Chat Software

[allanc]

On our WEB site, we have chat software (EasyLiveChat) that is provided free by our ISP.
I have this running on a second monitor that is to the left of my main screen.
Unfortunately, the software does not beep, pop-up, etc when a client attempts to chat.
I find that looking at this left screen frequently is distracting and a pain in the neck (literally).
Can anyone recommend a free, easy to use software that I can run from my WEB site that would also optionally email a transcript to the client?
Thank you in advance.

[rusty.nells]

LiveZilla (http://www.livezilla.net/features/) has been mentioned before but I don't know if it alerts you to incoming messages. I've looked it over but haven't used it yet and it looks good.

[dhrandy]

I use Livezilla and it alert you with a ringing sound. Then you just accept the call and start chatting. I've been using it for a couple months. Pretty decent software.

[allanc]

I use Livezilla and it alert you with a ringing sound. Then you just accept the call and start chatting. I've been using it for a couple months. Pretty decent software.
I am trying to get a handle on what they mean by 'no hosting'.
Does one install this software on a XP PRO computer that already is running:
- Webserver (IIS or Linux) with PHP (5, 4.1.0 or greater) and MySQL (5 or greater).
If so, would you recommend a dedicated PC to this task?
Any other tips, traps, etc?

[chrisaroz]

I like Digsby. You can create accounts with AIM, Gmail, anything you want, and then make a widget from Digsby's site. Put the HTML code on your site, and people can IM right from there. It has popups, sounds, everything (since it's just a regular ole chat program).

[allanc]

I like Digsby. You can create accounts with AIM, Gmail, anything you want, and then make a widget from Digsby's site. Put the HTML code on your site, and people can IM right from there. It has popups, sounds, everything (since it's just a regular ole chat program).
So, the premise here is that everyone either has some sort of IM setup or is willing to add one to chat with my company.
I was thinking in terms of a 'program' that did not require a permanent installation.
However, I am open to all suggestions.
What do you perceive as the benefit of the IM approach?

[dhrandy]

I am trying to get a handle on what they mean by 'no hosting'.
Does one install this software on a XP PRO computer that already is running:
- Webserver (IIS or Linux) with PHP (5, 4.1.0 or greater) and MySQL (5 or greater).
If so, would you recommend a dedicated PC to this task?
Any other tips, traps, etc?
I'm not sure where you see "no hosting". You do install the software on your server. Everything you need is in the download.

Your going to get more using Livezilla over Digsby. And Livezille looks more professional.

Features

Monthly Fee No
Setup Fee No
Maximum number of Operators Unlimited
Maximum number of Groups Unlimited
Multiple Operator Support
Real-Time Visitor Monitoring
Offline Messages
Ratings / Feedback Form
GeoTracking
Multiple Website Support
Database Support (MySQL)
Global Chat Archive
URL-Based Visitor Filters
Visit Counter
Security Filter
Live Chat
SSL Support
Downloadable Operator Visitcards (in chat)
Push Web Pages
Typing Indicator
Display of Visitor Referrer and Entry Page URLs
Display of Visitor History
Customization and Branding
Sound & Visual Alerts
WebCam Support
LiveZilla Desktop Client for Windows®
User Rights
File Transfers / File Management
LiveZilla Server-Admin for Windows®
Minimum Server Requirements
Global Canned Messages
Backup System
API
Multi Language Support


LiveZilla GeoTracking
LiveZilla is able to resolute the Geo Location (based on IP-to-location) for the visitors on your website. See the visitors Hometown, the regarding Region and the Country. Each visitor is displayed on a zoomable World Map (powered by Google Maps®). The visitors you are currently chatting with will be highlighted.
http://www.livezilla.net/features/images/lz_geo.gif

How it works.
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j119/dhrandy/Untitled-1-18.jpg


Livezilla Site (http://www.livezilla.net/home/)
Download Page (http://www.livezilla.net/downloads/)

[chrisaroz]

So, the premise here is that everyone either has some sort of IM setup or is willing to add one to chat with my company.
I was thinking in terms of a 'program' that did not require a permanent installation.
However, I am open to all suggestions.
What do you perceive as the benefit of the IM approach?

Sorry, I don't guess I explained it very well, and I didn't include a link for you to look at either.

YOU install Digsby on YOUR computer. You then add a small line of HTML code to your website. When a visitor goes to your support page, they see a chat window embedded on the page that they can use to talk to you. They don't need to download or install anything (except maybe flash).

This will show you what it looks like, and let you create the code:
http://widget.digsby.com/

Not as refined as a full fledged support chat that you pay for, but it does the job.

[allanc]

I'm not sure where you see "no hosting". You do install the software on your server. Everything you need is in the download.
From the home page:
'From the home page
'No Hosting
Hosting means loss of control about your sensitive business and customer information. Hosting also means permanent payments you can avoid. LiveZilla runs on your own Server - No payments and 100% Data Security'

I assume that I have to speak to my WEB Hosting company to make sure that php and MySql are running and also to install the application?

[allanc]

Sorry, I don't guess I explained it very well, and I didn't include a link for you to look at either.

YOU install Digsby on YOUR computer. You then add a small line of HTML code to your website. When a visitor goes to your support page, they see a chat window embedded on the page that they can use to talk to you. They don't need to download or install anything (except maybe flash).

This will show you what it looks like, and let you create the code:
http://widget.digsby.com/

Not as refined as a full fledged support chat that you pay for, but it does the job.
Putting my cynical hat on now :o ...
Are Digsby and LiveZilla in the public domain or are Email addresses being harvested, or ...?
cynical hat off

[chrisaroz]

That's a great question, and one I can't answer. You would probably want to email Digsby or scour their terms to find out. I know that when you install their desktop software there are about 5 "offers" you have to reject... I still use and recommend them though.

[dhrandy]

Putting my cynical hat on now :o ...
Are Digsby and LiveZilla in the public domain or are Email addresses being harvested, or ...?
cynical hat off
I don't even believe I've received any emails from Livezilla.

From the home page:
'From the home page
'No Hosting
Hosting means loss of control about your sensitive business and customer information. Hosting also means permanent payments you can avoid. LiveZilla runs on your own Server - No payments and 100% Data Security'

I assume that I have to speak to my WEB Hosting company to make sure that php and MySql are running and also to install the application?

That means you host it yourself. They don't host it on their on servers.

[allanc]

That means you host it yourself. They don't host it on their on servers.
I will have to speak to the dreaded ISP about them hosting the s/w.
Tks.

[allanc]

That's a great question, and one I can't answer. You would probably want to email Digsby or scour their terms to find out. I know that when you install their desktop software there are about 5 "offers" you have to reject... I still use and recommend them though.
I have to admit that is tempting to not have to deal with the ISP in order to install software on their WEB server.
Is it the graphics on the client side that are somewhat 'unprofessional' looking?

[chrisaroz]

Here are some screenshots of what it looks like when they first get on your page, and then while in chat.

[allanc]

Here are some screenshots of what it looks like when they first get on your page, and then while in chat.
Thank you.
I appreciate your help.

[Instant Housecall - Corey]

In terms of free services, LiveZilla seems to be the popular with my customers, but the customers who use LivePerson swear by it (thought they tend to be larger).

Crafty Syntax, while not as polished as LiveZilla (IMHO), is also quite popular.

[chrisaroz]

As I was browsing my webhosts installable scripts today, I ran across this:
http://www.helpcenterlive.com/
May be exactly what you need.

[allanc]

I don't even believe I've received any emails from Livezilla.



That means you host it yourself. They don't host it on their on servers.
I am trying to get LiveZilla to work and I cannot log onto my server.
I have tried to get support from their forums with not too much success.
Do you know of any other site to get support?
TIA.

[allanc]

As I was browsing my webhosts installable scripts today, I ran across this:
http://www.helpcenterlive.com/
May be exactly what you need.
The support for this one looks sketchy.

[dhrandy]

I am trying to get LiveZilla to work and I cannot log onto my server.
I have tried to get support from their forums with not too much success.
Do you know of any other site to get support?
TIA.
I'm not sure. I never had any problems with it.

[allanc]

I'm not sure. I never had any problems with it.
I resolve all installation issues at about 2 am this morning.
I am now trying to find documentation on how to implement the 'canned resources'.
Do you know where I can find this?
TIA.

[chrisaroz]

The support for this one looks sketchy.

Well, it is open-source and free. ;)

[dhrandy]

I resolve all installation issues at about 2 am this morning.
I am now trying to find documentation on how to implement the 'canned resources'.
Do you know where I can find this?
TIA.
You just click "Canned Resources" in the top of your chat window and start adding canned messages.

A smart and mighty resource managament makes LiveZilla Live Support very efficient. Store answers to common questions as well as files to respond to needs of your visitors. Every resource can be drag and dropped in the chatfield of the regarding receiver. Questions have never been answered that fast!

Resources can be organzied hierarchically for easy access.
To increase the legibility full HTML formatting is possible with the integrated HTML-Editor.
http://www.livezilla.net/features/images/lz_resource_management_1.gif

http://www.livezilla.net/features/images/lz_resource_management_2.gif

Source (http://www.livezilla.net/features/#lz_resman)

[allanc]

You just click "Canned Resources" in the top of your chat window and start adding canned messages.
Thank you.
I have done some searching at the site and have finally found the environmental variables that you can use.
It is a struggle with the lack of manual and/or online help.

[allanc]

You just click "Canned Resources" in the top of your chat window and start adding canned messages.
By any chance, do you know how to change the ICON on your WEB sites chat page (not the page that pops up when the user clicks)?
TIA.

[dhrandy]

Are you talking about the chat live icon?

If so, 1. open up your Livezilla Server Admin page.
2. Go to link generator at the bottom.
3. Click next until the link generator page comes up.
4. Click on graphic chat button.
5. Click change images.

From there you can select and add new images.

[allanc]

Are you talking about the chat live icon?

If so, 1. open up your Livezilla Server Admin page.
2. Go to link generator at the bottom.
3. Click next until the link generator page comes up.
4. Click on graphic chat button.
5. Click change images.

From there you can select and add new images.

Perfect.
Thank you.

[Contra]

wow Livezilla is great, thanks for the tip