Using Pidgin on Ubuntu Linux for Microsoft Lync Communications

Pidgin is a Linux chat interface that works as an alternative to Google Hangouts or Microsoft Lync. Follow the instructions below to use Pidgin. These steps have been tested on Ubuntu 14.04 LTS.

1. From a Terminal prompt, type this command and press enter to retrieve and install Pidgin:
   sudo apt-get install pidgin pidgin-sipe
2. Run Pidgin
3. Click Add
4. Select Office Communicator as the Protocol
5. Provide your Lync credentials.
6. Confirm and save by clicking the Add button.

The first time you use Pidgin to interact with Lync, the usernames and descriptions may not show up even though the status for each user is showing. Exit Pidgin and start it again. The usernames should then be properly displayed.