Some questions: 1. As Jitsi is cross-platform, all I need to do is install it on my Windows and Mac and then they will be able to see each other? 2. Or do I need to make an account at Jabber.org and then log in to each computer and each user account to that account? 3. If I do, doesn't that mean I need an internet connection to chat? Again, sorry for my basic networking knowledge. Thanks

Have you ever tried any programs that are compatible with Windows and OS X and have a similar 'local' feeature? I would really rather have 1 program on all my computers, but I understand this may be hard and I will try to make do with your solution. My guess is that with Jitsi, I would make a 'local' account and then chat to other computer via User@IPADDRESS looking at the screenshots, do you think so too?

@shub: I just looked for a tutorial for Jitsi and found this page which says that the feature was removed. Now I’m not sure if it was re-implemented in the meantime; it’s still listed in the feature list in Wikipedia.

Never mind. Just saw this: jitsi.org/Documentation/RegistrarlessSIPAccount which is exactly what I want. I will try it and get back to you soon

@shub: Good find. SIP is another protocol, but similar to XMPP in the regard that is also offers text and voice chat.

OK, thanks for that clarification, I was a bit confused as to what SIP was, wikipedia is sometimes a bit technical

I am installing Jitsi on my Windows now

@shub: I never used SIP that way. According to the documentation you found, the only caveat I see is that you’d have to add accounts knowing the local IP addresses (while using XMPP + Zeroconf would find all connected clients, without having to add them manually beforehand).

Ah... But I don't think that will be a terrible problem, I will just use a free IP scanner

I think my computers have a static IP address anyway, I set that up on my router

@shub: Well, great then :-) If it works, you may consider adding an answer to your own question :)

Nah, I will edit your answer to answer my question as well as yours, because you're the reason I found Jitsi, but I still need to try it

@shub: If you really end up using SIP (whether with Jitsi or some other client), I think it’s better to add a separate answer, as SIP and XMPP have different features, and so people can vote accordingly. -- If you want, you can of course link to my answer if you want to give credit for suggesting Jitsi.

ok, if you want to be modest :)

I've ended up using XMPP, it looks like it is working on my connection - so all's good

thanks

@shub: Oh, great. Now do you use the Zeroconf way or did you register with an online provider?

Sorry, I wasn't thinking when I said that - I mean Bonjour - not XMPP

I am actually kicking myself right now - I didn't read your answer properly. You even told me about Pidgin but I was stupid enough to ignore it!

I have installed Bonjour on my Windows and Pidgin on my Windows. I have installed Adium on my Mac

I clicked New Account > Bonjour

and voila, it worked!

One question - just so I can 'increase' my knowledge on basic networking: Is Bonjour practically Zeroconf but called something else? It does practically the same thing

@shub: As far as I know, "Zeroconf" is called the idea/protocol. Bonjour is Apple’s implementation of this, Avahi is an implementation for Linux, and there are some more implementations. But they should all cooperate together.

Another question: Would you like me to add my own answer or should I edit your answer.

After all, you did say Pidgin. I will just add some more information on Bonjour and stuff...

I guess you are using XMPP, as Pidgin+Bonjour is XMPP, if I’m not mistaken: <https://developer.pidgin.im/wiki/Protocol%20Specific%20Questions#BonjourLink-Lo‌​calMessaging>

it just happens that for Windows you need to install Bonjour, as it isn’t installed by default (while Mac OS and Linux come with Zeroconf implementations)

So if that’s correct, I think an edit would make sense.

great! I'll edit your answer soon...

I can do it, too, if you don’t mind. Then you can review it and make edits if needed

Thanks again - I've really been looking everywhere for a solution for in-network chatting with no port conflicts (as Pidgin so gracefully does not have :-))

sure if you want

I just want the information easily accessible in the future if anybody ever comes looking for what I did

I edited it: softwarerecs.stackexchange.com/a/3999/60 -- feel free to correct/add :)

I edited a bit more

you can check if you're happy with it

accepted!

Sure, thanks. And thanks :)

:) You're welcome and thanks, and thanks ;-)