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I would have thought it would be common but I can't find one currently; I'm looking for a chat protocol/app that:

  • Runs directly between two computers (could be client-server relationship I don't really care about that) - without going to a third-party host (ie Skype/Google Hangouts). Yes I know it will go through ISPs etc. but I want it to be able to be direct between the two computers other than that.
  • Easy to use (don't care about ease of initial setup as I'd do that myself).
  • Supports audio, video, and text.
  • Beyond chat application provide no access to the other computer.
  • Free (preferred).
  • Open-Source (preferred).
  • Bonus: have a built in gaming options (like chess etc.)
  • Bonus: some form of encryption
  • Windows preferred - if client-server linux is fine for server.
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Linphone:

  • voice, video or text messaging
  • freeware / open-source
  • multi-platform (even mobile)
  • uses SIP protocol - no need for server

According to the documentation it should work:

Just enter sip: in the SIP url bar of linphone to place a call to another linphone running in your network.

This works also on the public internet provided that the two machines have public IP addresses or appropriate firewall rules.

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  • Have you used it in a non local situation - and do you know if it accepts ports as well as IP address?
    – Nick Dickinson-Wilde
    Apr 26, 2014 at 3:44
  • The only problem is the appropriate firewall/public IP requirement. I'm fine with that but depending on the situation not everyone can set that up easily.
    – Nick Dickinson-Wilde
    Aug 8, 2014 at 16:55
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I've settled on the best option being a self-hosted XMPP Server; I'm thinking that the best for my purposes/system is Openfire. With as a client looking at Jitsi right now.

To go over my requirements:

  • Runs directly between two computers (could be client-server relationship I don't really care about that) - without going to a third-party host (ie Skype/Google Hangouts). Yes I know it will go through ISPs etc. but I want it to be able to be direct between the two computers other than that: Yes and can work with a massive variety of chat clients.
  • Easy to use (don't care about ease of initial setup as I'd do that myself): Yes; most clients are anyways and Jitsi is certainly.
  • Supports audio, video, and text.: XMPP RFC does delineate support for all of those, Openfire supports all of those and many clients do; Jitsi certainly does.
  • Beyond chat application provide no access to the other computer.: Yes - though it can be configured to do some more things like file sharing.
  • Free (preferred).: Yes - both Jitsi and Open
  • Open-Source (preferred).: Yes - both Jitsi and Openfire are free.
  • Bonus: have a built in gaming options (like chess etc.): That would be configured per client so far I haven't found a client with that and audio/video.
  • Bonus: some form of encryption: Yes can be configured with SSL/TLS options.
  • Windows preferred - if client-server linux is fine for server.: Multiplatform :D
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