getting a free .Mac iChat name

[tuqqer]

I hate to ask a non-MWSF question so close to game time, but:

I remember hearing a while back that anyone could get a .mac iChat name simply by going to their Syst Prefs, to the .Mac icon, and signing up for that free 60-day trial. Does the free trial just end, or does one need to do the round around and cancel ones credit card? Also, will the .Mac address you get still remain active once the 60 days is up? Kind of like an AOL address is now?

[Pam]

Go to aim.com and get one for free.

[StingMe]

Last time I checked, the .Mac trial ends (no cc required at signup) and your ID remains active.

http://www.apple.com/dotmac/

[Spiff]

Yup, when you sign up initially to use iChat, you sign up for a 60 day free trial of .Mac. Oh, by the way, you get an iChat ID and password with that. Once the 60 days are up, the iChat name and password are still active. However, it won't be "secure" iChatting.

[tuqqer]

[quote Spiff]However, it won't be "secure" iChatting.
Spiff, what does that mean? Is the .mac less secure than an AIM name?

[chas_m]

No, .mac is more secure than AIM will ever dream of being.

However, when one is a .Mac member, once can ENCRYPT the chat.

[tuqqer]

..

[modelamac]

When the 60 days are up, you retain use of the name tuqqer@mac.com, but you will have no dot mac function/access.

Just get an AIM user name and be done with it.