How to use peer-to-peer secure chat

This secure chat session uses the freeware PSST v0.2 by David McNab
It could not be simpler, and the application is only 154 KB .
Once-only set up
WindowsLinux
  • Download free PSST for Windows (.ZIP)
  • Download free PSST for Linux (.TGZ)
  • Save the unzipped file somewhere like C:\Program Files\psst\secure-chat.exe
    		•  you geeks know all this stuff
  • Create a shortcut to the file and drag it onto your Quick Launch Toolbar, or Desktop, or Start-Programs list


    • Click the shortcut to launch the application.
    When it starts it generates an encryption key - move your mouse around to generate random values for your encryption key :






  • You now need to send (by email or phone) an invitation to someone to connect to you.
    They will need your IP Address and the Port on which you are listening (usually 4516).
    This is your current IP Address :
    38.107.179.212

    but it may change every day or every connection session.

    Click to set up the email automatically, including your IP Address.
    Just add the email address and click SEND.

  • When they read the email, they will open PSST and click on the Connect button



  • They will copy-and-paste your IP Address from the email into the Connect dialog and click OK
  • and you should be up and running with securely encrypted chat with no intervening chat server.


    Trouble-shooting


    Because each copy of PSST is listening for unanticipated incoming calls on Port 4516, there might be firewall problems.

    It is likely that the firewall in your computer, or your network router, needs to be told to open this port.

    There are too many different ways that firewalls and routers can be set up to cover them all.

    Opening ports on a router

    You will need to know the internal IP address of your router.
    WindowsXP > My Computer > My Network Places > right-click your router > Properties > Device Address
    It will probably be 192.168.1.1 but since we have a problem it needs to be checked.

    You will need to know the internal IP Address of your computer on the Local Area Network.
    WindowsXP > Start > Run > cmd > ipconfig >
    It will probably be something like 192.168.1.100 but it needs to be checked.

    Open a web browser and put the internal IP Address of the router in the browser's Address Box.
    It should respond with a web page that exposes all its details.
    We want to change the ports - something probably under "Settings", "NAT", "Virtual Servers" or "Port Forwarding"
    This is a screenshot from my TP-LINK ADSL Router :

    http://192.168.1.1/


    There are lots more examples for other routers at http://www.portforward.com/routers.htm


    Dave Kimble

    www.PeakOil.org.au Home page

    DK's Home page

    You can support my not-for-profit causes by making a donation by secure on-line transaction. Thank you.

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