LANcet Chat is free software for real-time message exchange over local network (LAN). With it you don't need to install chat server. All participants can connect any time and they will see each other automatically. Just run chat on every computer and start talking immediately. Chat can freely maintain 10-20 users at the same time and even more. The only limitation - you have to be inside single subnet, without software/hardware routers between users who want to participate. Allows sending private messages. You can hold as much independent conversations as you want at the same time. LANcet Chat can start automatically with Windows and stay in system tray (near the clock) waiting for messages whole day without disturbing you. Popup windows and sounds will inform you when new message incoming or when new user appearing in your contact list. You can switch off some boring interlocutors by "ignoring" their contacts. Use emoticons to express yourself more than just by words. Simple "Antiboss" system: press Esc and your chat will hide into system tray or will erase all the latest messages you got. Extremely useful when your angry boss is walking behind you and watching what are you doing on the job.
Very easy to use, just install it and run. Support smiley icon.
Cons
none so far
Summary
Simple and Works
lsselection
Pros
It works just fine. Simple!
Cons
So far, no problems.
Summary
Could be a good software, IT it worked with Routers..
Jobe1977
Pros
nice clean & easy interface
Cons
Don't work with routers, maybe should put a little server software in the chatprogram?
Summary
<br /><br /><span class='notifyMsg'> Updated </span>on Jun 19, 2010<p/>I must confess that it MIGHT have been a bug in the router at the moment, I have NOT re-tested the software.
What a great free product!
greeman
Pros
I was looking for an easy to use and setup program for my home LAN. This fills the bill perfectly and allows me to chat with my wife when she is on the computer upstairs. And she (who is definately not computer savy) can use it just fine.
Cons
Probably should have a "send" button, but I like to just hit "enter" anyway.
When you hit the "X" in the corner of the window to close the window it closes the program (there is an option in "options" to make it just minimize when the X is hit).
Summary
I have tried several free home LAN chat programs and even paid for one. LANcet Chat is the best of the bunch. I did go and find version 2.2 build 268 and now use it.
Perfect inter-office chat program!
Pros
Minimizes to tray and keeps button off taskbar, quick notification of activity without disturbing what you're doing, FAST and FREE!!
Cons
None - this product was well thought out.
Summary
Great Quickie program
mrrwhitley
Pros
Its very quick to install, and no setup what so ever. Allows you to change you font, set your sex, and private msg (such as the wife or tell your son in secret he can stay on longer lol) So far as I can tell I dont see any downfall. Dont need a prog that shares programs as we use shared folders already.
Cons
There is no minimize to system tray option, so it takes up space in my busy window bar, which I hate but for free it will work for now.
Summary
greatest LAN chatting program
jess5016
Pros
highly recommended!
<p>no icon is display even you minimize or hide the programme. suitable for those who work under highly tight supervision of bosses...can chat through conference with all users at once...even private chat.simple installation with minimum space required.it provides the most basic function which a LAN chat programme has.most of all....it's free! thanks so much...