The commands relating to messaging users
shell based:
wall : all users
write : to specific user with optional specific tty
talk : two way chat
for X11
xmessage
Note: When in GUI, shell based tools will work normally only on those windows
where shell is open. If no shell is open, no message will be received.
I remember in fvwm default days, some tool to trap such messages even if no
shell is open. I forgot it name.
xmessage depends on xauth setting.
console messages depend on mesg setting
you can set accept/deny messages by using
$ mesg y/n
If mesg is globally set in /etc/bashrc it can be overwritten at command prompt
by mesg command.
It is mesg y or mesg n not mesg off
Raman.P
Did you know? You can CHAT without downloading messenger. Go to
http://in.messenger.yahoo.com/webmessengerpromo.php/ ;