Having a chat or instant messaging (IM) server running on a Home or Small business network is some what a good idea, even if you are at work or school and other of your family is at home or even around the world.
The Chat server that I choose to install and run on my Windows Home Server has plug-ins that allow your clients/users to sign in using their mainstream accounts such as Yahoo, AOL and Windows Live (MSN).
The Chat/Instant Messaging Server/software that I choose is the Openfire from ignite realtime – Jive Software. They also have a desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux) and a Web-based client to allow users to login and chat.
You will need to download the Openfire software from http://www.igniterealtime.org/downloads/index.jsp select Windows platform and then the “openfire 3 6 3.exe Includes Java JRE (recommended)” put it on the \\Server\Sofware folder.
Start the install off, it will prepare the files.
Select your language and then click OK.
Now the main install will take place, as usual it will recommen that you close all other applications before you continue with the install, and if you require you can cancel the install by clicking on the Cancel button.
Its now time to read the License Agreement (EULA) and accept it to continue with the install, you need to select the “I accept the agreement” and then the Next button will become un greyed.
Now you select the destination directory, this is important bit of information, if you are going to use the embedded database then select the destination (install) directory in the D drive but not in the shares. If you have MySQL up and running then the default C:\Program Files\Openfire will do.
It will ask you where the program’s shortcuts should be. I just leaved this as the defaulted as it will not cause any problems. Click on the Next button.
The setup/install program will now extract and install all the files to the destination directory.
It will then complete/finish the install of Openfire and will ask you if you wish to start/run Openfire when you exit the setup program.
If you selected the “Run Openfire” on the last stage then it will start.
At the same time as the Openfire program starting up the Windows Firewall will pop up.
With this Security Alert you wish to “Unblock” the Openfire Server so you can have access to the Chat server anywhere on your network and then the Internet when you sort out Port Forward on your router.
Copyright Note: The screenshots were created by myself, however the program(s) that were screenshoted are copyrighted to Microsoft (WHS Operating System – Security Alert) and ignite realtime – Jive Software (Openfire Server).