Tutorials

VoxCom is a secure team communication platform designed for businesses and organizations. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to get started, from installing the server to managing channels and communicating with your team.

 

1. Understanding VoxCom

VoxCom consists of two applications:

VoxCom Server: The central hub that manages all communications, users, and channels. Install this on a Mac that will act as your team's communication server.

VoxCom Client: The application team members use to connect to the server, send messages, make calls, and collaborate.

Key Features:

- End-to-end encryption for secure communication

- Channel-based organization

- Direct messaging between team members

- File and image sharing

- User roles and permissions

- Message history and search

 

2. Installing VoxCom Server

Step 1: Choose Your Server Mac

Select a Mac computer that will run as your server. This should be:

- A Mac that stays powered on during work hours

- Connected to your local network

- Has a stable network connection

- Runs macOS 14 or later

Step 2: Download and Install

1. Download VoxCom Server from the Mac App Store or your distribution source

2. Drag the application to your Applications folder

3. Launch VoxCom Server

Step 3: First Launch

When you first launch VoxCom Server, you'll see a welcome screen. The server will automatically:

- Generate encryption keys for secure communication

- Create a default "general" channel

- Start listening for client connections

 

3. Setting Up Your First Server

Step 1: Configure Server Settings

1. Click the VoxCom Server icon in your menu bar

2. Select "Settings" from the dropdown menu

3. Configure the following:

   Server Name: Give your server a friendly name (e.g., "Acme Corp Communications")

   Port: The default port is 45678. Only change this if you have conflicts

   Max Users: Set the maximum number of simultaneous connections

   Launch at Login: Enable this to start the server automatically when your Mac boots

Step 2: Create the Admin Account

By default, there is one admin account automatically created.
Login: admin 
Password: adminVoxCom   (you can change the password after login)

 

Understanding User Roles:

- Admin: Can manage users and channels, but cannot delete the server

- Moderator: Can manage channel content and moderate discussions

- Member: Standard user with access to assigned channels

 

Step 3: Note Your Server IP Address

1. Click the server icon in the menu bar

2. Look for "Server IP" in the status display

3. Write down this IP address - users will need it to connect

4. The format will be something like: 192.168.1.100:45678

 

4. Installing VoxCom Client

For Each Team Member:

1. Download VoxCom from the Mac App Store or your distribution source

2. Install the application on your Mac

3. Launch VoxCom

The client application is compatible with macOS 14 and later.

 

5. Connecting to the Server

Step 1: Launch VoxCom Client

When you first launch VoxCom, you'll see the login screen.

Step 2: Add Your Server

1. Click the "+" button in the server list

2. Enter the following information:

   - Server Name: A friendly name (e.g., "Work Server")

   - Server Address: The IP address from Step 3 of server setup

   - Port: Usually 45678 (unless changed)

3. Click “Add Server”

Step 3: Log In

1. Select your server from the list

2. Enter your username and password

3. Click “Connect”

Tip: Enable "Remember Me" to save your credentials for faster login next time.

 

Step 4: First Connection

After connecting successfully:

- A secure encrypted connection is established

- You'll see the list of channels on the left sidebar

- The "general" channel is selected by default

- You can start sending messages immediately

 

6. Managing Users and Permissions

Adding New Users (Server Side):

As an Admin, you can add users from the server:

1. Click the VoxCom Server icon in the menu bar

2. Select "Users"

3. Click the "+" button

4. Fill in the user details:

   - Username (no spaces, letters and numbers only)

   - Password (minimum 6 characters recommended)

   - Role (Admin, Moderator, or Member)

5. Click "Create User"

6. Share the username and password with the new team member

Managing User Permissions:

To change a user's role:

1. Open the Users window on the server

2. Select the user you want to modify

4. Changes take effect immediately

Removing Users:

1. Select the user in the Users window

2. Click the "-" button

3. Confirm the deletion

4. The user will be immediately disconnected

Best Practices:

- Only assign Admin role to trusted individuals

- Use descriptive usernames that identify team members

- Encourage users to change their password after first login

- Regularly review user permissions

 

7. Creating and Managing Channels

Channels are organized spaces for team discussions. Each channel can have specific members and purposes.

Creating a New Channel:

1. In the VoxCom client, click the "+" button next to "Communication Channels"

2. Enter channel details:

   - Channel Name: Use lowercase, no spaces (e.g., "marketing" or "project-alpha")

   - Description: Brief description of the channel's purpose

   - Type: Choose Public or Private

3. Click “Create Channel”

Channel Types:

- Public Channels: All team members can see and join

- Private Channels: Only invited members can access

Adding Members to a Channel:

1. Right-click on the channel name

2. Select "Channel Settings"

3. Click the "Members" tab

4. Click "Add Members"

5. Select users from the list

6. Click “Add”

Managing Channel Settings:

From the Channel Settings window, you can:

- Change the channel description

- Add or remove members

- Change channel permissions

- Archive or delete the channel

Reordering Channels:

1. Hover over a channel name

2. Click the up or down arrow buttons

3. Channels will rearrange in your preferred order

Note: The "general" channel cannot be deleted or reordered - it's always first.

 

8. Sending Messages and Files

Sending Text Messages:

1. Select a channel from the sidebar

2. Type your message in the text field at the bottom

3. Press Enter or Return to send

4. Use Shift+Enter for line breaks without sending

Sending Images:

1. Click the image icon next to the message field

2. Select an image from your Mac

3. Optional: Crop or adjust the image

4. Add a caption if desired

5. Click “Send”

Tip: You can also drag and drop images directly into the chat window.

Sending Files:

1. Click the paperclip icon next to the message field

2. Select a file from your Mac

3. The file will be uploaded and shared with channel members

4. Recipients can click to download the file

Message Features:

- Emoji Support: Use standard emoji from your keyboard

- Timestamps: Each message shows when it was sent

- Read Receipts: See when messages were delivered

- Message Search: Use the search icon to find past messages

Replying to Messages:

1. Hover over a message

2. Click the reply icon

3. Type your response

4. The original message will be referenced in your reply

Deleting Messages:

1. A trash icon will appear next to messages

2. Select "Delete Message"

3. Confirm the deletion

Note: You can only delete messages if you are a Moderator or Admin.

 

9. Direct Messaging

Send private messages to individual team members outside of channels.

Starting a Direct Message:

Method 1: From Team Members List

1. Click "Team Members" in the toolbar

2. Find the person you want to message

3. Click the message icon next to their name

4. A direct message window will open

Method 2: From Direct Messages List

1. Click "Direct Messages" in the toolbar

2. Click the "+" button to start a new conversation

3. Select a team member from the list

4. Start typing your message

 

10. Advanced Features

User Profile Customization:

1. Click your username in the top-right corner

2. Select "Edit Profile"

3. Customize:

   - Display name

   - Profile picture/avatar

   - Status message

4. Click “Save Changes”

Message History:

VoxCom automatically stores message history:

- Scroll up in any channel to load older messages

- Use the search function to find specific content

- History is encrypted and stored securely

Notifications:

Configure notifications in VoxCom > Settings > Notifications:

- Enable/disable sound alerts

- Choose notification style

- Set quiet hours

- Customize per-channel notifications

Server Logs:

1. Click "Server Logs" in the toolbar

2. View:

   - Connection events

   - User activity

   - Error messages

   - System status

3. Export logs for troubleshooting