Banjo's World

Not too sure about what I’m referring to? Don’t worry about it; you’re not the only one. It’s still relatively unknown to the public. It’s a feature included with the software, ‘iChat’. It’s an instant messaging application developed by Apple.

I see it as a great benefit to the deaf and hard-of-hearing. The purpose of ‘Bonjour’ is to take advantage of the network within a small range like a building where all the computers are networked. Instead of using AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) servers, you use your own server to make your own instant messaging network. It will show all of the people connected to your network on the list.

I’m currently employed at a regional division of a media corporation. Naturally, we use Mac computers. When I started working, I did get to communicate with my co-worker but not on the level that I was hoping for. I went over some ideas on how to eliminate the communication issues from the workplace then that’s where ‘Bonjour’ came in. At first, I wasn’t sure if it was what I was hoping for since I’ve never used it. Once I turned it on and asked a co-worker to turn it on. My face was lit up like a child on Christmas because it was exactly what I was hoping for. My co-worker and everybody else were excited to learn of the feature. Now, everybody use it with each other. Even though they don’t need to, but they do. I’m very fortunate to be in an environment where people are willing to go the extra mile for each other.

Now, I know not everybody work with a Mac computer in his or her offices. There are applications for the PC that uses the same concept. I believe the concept is known as ‘Zero Configuration Network’ or ‘Zeroconf’ for short. There’s one PC freeware named ‘Hamachi’. This is available for downloads on all platforms including Linux and OS X which would be a great benefit to workplaces with both Mac and PC computers.

I hope this will be a big help to some readers of mine, especially these who work with a reasonable number of co-workers in the same room. I would know because I benefited from it in a big way.

Au revoir!