Yes, you can use simple telnet to test out the functionality of a Jabber server. In a pinch, you can even use telnet to engage in a full IM conversation (though it gets painful after a while!). To connect, type 'telnet localhost 5222'. Of course, make sure to replace 'localhost' with the hostname of your server Then cut and paste the following XML snippets into your telnet window and watch the XML fly by! STEP 1: open an XML Stream to the server STEP 2: receive a response from the server STEP 3: find out how to register an account STEP 4: receive a response from the server STEP 5: register an account jabberuser testing myName email@domain.com STEP 6: receive a response from the server STEP 7: find out how to authenticate jabberuser STEP 8: receive a response from the server STEP 9: authenticate (log in) jabberuser telnet testing STEP 10: receive a response from the server STEP 11: send presence to the server STEP 12: now you can send messages or whatever you'd like to do! hello!