Anyone ever used DimDim?

[KMyers]

I have a site that I designed and run that is basically for a non-profit group for people who work at home. We have people who live all over the USA. Currently we use a piece of remotely hosted software called Centra. Unfortunately this piece of software is quite expensive and I have been footing the bill.

I ran accross a piece of software called DimDim(.com). They are more affordable, but they also have a freeware (Open Source) version that runs on CentOS(Used by HostMonster), It would greatly reduce costs.

It is a simple Web Conferenceing application that will suit our needs perfectly (If I can install it to my hostmonster account)

[shadmego]

I've used Centra with my university as a regular user. It loads very slowly on my machine, but has a lot of features that seem good to me at least. I think the most benefit for these programs is the admin sections, and I've not played with any of these so I can't really say one way or another.

I think your best bet would be to try and install DimDim in a subdomain for testing and if you like it, then move it to your permanent location.

I think I might install a test version of the program to see what it's all about .... like I need more things to do ;)

[KMyers]

Well Centra is a great product and the company I actually work for uses it on a very extensive basis

The Non Profit group I help with would like something cheaper. If you get around to trying it please tell me. Like you I have alot on my plate

[shadmego]

I doubt DimDim will be able to install on HM servers. Here is what I've found out:

DimDim requires the use of Java Runtime Environment 5.0, which HM does not have installed. I inquired as to the possibility of installing it in my own account and they frowned on that. "We can run Java Scripts (not javascript, Java Scripts), but that's about the extent of it." was the response I got from support. I tend to agree with them as the JRE seems to get a lot of attention from hackers.

After thinking about this some more, trying to find a way around the requirement, I also started thinking this software would not be very good in a hosting environment such as HM, where servers are shared. Web Conferencing programs, it seems to me, would take up a huge amount of bandwidth and system resources (system resources here being the major concern). I think you would want this program installed on a dedicated server, where you can control the ports and have more control over the resources than you do at HM.

Possible solutions:

Install DimDim on a local server, giving this server limited access to a predefined port number. Create a subdomain on your HM account and forward all traffic to the server with DimDim installed. This is more expensive as it would cost at least the amount of a new server, and possibly a firewall to protect the local network the server is on.

Another possible solution would be to get a hosted solution through DimDim itself. They offer free hosted solutions to people that can't, or won't, install the software on their own servers.

I might try to set this up on my personal server. If I do, I'll shoot you a pm so you can test it out.

~regards

[KMyers]

Thanks, I was going to give it a shot on my home system. I do understand why JRE is going to be a problem (Aisde from the security issues) it can be a resource hog.