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    Cross platform LAN communication software

    Discussion in 'Networking and Wireless' started by Deathwinger, Nov 26, 2009.

  1. Deathwinger

    Deathwinger Notebook Virtuoso

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    I'm looking for LAN communication software to allow individuals on an office network to be able to instant message and perhaps send files to each other. The software must work on the Windows and OSX platform.

    Preferably low cost or free.
     
  2. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    Is there are reason why you cannot use a public network?

    If so, I think maybe something like Pidgeon (client) and SILC (server)? You will of course need a computer dedicated to handle the server side,

    http://pidgin.im/about/
    http://silcnet.org/
     
  3. Deathwinger

    Deathwinger Notebook Virtuoso

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    I would prefer the system to be p2p if possible.

    Also, these two programs work for Mac and PC?
     
  4. gerryf19

    gerryf19 I am the walrus

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    Well, p2p I think has a different meaning for me than you, but there is a pidgeon client for Mac and one for the PC.

    You install the SILC server on a linux box (any old PC will do) and that handles the connections between the clients. You will then need to configure Pigion to talk with your local server.

    I am thinking this may be more effort than you wish to put in.

    Maybe netc?
    http://www.dgtalize.com/en/netcfaqs\\or EZ Intranet

    messenger
    http://ezim.sourceforge.net/?page=3#4.0

    Both run on Java. I think the second one has file sharing....
     
  5. Ethyriel

    Ethyriel Notebook Deity

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    You can set up an internal jabber server and firewall it, assuming your concern is privacy. I'm not all that familiar with it, but I assume you can use encryption as well.
     
  6. Patrick

    Patrick Formerly beat spamers with stiks

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    Ummmm, why not bonjour? My office uses it to talk between mac's, pc's, and my linux box. Pidgin supports it, as does trillian and iChat.