Using the TALK command in UNIX
UNIX allows users to talk to other UNIX users. This is most useful on Beast, TCNJ's main server.
To find out who is online and who can talk Type finger at the BEAST prompt. Anyone whose name is preceded with an asterisk is unable to take messages.
Turning off your message-block so you can talk. Your UNIX account, when created, is set up to refuse people messages, or TALK requests. If you would like to turn this block off, do the following. 1. Log onto your account. 2. At the prompt type pico .login (the period is important). 3. This will bring up your login 'script' in the PICO editor. 4. Using the arrow keys of your computer, bring the cursor to the start of the top line of code. Hit the Return key to drop it down one line. 5. Bring the cursor back to the first line and type mesg y . 6. Then hold the control key and press x. 7. The server will ask you if you want to save the file. Press Y. 8. Hit return to return to the prompt again, and that's it. 9. Now when you log in next time, and every time after that, you will be accessible to everyone on your server.
Talk If you find someone you wish to talk to, who has no asterisk, then type TALK
People at the other terminal will receive a message that you want to engage in conversation, and if they do, they will send the same command to TALK you back. If successful the screen will divide in two, with your half being the top. Your partner will be confined to the bottom section. Your words will appear to him/her as you type them. To quit TALK, hold the Control key and press C .