Re: Chat server

barsalou wrote:

>I was wanting to setup a chat server on my server box just to do it,
>but wanted to find out if anyone on the list has done this yet.
>
>My goal would be able to create a server that can handle MSN, Yahoo and
>Gaim clients.
>
>I have heard of a server called Jabber. Any other choices?
>
>
Jabber is really your only worthwhile chat type server. MSN, Yahoo!,
and AIM require you to use their servers, which removes any ability of
you to control, restrict, or secure any connections.

Jabber servers are not all that difficult to set up. I did a simple
install (1.4.2) at work and manage it. Everybody who connects to our
server as a client uses SSL, which makes sure that any chatting cannot
be sniffed from the outside world. I assume you can also configure the
jabber server to log all conversations (which is a security risk, but is
good if you want to monitor things).

I use GAIM to connect to our jabber server, and other people use Exodus
(windows), gaim for windows, Gabber (for linux) or Trillian. I also
installed the gaim-encryption plugin which does peer-to-peer encryption
as well - so if I wanted to chat with person B securely (assuming that
SSL wasn't an option, or I was chatting with someone on another,
insecure jabber server) our conversation wouldn't get captured. (FWIW,
you can use gaim-encryption for just about any protocol. I use it a lot
for AIM.)

Adam
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Received on Sat Feb 4 13:35:34 2006