FoopChat is a client/server application. The FoopChat Server is a program that runs on a computer somewhere on the Internet or your LAN. The server handles all of the tasks necessary for users to send instant messages and share files with other people. Most people will use the FoopChat Client application. The client is used to sign on to a FoopChat Server, and is where you set up your friend list, join chat rooms, send instant messages, and share files. For example, when you send a chat message in a public chat room, the client sends the message to the server, and the server forwards the message to every other user that has joined that room. The FoopChat Client and FoopChat Server work together so you, your friends, and your family can stay in touch.

Feature Summary    (see the FoopChat Features page for a more detailed list)

Privacy
Standalone servers, and encrypted chat protect your privacy. FoopChat is designed to allow groups of friends, or a small community with something in common to come together in a trusted, private place to socialize. Instead of millions of people signing on to a huge server hosted by a huge company, you sign on to a small server hosted by one of your friends. This, and the fact that your chat is encrypted, allows you to be reasonably certain that your words are seen only by the people you intend to see them.

File Sharing
The File Browser allows you to share files with your friends. You can upload and download files and folders, give other users access to your files and folders at various levels (read only, read/write, create, and others). You can also assign information to a file or folder, such as title, when it was created, who created it, and notes about the file. This could be used to add a caption to a photo, who took took the photo, and notes about the photo such as who is in it and how old they are.

Keeping in Touch
Quick Notes let you stay in touch with your friends even when they're not online. It works like a mini-email system, allowing you to send small notes to any other user on the FoopChat server whether they're online or not. When you sign on to a server you'll be immediately notified if you have unread messages.

Public and Private Chat Rooms
Not only can you have private, one-to-one chats directly with your friends, you can also join public chat rooms that have been created on the FoopChat Server. You can also create your own public and private chat rooms. The chat interface itself is very flexible, allowing you to configure the font and colors, send images, and smilies.

Customization
Numerous configuration options are provided so you can customize FoopChat to your own taste. You can change your chat font and colors, pick your own icon which gets displayed along with your name, and you can even add your own smilies!