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GTalk Bookmark button

One of my computers is an old RHEL 5.1 system on which I'm not allowed to install Pidgin or other desktop IM clients. So I was trying to figure out how to create a bookmark button for the GTalk gadget that opens in a convenient popup window. Here is the solution. 🙂

The Problem

Many work environments have restrictions on what software can be installed. If you're on a locked-down system but need to use Google Talk for communication, you're stuck. The web-based Gmail interface has GTalk integrated, but it's not ideal for quick conversations—you have to keep Gmail open, and it's buried in a tab.

What we need is a way to launch GTalk in its own dedicated popup window with a single click, without installing anything.

The Solution: A Bookmarklet

A bookmarklet is a small piece of JavaScript code saved as a browser bookmark. When clicked, it executes JavaScript on the current page or opens a new window. Perfect for our needs!

Here's the bookmarklet code for GTalk:

javascript:(function(){open('http://talkgadget.google.com/talkgadget/popout','_blank','width=300,height=445,toolbar=0,status=0,menubar=0,location=0,resizable=1,scrollbars=0')})();

This opens Google Talk's gadget interface in a small popup window sized perfectly for chat.

Installation Steps (Firefox)

  1. Right-click on the Bookmarks Toolbar (View → Toolbars → Bookmarks Toolbar if not visible)
  2. Select "New Bookmark"
  3. Name it: "GTalk" or "Google Talk"
  4. In the Location field, paste the code above
  5. Click "Add"

Now you have a one-click GTalk button in your toolbar!

How It Works

The bookmarklet does three things:

  1. Opens a new window with window.open()
  2. Points to http://talkgadget.google.com/talkgadget/popout (Google's GTalk gadget)
  3. Sets window properties for a clean, compact chat interface: – Width: 300px (narrow chat window) – Height: 445px (tall enough for conversation) – No toolbar, status bar, or menu bar (minimal chrome) – Resizable and scrollable

Using the GTalk Popup

Once you click the bookmarklet:

  • A popup window opens with the GTalk interface
  • Sign in with your Google account (if not already)
  • Access your contact list
  • Start chatting
  • Keep the window open alongside your work

The popup stays on top of other windows (depending on your window manager), making it easy to see incoming messages.

Alternative Solutions

If this bookmarklet doesn't work for you, here are other options:

1. Gmail in a Separate Tab

Open Gmail in its own tab and enable chat. Not as convenient as a popup, but works everywhere.

2. Meebo

Meebo.com is a web-based IM client that supports GTalk, AIM, Yahoo, and more. No installation required.

3. Browser Extensions

If you can install browser extensions (even if desktop apps are blocked):

  • Gmail Manager (Firefox): Opens GTalk in a popup
  • Google Talk Tab (Chrome): Dedicated GTalk tab

4. Portable Apps

If you have write access to a USB drive but can't install to the system:

  • Pidgin Portable: Runs from USB
  • Miranda Portable: Lightweight IM client

5. Use Your Phone

If all else fails, use GTalk on your mobile device. Not ideal for typing long messages, but works in a pinch.

Why This Matters

In 2010, instant messaging is essential for workplace communication. Being locked out of IM clients on a work machine is frustrating, especially when colleagues expect quick responses.

Bookmarklets like this are a lifesaver in restricted environments. They don't require installation, don't trigger IT security alerts, and work in any browser. They're just bookmarks that happen to run JavaScript.

Browser Compatibility

This bookmarklet works in:

  • Firefox (tested on 3.5+)
  • Internet Explorer 7+
  • Chrome (any version)
  • Safari
  • Opera

Basically, any modern browser that supports JavaScript and pop-ups.

Troubleshooting

Popup is blocked?

  • Allow pop-ups for your browser
  • Or hold Ctrl (Cmd on Mac) while clicking to bypass blockers

Not signed in?

  • The popup will show Google's login page
  • Sign in with your Google account
  • GTalk will load after authentication

Window too small/large?

  • Right-click the bookmarklet → Properties
  • Adjust width=300 and height=445 values
  • Save and try again

Conclusion

When you can't install software, creativity wins. A simple bookmarklet turns Google Talk's web gadget into a convenient popup window, giving you full chat functionality without touching the system.

This technique works for any web application—think of bookmarklets as mini-apps that live in your bookmarks toolbar. They're portable, don't require privileges, and work anywhere you can run a browser.

For those of us stuck on locked-down systems (looking at you, corporate IT departments), these little hacks make daily work much more bearable! Last modified: 2026-01-15 WordPress ID: 493

By Shishir Sharma

Shishir Sharma is a Software Engineering Leader, husband, and father based in Ottawa, Canada. A hacker and biker at heart, and has built a career as a visionary mentor and relentless problem solver.

With a leadership pedigree that includes LinkedIn, Shopify, and Zoom, Shishir excels at scaling high-impact teams and systems. He possesses a native-level mastery of JavaScript, Ruby, Python, PHP, and C/C++, moving seamlessly between modern web stacks and low-level architecture.

A dedicated member of the tech community, he serves as a moderator at LUG-Jaipur. When he’s not leading engineering teams or exploring new technologies, you’ll find him on the open road on his bike, catching an action movie, or immersed in high-stakes FPS games.

One reply on “GTalk Bookmark button”

That is a very good tip particularly to those fresh to the blogosphere.
Short but very accurate information… Many thanks for sharing this one.
A must read post!

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