How to Send Messages Between PCs on a LAN

Instant messaging is a highly efficient way to communicate with colleagues without the need for face-to-face meetings or phone calls. Modern messaging platforms offer versatile features, such as file and folder sharing and group chat capabilities. However, many consumer-grade apps pose security risks for businesses, as they transmit sensitive internal communications and data over the internet to third-party servers, increasing the potential for data breaches and cyberattacks.
Fortunately, secure alternatives exist. LANcet Chat is a robust application designed for sending messages and files over a local area network (LAN) without relying on external servers or an internet connection. It exclusively connects with users within your organization’s LAN and employs strong encryption to ensure that intercepted transmissions remain secure and unreadable.

Installing LANcet Chat

Setting up LANcet Chat is straightforward, with the application handling most of the configuration automatically. Follow these steps:

1. Download the LANcet Chat archive to the PC you wish to use.
2. Double-click the installer and follow the installation wizard.
3. Click "Install" to complete the process.

Launch the app, which will automatically detect and populate a user list of your colleagues on the network.

Sending Messages to Individual Users

To message a single colleague:

• Open LANcet Chat and select the desired contact from the user list.
• A conversation window will open, displaying your message history with that user, including timestamps.
• Type your message in the text box at the bottom of the window. The built-in spellchecker will help correct errors in real time.
• Click "Send Message" to deliver your message, which will appear in the conversation window on both your PC and the recipient’s.

Sending Messages to a Group

LANcet Chat simplifies group communication with the following methods:

Adding Users to an Existing Conversation:

• In an open conversation window, click the "Invite" button in the top-right menu bar.
• An "Invite Users" window will display predefined groups and individual users. Check the boxes next to the groups or users you want to include.
• Click "Add" to update the recipient list, which will appear on the right side of the conversation window.
• Compose and send your message to all group members.

Starting a New Group Conversation:

• Right-click a group in the LANcet Chat user list and select "Start Group Conversation."
• A conversation window will open with the selected group members added as recipients.
• To modify the recipient list, click "Invite" and add or remove users as needed.
• Compose and send your message to the group.

Sending Broadcast Messages

Broadcast messages are ideal for announcements to multiple colleagues or groups. You can initiate a broadcast in two ways:

Option 1: Send to a Group

Right-click a user group in the LANcet Chat user list and select "Send Message to Group."
In the group conversation window, click "Invite" to edit the recipient list by adding additional groups or users.
Compose your message and click "Send" to deliver it to all recipients.

Option 2: Send a Broadcast Message

Right-click any user in the user list and select "Send Broadcast Message." A broadcast message window will appear, allowing you to customize the recipient list using the "Select" dropdown menu with the following options:
Everyone: Includes all users in your user list.
Online: Includes only users currently active on the network.
Offline: Includes only users who are currently logged off.
Once the recipient list is finalized, compose your message and click "Send."

Conclusion

For organizations seeking a secure, user-friendly solution for internal communication over a LAN, LANcet Chat offers a powerful and reliable option. Download a free version of LANcet Chat from our website to experience seamless and secure messaging tailored to your business needs.