Setting IM preferences

Use the options on the Preferences>Instant Messaging tab as follows:  Be sure to click Save to save any changes you make to your preferences.

Idle timeout lets you choose the amount of time to pass before changing your status. Your status changes according to your specifications under the Set presence option.

Set presence lets you choose the status to be displayed when you do not access IM. The status changes according to the amount of time specified under Idle timeout.