Windows home network - Instant messaging question

Hi everyone, :)

Another question, now that the router and network are up and running.
Currently we use Microsoft instant messenger to shuttle files, ask questions and so forth for study between our 2 home computers, We also have a home network between the computers set up for some file sharing (have not tried it yet as messenger is handy) and to share the printer.
I want to know, can I find an Instant messenger program that we can use between the 2 computers without having to use the net, Can I have both computers running with the modem switched off, but the router running and sending instant messages?
Am I dreaming.

Thanks,
Felixe.

Firstly to have both computers running on your network without the router is no problem and in fact recomended. If you have the router assigning IP addresses then you have problems if the router goes offline. Just set each computer's IP manually instead of having it assigned by the router. For example 192.168.0.2 for one of them and 198.162.0.3 for the other. Use 255.255.255.0 as the subnet mask for each and use 192.168.0.1 as the gateway (that is the IP of your router on your home network) That way, if the router goes of line it won't affect your LAN. That's waht I do at work and what was recommended by D-Link when i called them the other day about my home network falling off all the time.

As for comunication, I use Skype to call my son in his bedroom to tell him dinner is on the table :D :D :D Bloody amazing ;)
www.skype.com

I use MSN messanger at work to communicate between 3 offices and also within the one office. it's fine but as you said, you need to be on the internet to use it.

Hi Gumby!
Can I have both computers running on the network without the router when the ethernet cable for each computer plugs into the router? I thought as the router is the connection it would have to be on? (out of my depth again!!)
Having the router on or off is not my issue, I want to be able to switch off the (seperate) modem to save on broadband, my account has a limit, but still have the functionality of IM service, I am quickly going to checkout skype.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by felixe

Hi Gumby!
Can I have both computers running on the network without the router when the ethernet cable for each computer plugs into the router? I thought as the router is the connection it would have to be on? (out of my depth again!!)
Having the router on or off is not my issue, I want to be able to switch off the (seperate) modem to save on broadband, my account has a limit, but still have the functionality of IM service, I am quickly going to checkout skype.

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The router needs to be on to share the home network but sometimes it loses connection to the internet or has problems assigning addresses (which is what mine did). You can switch off the internet modem and it won't be a problem for your home network.

:) .............and I can still Instant message between the 2 computers at home on the home network using skype??:confused:

Instant Messenger or Skype will not work unless you are connected to the internet. They use an external server to organise the communication between computers. Sorry:(

So, Is there one that works without having to log onto the net? :confused: I am being a "tight ar5e" with my internet usage.:p

Quote:

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Originally Posted by felixe

:) .............and I can still Instant message between the 2 computers at home on the home network using skype??:confused:

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only if you have an internet connection. But really, that shouldn't matter. My modem runs all day, as does the computer.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by felixe

So, Is there one that works without having to log onto the net? :confused: I am being a "tight ar5e" with my internet usage.:p

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not that i'm aware of

There are programs for inter office comunication. For instance, the software running one of my departments has the ability to send messages across the inter office netowrk. There may be others available so have a hunt around Google.

I just found this one so I might give it a try!
http://messenger.softros.com/:)

Those using Skype may be interested to read the following. It is very long and very technical but worth the read.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skype

regards
Coldamus

Quote:

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So, Is there one that works without having to log onto the net? :confused: I am being a "tight ar5e" with my internet usage.:p
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Yes.. but it's probably more trouble than leaving the router on and using MSN

The traffic that MSN messenger generates when it's idle is pretty negligable

Cheers

Ian

don't s'pose you've tried Appletalk?

:D :D :D
P

Do I press my ear against the fruit or the tree?:confused: :D

Touche.

Al :D

touche!

:D :D :D
P

piste?



(Oh... sorry. Thought we were in the "Not a joke...")

Yeah, great midge, just what I want to look at, another computer website. :(
They all look alike to me.;) (I'll let you in on a secret, it's just a computer!!:p )

Anyway, I have tried the "offline" LAN messengers, and they all suck!
I think I will go with the general consensus and just use messenger.

thanks of the input guys!

P.S. I have another computer question to follow!!!:D :D

If you just want to share files on the hope network, you can:
1. share a partition on one computer so that the other can just write to it
2. install a ftp server
3. use scp (via putty)
4. install a webserver on one computer and just browse and copy across from the other one.

You can run local servers like skype, for instance asterix, or servers like msn, eg jabber.

Skype can be a large waste of bandwidth due to the way it works, other more direct VOIP options like nodephone are much easier on your resources.

shaun

Thanks for the input Sbranden,
I have:
1. we do use shared folders under "my network places", I assume this is similar.
2. and 3. Please re-write these in English!
4. Sounds too hard for a non-computer dufus like me, but if it isn't can you please post directions on how to install a webserver on one computer etc..... ?

Just remember to read my 1st posts, these should give the clue that you are dealing with someone who can operate a computer but has no idea about networking etc.

Thanks for the tip about skype, I am using MSN messenger, I hope this doesn't chew up my allocated hours, I did look at LAN messenger software but it was all to crappy or hard to configure ( I want to use it; not play around with it all day).

Quote:

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Originally Posted by felixe

Thanks for the input Sbranden,
I have:
1. we do use shared folders under "my network places", I assume this is similar.
Yep, you should be able to transfer files to the other computer easily providing the network is up.

2. and 3. Please re-write these in English!
ftp (file transfer protocol) is used to .. well transfer files from one computer to another. You can setup a ftp server then use either a dedicated ftp client like cuteftp (I don't use windows, so don't really know of too many others by name) or you can browse the ftp server with a web browser like firefox or Internet Explorer.

scp is a more secure method of transfering files and there are clients in the package called putty.

4. Sounds too hard for a non-computer dufus like me, but if it isn't can you please post directions on how to install a webserver on one computer etc..... ?

a google search on windows apache tutorial should bring up some useful sites.

Just remember to read my 1st posts, these should give the clue that you are dealing with someone who can operate a computer but has no idea about networking etc.

Networking can be hard to get your head around initially and then just makes sense. It will click soon enough :)

Thanks for the tip about skype, I am using MSN messenger, I hope this doesn't chew up my allocated hours, I did look at LAN messenger software but it was all to crappy or hard to configure ( I want to use it; not play around with it all day).

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Skype uses the peer to peer method, much like a lot of programs used to download (mainly pirate) mp3's. This makes it easy to set up, but has some negative aspects like you are allowing other people to use your computer behind your firewall, you also accept that your computer can become a skype super node and then use heaps of bandwidth. It has it's place, but there are alternatives. MSN is useful to send files across the internet, but is a waste sending 10 feet away.

I personally use scp, a little ftp, some http (world wide web stuff) and irc (older messaging tool). There are lots of options out there, but just sharing your folders would be the easiest for local transfers. You will need to have a working network, so either a separate switch, a crossover between the two computers or using the switch on your modem/ router but it should be really easy to work out.

cheers

shaun
pm if you want more help