Local Lan messenger

If you have a group of friends who you want to chat online but you do not trust most of the messaging apps, you can try an offline alternative. Local Lan Messenger is a retro-looking application that provides messaging services for users who don't want risk exposing their chat contents over the Internet.

The UI has a vintage look to it, but as per the information found on the developer's site, the program was developed in the late 2000s. However, this type of app is still relevant today, even if LAN connections not so much. 

The interface is built to display the chat box, the processes log, the user list, and a blacklist menu. Each of these segments can be colored individually, so if you want to decorate the UI a bit, you can go to Options, on the toolbar, and open the Colors menu. From there, just pick the panel you want to modify and apply whatever background color you wish.

In case you are not the only user of the computer, you can cut off access to the app by setting up a password. Go to Message > Lock to bring up the tab that lets you determine the combination. To regain access to the app, follow the same path and input the password again. The combination is not saved for future lockdowns, so you have to go through this process every time you need to lock the app.

Local Lan Messenger appears to be highly customizable after a quick look at its settings. For example, you can limit the size of incoming/outgoing messages and also for compressed ones.

The app lets you use different sounds for different messages. In short, you can find out what type of massage has been processed, without looking at the screen.

In conclusion, Local Lan Messenger is a compact tool that targets LAN users who want to stay in touch with their friends, without connecting to the Internet or having to create any accounts.