Google Talk can be configured with ease by writing some simple codes in the shortcut properties field. All you need to do is to right click on your desktop, select New Shortcut and type:

gtalk:chat?jid=[Gmail-Username]@gmail.com

You must replace the “usernameâ€? term with your friend’s ID. This command allows you to communicate via text messaging directly from the desktop. Google Talk can be also configured to call a contact using a shortcut, but you must replace the above code with the following one:

gtalk:call?jid=[Gmail-Username]@gmail.com

Remember that Google Talk must be installed, opened and you must log in. If you want even more customization, you can edit your contacts’ photos and add them as the icon of the shortcut.