Much as you'd be led to think otherwise following the massive rise of RSS, Usenet is still alive and kicking. This application is designed to make it quick and easy for you to read usenet feeds and access binary newsgroups.

Benefits of NewsMan include:

Clean, easy-to-use interface

Designed not only to be good-looking, but also to make browsing and downloading from Usenet easy and enjoyable. Comes with eight different Themes and is also designed to work well with third-party skinning programs like StyleXP and Windowblinds.

Full support for text and binary newsgroups

You can read text newsgroups effortlessly and store articles as long as you want in the database. NewsMan also fully supports binary newsgroups and decodes Mime, UUE and yEnc encoded messages in a separate background thread to minimize CPU usage.

Multiple Server Support

True multi-server support gives you the ability to download headers from your best, most complete news server and download articles from any servers that you have access to. Servers can be prioritized so that article bodies are downloaded from your least expensive server first. In addition, if you exclude a server from the priority list, Newsman treats it like a "private server" where headers and articles are processed only through that server.

Full support for NZB files

NZB files (www.newzbin.com ) save you time by allowing you to download binaries without retrieving headers. Newsman Pro gives you full support for NZB files by allowing you to import multiple files at once within the program. NZB messages are placed into a separate virtual group. You can also associate NZB files with Newsman Pro and Newsman will import them when you open the files in Windows Explorer.

Robust multi-threaded architecture

Downloading, header processing, attachment processing, Automation, Scheduled Tasks and Trash purging processing all happen in their own threads. Newsman can perform many tasks simultaneously allowing you to do several things at once.

Download Newsman Pro 2.7.0.9 in Softonic

IPNs (Instant Private Networks) are a useful way to create your own private environments where only you and other invited users are allowed to send and receive files.

This app is great for those that need remote access to their PC, work in a secure environment, or just want to know that they're exchanging files without outside intruders interfering. Remobo creates an Instant Private Network (IPN) between users. It works very much like a chat client meaning it's easy to add and remove users and suitable for even the most novice programmers and users.

By creating an IPN, you can control your home computer and access files while at work or traveling or alternatively, privately share large files like photos & documents between computers. In addition, it allows you to play games online or between friends more securely or just simple chat more securely with friends or colleagues. Probably the best thing about Remobo is that it requires virtually no configuration - it's more a case of telling it what you want to do with it and it configures itself automatically according to your system settings and connection details.

This is an excellent IPN tool although it should not be used as a substitute for a VPN because although it's secure, it can't guarantee user privacy.

Download Remobo 0.12.1 in Softonic

Real-time network communication utility for the office environment, including channels-based chat, shared whiteboard, message board and instant messaging.

It is intended to be used in small office or home office (SOHO) local networks, does not require a dedicated server and may be used instead of WinPopup. Easy to install and use, Network Assistant features file transfers, remote services (processes control, screenshots, activity tracking) and more...

Download Network Assistant 4.3 in Softonic

Corporate instant messaging client for use in a business local area network (LAN) with a set of enhanced features including standard software compatibility such as WinPopup and Messenger Service (Net Send command), group messaging, automatic answering machine, message history, file transfer. Real-time communications can be organized with Peer-to-Peer or Client/Server instant messaging architecture.

Using a central server users get powerful facilities for organization of effective communication system with news notification, centralized user grouping, offline message storing and automatic delivery, creation and management of public user information, receiving account list with user presence status.

Key features include:

• Both Client/Server and Serverless (peer-to-peer) architectures support
• Extended messages support (URL, Internet, network addresses and emotions)
• Compatibility with standard messengers like WinPopup and Messenger Service
• Scanning of users, computers and presence status in all domains/workgroups on a local network
• Multilingual interface. Includes more than 10 languages
• View account information on computer, user or received message
• Quick, direct access list to the users you talk to most
• Ignore List, which blocks messages from the users added to this list
• Network Group support for different groups within the same LAN
• Quick Asnwers
• Automatic answering system for when you are not at your PC
• Grouping names to My Groups
• File Transfer
• Logging of all messages to Message History
• Sending messages from command line interface and directly to IP addresses
• Bopup Communication Server support, including offline and news messaging, user account management

Download Bopup Messenger 5.2.7.5481 in Softonic

Winpopup Server is designed for those that have little server experience but want to set up their own possibly with an IM client.

The advantage of this is that you can improve communication security and integrity by installing an optional Winpopup LAN Messenger component, the Winpopup Server. The server is an optional component and complements the instant messenger although you could use it for whatever use took your fancy. If Winpopup Server is installed on a network, all Winpopup LAN Messenger clients will discover it automatically, and route all communications through the server. The advantage of this is that all you have to do is instruct potential users to install the message client and the program will do the rest. Winpopup Server supports the following functions i.e. authorization, offline message delivery and communication in complex networks containing multiple subnets. User authorization can be enabled or disabled per administrator decision and the server controls all over authorization so that you can be sure, if it's configured correctly, that there will be no breaches of privacy.

A great server solution although unless it's used with the complementary chat client, you won't get the most out of it.

Download Winpopup Server 1.3 in Softonic

AChat is a fantastic tool for local network messenging, which can solve all your communication problems quickly and easily. Not only can you chat with individual contacts but you may unite a number of channels to hold a multiuser conference. You can transfer files, run searches and download from shared folders of other users.

AChat has some great features like the ability to add a phrase to your nickname, to send a quick message that appears as a floating bubble on your desktop and a notification when other people are replying.

Download AChat 0.150 Beta 5 in Softonic

LanTalk.NET Enterprise instant messenger. In fact, in most companies LanTalk.NET replaced corporate e-mail for exchanging files and messages. And the phones are ringing much less often. LanTalk doesn't offer a single feature not related to instant messaging.

The program works with any network - Intranet, Internet, LAN, WAN, and VPN. It really makes a lot of sense. Instant messaging communication inside one office is great, but what if you need to discuss something with a person in another branch, located thousands of miles away and one is not connected to your network?

Or what if one of your key employees is away on business or vacation, but wants so stay in touch? The number of people who telecommute makes this feature very important. Instant messaging software should work inside and outside the office. With LanTalk.NET, any person can be connected.

Download LanTalk NET 3.3 in Softonic

Spark is an IM client that you can use in organizations such as schools or companies to allow people communicate with each other in a quick, efficient way. Of course, there's the possibility to use one of the big IM programs like Live or Yahoo! Messenger, but Spark is faster and far more secure. It uses the Jabber protocol which can be configured to use either private or public networks, depending on the plug-ins you install on your server.

Spark displays a nicely designed interface that makes it really pleasant to use. I especially like the emoticons sets included in the program, as well as the usage of a color code to distinguish between different statuses (online, away, busy and so on). Spark also has some extra details that are hardly found in LAN clients, such as avatar support, conference rooms, voice chat, spellcheck and even a special tool to capture anything on your screen and send it directly to any contact. What's more, the program includes some other useful tools like a basic note editor and a task list.

Of course, no software app is perfect and neither Spark is. I had some problems when trying to organize my contacts into groups, with groups completely disappearing from my screen (but easily recovered by restarting the program). Also, I feel configuration settings fall too short: I'd like to be able to change the font and color of my text or hide offline contacts, just to mention two missing options.

Spark is an attractive, secure and fast IM client for local network communication, with extra tools that make it a great companion for your daily work at office.

Download Spark 2.5.8 in Softonic

Taking advantage of the fact that most office and home networks operate without centralized administration, the developers made Vypress Chat with these networks in mind. It is fully configurable, works with both TCP/IP and IPX/SPX network protocols and doesn’t depend on a dedicated server.

If you're a beginner to network administration, the best thing you'll find with Vypress Chat is that it requires no post-setup steps to get up and running. It offers an online user list - basically a list of people who have Vypress Chat running in your office network - and displays their status like most IM's i.e. “I’m busy”, “Out of office”, “On the phone”, etc.

A nice feature for those that need to keep track of conversations is that they can be logged into a XML file for recall at a later date - great for keeping a record of confidential or important conversations. The main concern with this app is security breaches however - it's debatable how secure it really is although the developers claim that because no data is sent outside your office, it's totally secure.

Download Vypress Chat 2.1.4 in Softonic

Softros LAN messenger is a secure network messaging software application for corporate LANs (local area networks). It does not require a server and is very easy to install and use. Softros LAN Messenger comes with a variety of handy features such as message notification alarms, personal or group messaging, file transfer and an intuitive interface. Softros LAN Messenger offers strong encryption options for all incoming and outgoing messages, guaranteeing no unauthorized person ever reads personal correspondence. The program is very stable when running under any Windows operating system and on a TCP/IP network of any size. Softros LAN Messenger also correctly identifies and works under Windows NT/2000/XP limited user accounts (without administrative privileges).

Download Softros LAN Messenger 3.7.7 in Softonic

CommFort is a client-server chat for local area network. The software combines all attributes of the best network communication utility such as channels-based chat, voice chat support, user profiles, file and folder transfers, sound notification system and 100 graphical emoticons to spice up your chat. The program also allows you to insert pictures directly to the chat window and leave a message on the server if the recipient has gone offline.

All features are delivered in a well-rounded user interface, which is very easy to learn for both chat first-timers and experienced users. CommFort supports the communication of up to 4000 people simultaneously. Compared to the previous version, CommFort is more reliable and functionally rich. Thanks to the implementation of the new protocol, the load on the network is a fraction of what it was. Sensitivity to network errors has been minimized as well, which results in more stable chat performance.

Version 3 is characterized by a wider range of features to administer. Now clients appointed as administrators on the server can set user limitations and configure general channels. Also, a bulletin board is now available. Skins are now supported. New animated emoticons will allow you to get practically any emotion across. Now it is possible to specify all the information about yourself in the profile and even to attach a photo. The NAT support makes it possible to use CommFort on the Internet and the support of terminal clients makes it possible to work with the program in organizations with terminal systems.

Download CommFort 3.00 in Softonic

Inbit Messenger is secure instant messaging software that allows your enterprise to reach new levels of collaboration with innovative features beyond the standard enterprise IM package. With Inbit Messenger, your organization can share files, images, and screenshots to enhance your office's data flow. Inbit Messenger allows users to chat with colleagues and share images of current activity using Inbit's screen capture engine, while allowing administrators full control and logging. It even provides features to send asynchronous messages and deliver files to offline colleagues.

Download Inbit Messenger 2.9.1 in Softonic

NCN Messenger is an advanced network messaging & management program that can send messages using "GHOST Mode" or "TRUE Mode". GHOST Mode allows a user to fake their computer name, TRUE Mode displays the users TRUE computer name. NCN Messenger uses the Windows Net Send feature to send all messages.

Download NCN Messenger 2.1.0218 in Softonic

SnapMail is the cross-platform private messaging and file transfer utility for your office. The program gives you the power to instantly send messages, files, reminders, and alerts on your network.

Unlike instant messaging, SnapMail uses peer-to-peer technology and does not rely on Internet servers to send mail within your local network. This makes SnapMail a very fast in-house messaging system that complements your Internet email. All of your messaging can be conducted without fear of accidentally sending mail out of your company.

In addition, there is no junk mail and no non-company e-mailing. You can be sure that everything in SnapMail is company business. SnapMail also connects remote offices securely across the Internet, creating a "virtual LAN."

SnapMail is plug and play software. It installs in a minute and is immediately usable. SnapMail automatically configures itself and finds other users on the network without the need for system administration.

Download SnapMail 5.0 in Softonic

CommuniCrypt is a new tool for high secured realtime communication via LAN and Internet. It works like a messenger or a chat tool, but the complete data transfer between both machines are highly encrypted through Public-Key-Encryption with RSA encryption algorithm (RSAES-OAEP). The key length of public and private key may between 338 and 7120 bit . With CommuniCrypt nobody can read your conversation - except you and your chat buddy! It supports now hostname resolving - optimal for DynDNS machines!

Download CommuniCrypt Mail 1.16 in Softonic

Secure Network Chat (SNC) - is a text chat solution designed to solve all of the problems in communication between your company’s employees. SNC is especially designed to work with medium and large local area networks, but it is also convenient for small local networks consisting of two and up to several dozen computers. With SNC, your employees will be able to exchange text messages and files and to discuss different items together with several colleagues simultaneously without leaving their work places! SNC has all the features necessary to work with large and small local area networks. It’s very easy to use and it has a great number of additional service features.

Download Secure Network Chat 2.14.3 in Softonic

You want the power and convenience of instant messaging, but don't need or want the clients to talk to the outside world. Be it a bunch of friends having a LAN party, or a large corporation - instant messaging makes working together easy. Unfortunately, existing instant messengers allow users to communicate with the entire planet, not just people on your local network.

Tonic changes this. With Tonic, you get all of the convenience, versatility and power of instant messaging, with none of the interference. This Ideal for the smallest home network to the largest corporation.

Tonic features the ability to have icons that can represent your feeling, mood, or character. You can use any of the hundreds of included icons or create your own, which will be automatically sent to other users on the network.

Download Tonic 1.0.896 in Softonic

Mirador Instant Messenger is a secure, reliable presence based messaging and collaboration solution built for the enterprise. It offers advanced functionality, security and stability that businesses require and helps to ensure compliance with regulatory agencies such as HIPPA and the SEC.

Features:

• Encryption
• Meeting
• Remote control
• File transfer
• Voice over ip
• Voice messages
• Managed through a complete administration console

Download Mirador Instant Messenger 4.0.2.8 in Softonic

This Instant Messenger is available for all users in a workgroup. You can send private messages, files with pause and bandwidth control, pictures from clipboard, and many more options. This program is based on a client-server architecture.

Download BORGChat 0.9.9.431 in Softonic

SnapTalk is the cross-platform private chat and file transfer utility for your office. Instantly send messages and files on your local network.

More powerful than other chat programs, SnapTalk includes full featured archiving and search of transcripts. In addition, SnapTalk includes customizable "SnapBacks" that let you reply with a single click of the mouse.

Features:

• Send attachments and folders with your messages
• Keep transcripts of your conversations in the searchable archives
• Spell-check your messages as you type
• Design SnapBacks that let you respond to calls with a single button-click
• Create groups, which allow you to talk to multiple people with one easy selection
• Choose how you will be notified with sounds and alerts
• Activate an auto-reply message when you are out of the office
• Connect remote offices securely across the Internet, creating a "virtual LAN."
• No Administration needed

Download SnapTalk 4.1 in Softonic