Chatterbox!

Chatterbox! is a simple to use instant messaging client, designed to work in a local area network. The application allows you to easily communicate with another user who works at a computer connected to the same network. The software is simple and features a clear-cut interface.

Chatterbox! is a simplistic application which allows you to send messages to another station in the same network. The software relies on the existing connection between the computers and requires only the IP from the station you wish to communicate with. It is simple: assign yourself a username, then type the messages and send them.

The recipient end-user needs to have Chatterbox! running on their computer as well, in order to receive the message. The lines you send are displayed in the recipients application, in the lower box. Similarly, any message someone writes to you is displayed in the box at the bottom of the program’s main window.

Chatterbox! allows you to change the username you assigned to yourself at any time, even during a conversation. You may change the style and color of the font, add a background color to your messages or change the color of the program's GUI.

While the application does not feature complicated settings, it also misses a few attributes that would make it more convenient. For instance, you may only view the messages someone else sends to you, not the ones you send to them, as well.

You cannot check whether or not the person is online or save conversation logs. You can only establish one connection at a time and you need to enter a different IP every time you wish to communicate with a different user.

Chatterbox! is simple and lightweight: it does not require login, passwords or creating user lists. As long as you know the other station’s IP, you can instantly send a message to them. However, you may set a password in order to lock the program and restrict unauthorized access to the IM tool.