PE1AQP's Notes about instant-messaging programs.
Table of Contents
Introduction
I'm not a fan of instant-messaging (IM) programs; I prefer email; but the world decided otherwise.
Until a few years ago I used Telegram, but that seems to be less popular now. Several people in my current bubble use Signal. All of the Netherlands seems to be addicted to Whatsapp.
And this distribution indicates one of the main problems I have with IM: There are multiple programs to choose from that don't inter-operate. Email can (could?) be send between all kind of client-programs.
Below a few notes about my views, usage and experiences with some of these IM programs.
Signal
Signal has a fully functional desktop version for use on PCs, laptops, etc.. It works quite well on, amongst others, Linux.
There seems to be a command-line version; but I haven't used it yet.
The Desktop version is, of course, started from the command-line, mostly via some sort of script. When starting the desktop version, several options can be given. These options are not very well documented.
I tried to provide, at least for my self, some documentation of the options I use(d). Perhaps these notes help someone else as well.
Telegram
Telegram has a fully functional desktop version for use on PCs, laptops, etc.. It works, amongst others, on Linux. There is even an command-line version that can be used in scripts (for example to send messages from the background, based on all kinds of events).
Some people see it as a problem that Telegram was created by a few Russians and could therefore potentially be misused by the Russian state. The heavy use of Telegram in Ukraine seems to contradict this view.
For contacts in Netherland, you are more or less expected to use Whatsapp. (Linux-)Desktop usage is still difficult.