I would have thought it would be common but I can\'t find one currently; I\'m lo
ID: 660820 • Letter: I
Question
I would have thought it would be common but I can't find one currently; I'm looking for a chat protocol/app that:
Runs directly between two computers (could be client-server relationship I don't really care about that) - without going to a third-party host (ie Skype/Google Hangouts). Yes I know it will go through ISPs etc. but I want it to be able to be direct between the two computers other than that.
Easy to use (don't care about ease of initial setup as I'd do that myself).
Supports audio, video, and text.
Beyond chat application provide no access to the other computer.
Free (preferred).
Open-Source (preferred).
Bonus: have a built in gaming options (like chess etc.)
Bonus: some form of encryption
Windows preferred - if client-server linux is fine for server.
Explanation / Answer
I've settled on the best option being a self-hosted XMPP Server; I'm thinking that the best for my purposes/system is Openfire. With as a client looking at Jitsi right now.
To go over my requirements:
Runs directly between two computers (could be client-server relationship I don't really care about that) - without going to a third-party host (ie Skype/Google Hangouts). Yes I know it will go through ISPs etc. but I want it to be able to be direct between the two computers other than that: Yes and can work with a massive variety of chat clients.
Easy to use (don't care about ease of initial setup as I'd do that myself): Yes; most clients are anyways and Jitsi is certainly.
Supports audio, video, and text.: XMPP RFC does delineate support for all of those, Openfire supports all of those and many clients do; Jitsi certainly does.
Beyond chat application provide no access to the other computer.: Yes - though it can be configured to do some more things like file sharing.
Free (preferred).: Yes - both Jitsi and Open
Open-Source (preferred).: Yes - both Jitsi and Openfire are free.
Bonus: have a built in gaming options (like chess etc.): That would be configured per client so far I haven't found a client with that and audio/video.
Bonus: some form of encryption: Yes can be configured with SSL/TLS options.
Windows preferred - if client-server linux is fine for server.: Multiplatform :D