one-in-one device for cable? 'Cause I'll be renting a modem from Comcast at $5/month, and I need to buy a new wireless access point/router anyway, so if I can buy a device that can fill in both capacities, then I don't have to pay the rent for the modem to the cable people.

Quick internet search is not giving me any love, unfortunately. There *is* this device called SMC 8013WG cable modem/router that looks similar to what I'm looking for, but no one seems to carry the damn thing (well, I found one at eBay, but I'd rather buy it locally so that I can return it in case of difficulties.)

Vonnie,

we have comcast. Do you have a Best Buy near you? We got a comcast cable modem for free (after rebates) if I promised to sign up with Comcast. I called and scheduled the appt, then 2 days later went to Best buy and "signed up" for service and got the rebate.

We also got a rebate for a router.

Is this a doable activity for you?

From TiVo's newsletter:

So you want to transfer your recorded programs to your PC so you can watch them anywhere, right? Done! As part of your regular paid TiVo service subscription, all TiVo Series2? boxes — except those with DVD recorders — will be automatically updated through a scheduled rollout process to include TiVoToGo?, a brand-new home media feature only available with TiVo service! Remember: you'll need to have your TiVo box connected to your home network for this feature to work.

Coming soon! Build your own media library by burning TiVoToGo transferred shows to DVD with the purchase of Sonic's MyDVD software. TiVo subscribers can try it free on or around 1/15/05. Sign up now to be notified when the free trial is available.

Day-umm. I may need to finally break down and buy a series 2 (I've got one of the old ones).

Do you have a Best Buy near you?

Yeap, I do. The thing is, I've been a comcast customer for a while, so there isn't any incentive for them to give me a free modem. I guess I could look around to see if I can get a low-priced cable modem instead of renting on and ditto with the router, but I was hoping there was a modem-router-wireless aceess point-all-in-one!-type of snazzy machine, because that's what I had with the Verizon DSL service.

Man, that TiVo news is making me salivate. I guess I'll need to get a DVD-burner. Wow.

TiVo subscribers can try it free on or around 1/15/05.

Whee!

'Cept you'll still have to buy the Ethernet card for your TiVo. I keep forgettin'.