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NetChat

NetChat is a peer-to-peer secure instant messaging solution for a local network.  Private instant messaging has never been so easy!  A complete secure system for your local office or home network - including features found in all the commercial public systems: emoticons, clipboard text sharing, private messages, current user status, message logging and more!  However, NetChat does not require the installation or administration of a server component - simply install on each computer and NetChat does the rest by automatically locating each installation on your network.  Communicating over your network has never been so easy to do!

30 Day Risk-Free Evaluation
You may evaluate NetChat for a period of up to 30 days before you buy it. 
Simply download and install to evaluate the software.

Version: 2.7

Windows: 98/ME/2000/XP

Price: $29.95 / two-user license

Get it from CNET Download.com!

Site licenses are available - click here for more pricing information.

Download  Order Now   Features and Benefits

NetChat screen shots (click on a thumbnail to view full-size)

Details

NetChat is an award-winning peer-to-peer local network instant messaging and communications system for Windows.  NetChat does not require a server for use and allows the ability to "chat" in real-time instant messaging on a secure, private local network.  Private instant messaging has never been so easy!  Simply install the software on each computer on the network you wish to connect and run the application.  NetChat automatically finds each user on your network so you may start communicating right away!  There is no signing in or registration.  Each user simply needs to enter their preferred user name and NetChat does the rest.  It's that simple!

NetChat is a lower cost solution to own and operate than either Microsoft Exchange Server or Yahoo Enterprise Messenger!

NEW!  Version 2.0 adds new emoticons , shared clipboard support, message encryption and preset text messages!

Purchase Orders Accepted!

We do accept purchase orders for NetChat from qualified businesses and institutions.  Please FAX a copy of your purchase order with the desired license (see pricing information below) to us at: 303-665-8234 (FAX)

 

"I just recently downloaded NetChat and I've got to tell you, I love it!  Feature rich, easy to use...what more could you ask for?"

-- Dustin, satisfied user

 

"This is great!  It is like the big IM players, but I do not need to be connected to a server to use this in my office!"

-- James, customer


Features and Benefits

Instant Messaging for the small/home office network
NetChat provides a peer-to-peer solution for instant messaging for the small or home office. Using an interface similar to the popular Instant Messaging software, NetChat provides the same features within the confines of a local network. NetChat is the ultimate computer communication tool for the SOHO network!

 

Similar features to Yahoo, AOL and MSN Messenger programs, without the security issues

NetChat provides network instant messaging similar to the bigger, public chat applications, but on your own private network.  There is no fear of a virus or other outside access as NetChat runs entirely in the confines of your own secure network.

Can be used as an electronic office in/out board
See when other users are in the office and available. Helps keep track of employees in a small office.

Safe, Secure and Private Communications
Using standard protocols, we have devised a closed system of communication within a local network. Even on a local network using private addresses, NetChat can allow users to communication without the threat of incoming data from the real world.

Customizable preset text messages
Version 2.0 allows you to configure preset messages which allows less typing when sending messages.

Message logging
Version 2.5 allows your message history to be saved to a file.  This feature is great when you want to refer back to a previous conversation to reference a message.

True Peer-to-Peer Networking
With NetChat, you do not need a dedicated server computer or software to communicate. NetChat operates completely in a peer-to-peer mode, allowing efficient communication directly between users on a network. There is no server, so each message goes directly from sender to receiver, without having to be routed through a central computer on the network.

One-on-one network conversations with other users
Simple, direct network communications that allows one-on-one private instant message communication with another user on your local network.  The conversation data can be encrypted, ensuring that even on your local network no one is able to sniff and decipher your private messages.

Does not require Outlook components
NetChat is completely independent of any other software requirements on your PC. The only thing that is needed is a local area network running the TCP/IP protocol.

No Direct Internet Connection Required
NetChat works completely on a local Ethernet network using the TCP/IP protocol. However, it does not need a connection to the Internet. If you do have an Internet connection, NetChat works on your local subnet, so it will not be accessible from the "outside world."

Easy to Use
Getting started with NetChat is very easy - just install the software on two or more computers on the same local network  and you will be prompted for some user settings.  You may then begin instant messaging in real-time with other users.

Feature rich configuration settings
NetChat offers many features found in the large on-line systems, including the ability to customize your user name and appearance icons.

Network requirements
NetChat uses the TCP/IP protocol and works with fixed or dynamic IP addresses on an Ethernet network. Any Windows 98/ME/2000/XP PC with a network card and configured for a local network will be able to run this software. Each computer will be identified to others based on a custom user name from the IP address of each computer. Since no two computers can have identical IP addresses on a network (or subnet), each client is assured to be unique. NetChat can work with network PCs which have fixed (static) or dynamically assigned IP addresses.


News

February 23, 2005 - Version 2.7

- Updated version prevents message windows from being activated if settings disallow this.

 

February 23, 2005 - Version 2.65

- Fixed refresh to user list causing column widths to grow.
- Fixed spelling errors in interface/windows.

 

January 31, 2005 - Version 2.6

- Added new interface options to customize the user list.
- Updated help file.
- Fixed minor display glitch in custom sound settings.

 

January 17, 2005 - Version 2.5

- Updated quick message settings.
- Added chat message logging.

 

January 10, 2004 - Version 2.3

- Fixed settings not being saved correctly.
- Added new setting to allow NetChat to start showing the tray icon only.

 

December 17, 2004 - Version 2.2

- Fixed message window being shown when new messages appear.

 

June 30, 2004 - Version 2.1

- Fixed user license bug.
- Fixed Enter key affecting message sending.

 

October 26, 2003 - Version 2.0

- Fixed memory leaks.

- Added faster emoticon parsing.

- Added preset messages to be able to send quick messages to users.

 

July 9, 2003 - Version 1.7

- More new emoticons and a fix to enable multiple threads to handle incoming messages.

 

June 30, 2003 - Version 1.6

- New emoticons, allows disabling emoticons in message text, and correctly identifies Windows XP Home.

 

June 9, 2003 - Version 1.5

Version 1.5 is now available and adds the following features:

Emoticons
You may now add emoticons to your messages. Emoticons are "emotional icons" which are small graphics used to convey emotion in messages. Go to the Messages settings tab and set the "Enable emoticon images..." checkbox. 32 different emoticon images are provided, and you may look up their meaning and keyboard shortcuts from within the conversation window menu.

Encryption of sent messages
Allow your messages that are sent to other users to be encrypted as an additional layer of security. Only intended NetChat recipients will be able to decrypt the messages that you send. This setting is located in the Settings tab, under Security and is the checkbox named "Encrypt outgoing messages."

Display offline users
You may now have NetChat "remember" users who have been offline. To enable this setting go to the User Data settings tab and set the "Remember users when offline" checkbox. Any user who has been connected to NetChat will now appear in "offline" mode in the user list. You will not be able to communicate with them until they are back online, but you can see a more complete list of your NetChat user list.

Share clipboard text data
To increase productivity, you may now share your clipboard text data with users across your network. Simply cut or copy and text you would like to your clipboard, and if you have enabled this setting, other NetChat users can access your text data. To enable this setting, go to the NetChat configuration settings, select the Sharing tab and enable the "Share clipboard text data" option.

May 21, 2003 - Version 1.21

- Fixed control positioning on main window.

 

May 18, 2003 - Version 1.2

Minor fixes:

- Removes text from being selected when an incoming message is received in a conversation window.
- The Enter key is now used to send a message, rather than clicking the Send button.
- Fixed user idle state - user status on remote machines was not always correct.
- Fixes alignment with large fonts.

 

May 12, 2003 - Version 1.1

- Added network computer listing to the main user list.

 

April 30, 2003 - Version 1.0

- Initial program release.


Awards

NetChat received a

TuCows 5-cow rating!

 
Good (4/5)
  SOFTDLL CLEAN! AWARD

Screen Shots


System Requirements

NetChat requires the following minimum system configuration to run:

  • Windows 98/ME/2000/XP
  • 32 megabytes (MB) of memory
  • BIOS capable of APM (Advanced Power Management)
  • 4 MB hard drive space
  • Ethernet network card configured on a local area network (LAN)
  • 640 x 480 (any color depth) - 800 x 600 x 16-bit color recommended

  • Pricing / Ordering

    NetChat License Pricing
    QuantityLicense PriceCost per User
    2 users$29.95$14.95
    Up to 5 users$69.95 $12.95
    Up to 10 users$119.95$11.95
    Up to 20 users$199.95$9.95
    Up to 50 users$449.95$8.95
    Up to 100 users$799.95$7.95
    otherplease contact us!

    Order Now!


    Download

    Select a link to download NetChat version 2.7:

    Download 30-Day evaluation version - EXE format - 1.16 MB
    Download 30-Day evaluation version - ZIP format - 1.16 MB

     

      Click here for help downloading and installing