WiredKids
STAR Approved Safe Sites for kids, tweens and teens
A Program of WiredSafety: The World's Largest Internet Safety, Help and Education Organization
You are here: Home > Kids > Safety Information for Kids > Instant Messaging Safety > Instant Messenger Clients > Odigo

Odigo [Version 3.1 Beta build 575]

There are a few settings you should look at before you chat, to help insure you are safe online.

IGNORE LIST

If you get a message from someone you do not want to communicate with you can add them to you IGNORE list by clicking IGNORE user button on the bottom left of their message to you. To see who is in your IGNORE list, you can go to the Tools menu, then click on Ignore List. This will open a new window with the IGNORE list. You can also move users to your IGNORE list if you know their ID number. Click on tools, IGNORE list, and then add.. Enter the ID number and details in the window that opens.

Status Icons

On the right side of your ODIGO messenger you will see 4 small icons. The round green ball is the first icon. It shows your status. This is how you will appear to your "friends" and in the "radar screen". If you right click on it you can change your status to ONLINE, Do Not Disturb, or Be Right Back, Away , or unavailable(Off-line) This last options makes you appear off-line to even those on your friends list.

The next icon is a globe is your visibility status. This controls if you are seen on the "radar screen" by people which are using People in Page/Site and People Finder modes. Your options are:
Visible in radar - This means that everyone who is connected can see that you are online too.
Visible only in current page - Means you are visible only to users on the same page as you.
Invisible in radar - This means that you are not able to be seen by other Odigo users. However, the you will still be visible to your friends, and still be able to see other users in the radar screen and communicate with them.

The third icon on the lower right is the My Mood icon that represents your mood, this is visible to others in the radar screen and your friends list. There are many moods, You can choose them by left clicking and then selecting from the menu that appears. The last icon on the right side is the My Intention Icon. It represents what your chat intentions are. For example: Smalltalk, professional

Preferences

Under Tools/ Preferences click on the message tab. There are a few options here on how to deal with messages that are received.. I would recommend that you click " Do not open a browser automatically when receiving URL messages." You could be receiving a URL that you do not wish to go to, and with this option selected you will be prompted to see if you wish to go to the URL or not.

Personal Options

Click on Tools / Personal then update my details. These are the details that are seen by other Odigo users.

  • What should we call you: is your nickname. Choose a name that does not identify you or include any portion of your real name.
  • AGE: you have the option of entering your age, and age range or your birth date.. It is probably safest to enter a date range, instead of your exact age, or birth date. You can not decline to enter information in this area.
  • Gender: you can either select male or female. Odigo does not allow you to leave this option blank.
  • Where are you from: This option to must have a selection. It would be preferable if you could leave this option unchecked, but Odigo does not allow for that.
  • Gallery: Allows you to select from multiple images in 9 galleries to choose an icon to represent you. When other users hold their mouse over your nickname on the "radar screen" they will see the icon you have selected. This screen also allows you to also change your password.

Clicking the "next" button takes you to another window that allows you to connect to your friends in other networks and allows you to add your e-mail. Allowing your e-mail to be seen by others is not recommended and if you do add it, select the box just below that allows you to HIDE your e-mail address.

You can also configure your mobile /wireless device to receive messages from Odigo

Your homepage info is also requested here as an option. Do not list your personal web page, or another page that might give other users personal information about you.

Then there is an option for voice chat- which doesn't appear to be available at this time.

Clicking NEXT again will bring you to another screen where you are prompted for your real name! Do NOT enter your real name in this optional field.

The next field is languages spoken, and finally Interests and Hobbies These fields are optional, and You should be careful as to what personal info you leave in this area.. This is available for all users to read if they so choose.

Clicking 'next' button again asks for your Zodiac sign. This is not recommended as it will give away your birth month.

The next field is occupation. That too would give personal information out, just leave it blank.

The next field is your marital status.. again personal info..

The next field is HIDE your IP number. This should always be checked.

Hide your ID. This box can be checked to hide you ID number from other users.