Review: ChatNet v. 2.1 By Cynthia Braga   ChatNet provides a quick and easy means by which you can communicate with your friends, family, and other assorted cohorts. Using a simple interface, you can chat and send files in two modes: AppleTalk or IRC. AppleTalk Mode allows multiple Macintosh computers running ChatNet to chat or send files on a Local Area Network, with or without a server. In AppleTalk mode, the setup is pretty intuitive, whether or not you're familiar with Chat tools. Once you log on, you begin with a Lobby, an open room for you to chat in. You invite other users in by selecting the "Invite" button. The user you invite in can either accept or decline your invitation. Once in the Lobby, you can either carry on chatting in an open forum or take advantage of the ability to create new rooms, open or hidden, for specific purposes. Viewing the users currently logged on, inviting new users into a room, clearing your window once it's filled with entries and viewing the list of rooms available (sans the hidden ones) is pretty fool-proof using the left menu. My favorite function is the ability to send files. This is a great feature if you work in an environment where everyone shares and transfers files with one another. Sending files via ChatNet saves you the steps of logging onto another person's computer and dragging the files over. When receiving files, you're given the option of saving into a location of your choice, making it easier for you to keep track of incoming files. For those of you who like to venture beyond the confines of your home or office, ChatNet provides the capability to chat with other people on the Net via its IRC mode. Operating in much of the same way as the AppleTalk mode, you can chat and send files easily to fellow IRC-ers the world 'round. The IRC interface remains simple, yet provides the obvious extra options such as viewing a list of the available channels and setting your "away" message. (The message you want to appear when you're, well, away.) Opening your chatting options to the world might also open some concerns for those of you who have children. You want your child to be technically savvy but you want to keep them away from the big bad people chatting about things your children shouldn't hear about at least until... well for a while. ChatNet's solution to this is ChatGuardian and ChatWatcher. Customize your preference settings to give you complete control over the ChatNet environment from completely open to very restrictive. ChatGuardian gives you control over channel access and message content by screening out words and phrases that are preselected. ChatWatcher keeps a log of all user activity. You also have the ability to control IRC Server access. Probably the nicest feature of ChatNet is its simplicity. You can accomplish what you need to without having to spend time learning the inctricacies of an application. And if you need help, ChatNet includes an on-screen user's manual complete with step-by-step instructions and easy to understand screen shots. If you're remotely curious about local chatting or IRC, ChatNet is a good place to start. You can begin by downloading your demo copy at: http://www.elsinc.com/.     SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS System 7.x to 8.x, 900K RAM, 2MB of disk space. ChatNet is a fat binary application that is Accelerated for Power Macintosh computers. For AppleTalk Mode, a network must be LocalTalk or EtherTalk compatible, and AppleTalk must be set to active in Chooser. There must be other computers running ChatNet on your network for you to chat or send files. For IRC Mode you must have access to the Internet through a direct Internet connection or a SLIP or PPP connection through an Internet service provider (check your local phone directory for Internet service providers in your area). Your Macintosh must also have MacTCP or Open Transport network driver installed. AVAILABILITY A demo is available for download at ELS Inc.'s website at http://www.elsinc.com/. PRICING Personal Edition $25; 10 User License $99; 50 User License $249; 250 User License $499. DEVELOPER ELS, Inc. 5200 NW 43rd Street, Suite 102-323 Gainesville, FL 32606-4482 Phone: (352) 375-0558 Fax: (352) 375-5679 Fax elstech@elsinc.com APPLELINKS RATING:

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December 02, 2008