# PeerSpeak — how to install and join a call (Windows)

PeerSpeak is a little voice-chat app — like a private phone call over the
internet, with no account, no signup, and no company in the middle. You install
it once, then you and I connect directly to each other.

---

## 1. Install it

1. Double-click **`peerspeak-<version>-setup.exe`** (the file I sent you).

2. **Windows will probably show a blue "Windows protected your PC" warning.**
   This is normal — it shows up for any app that isn't from a big company with a
   paid certificate. It is **not** a virus warning.
   - Click **More info**
   - Then click **Run anyway**

3. Windows will ask *"Do you want to allow this app to make changes?"* — click
   **Yes**.

4. The setup window opens. Just keep clicking **Next**. Two checkboxes you'll
   see along the way:
   - **"Allow PeerSpeak through Windows Firewall"** — leave this **checked**
     (it lets the call connect without interruptions).
   - **"Create a desktop shortcut"** — check it if you'd like an icon on your
     desktop.

5. Click **Install**, then **Finish**. PeerSpeak opens.

That's it — it's installed. You can find it again any time from the **Start
menu** (search "PeerSpeak").

---

## 2. Get on a call with me

PeerSpeak connects two people using a **room ticket** — a long code that acts
like a one-time phone number for a specific call.

**The simple way (I host):**

1. I'll create a room and send you a **ticket** (a long jumble of letters and
   numbers).
2. Copy the whole ticket I sent you.
3. In PeerSpeak, paste it into the **"Join Room"** box near the bottom and press
   **Join**.
4. You're in — you should see both our names listed, and we can talk.

**If you want to host instead:**

1. Type a room name and click **Create New Room**.
2. PeerSpeak gives you a **ticket** — click **Copy Ticket** and send it to me.
3. I paste it on my end and join you.

Either way works the same; it just depends on who makes the room.

---

## 3. While you're on a call

- **Your microphone** is on by default. There's a **mute** button if you need
  it.
- The first time, Windows might ask for permission to use your **microphone** —
  click **Yes / Allow**.
- If you can't hear me or I can't hear you, open **Settings** (top right) and
  check that the right **microphone** and **speakers/headphones** are selected.
- To hang up, click **Leave Room**.

---

## 4. Chatting and sharing photos/files

There's a **text chat** box at the bottom of the call window — type a message
and press **Enter** to send it to everyone in the room.

You can also **send a photo or a file**:

1. Click the **attach button** (the small paperclip-style button) next to the
   message box.
2. Pick a photo or file from your computer.
3. It sends to everyone in the room. **Photos show up right in the chat**;
   other files appear as a small download chip with the file's name.

To **save** a file someone sent you, click the **Save** (or **Download**)
button next to it in the chat and choose where to put it.

A couple of notes:
- There's a size limit of about **25 MB** per file — bigger files are turned
  away with a message.
- Shared files only last for the **current call**. They aren't saved anywhere
  automatically, so save anything you want to keep before you leave the room.

---

## Troubleshooting

- **"I don't hear anything."** Open Settings and pick the correct microphone and
  output device. Headphones are best — they prevent echo.
- **"It won't connect."** Make sure you pasted the *entire* ticket (they're
  long and easy to cut off). If it still won't connect, we may just need a fresh
  ticket — they're meant to be used right away. Also make sure we're both on the
  **same version** — if I've sent you an updated installer, install it (an old
  version and a new one can't connect to each other).
- **The blue warning again.** Same as install: **More info → Run anyway**. It's
  the unsigned-app warning, not malware.

Any trouble, just message me and we'll sort it out.
