Question : What would be the best software for headset/mic communication between two PC:s on same LAN?

My son is often playing games with friends where they are sitting in different rooms, but playing co-op in the same game. The game has ability to send text messages between the computers, but as the boys are to slow on the keyboard they end up shouting to each other accross the house!!! In order to get the sound level down in our house, I was wondering if there exist any small footprint software which could run simultaneously with the computer game and through which they could communicate via headphones with microphones???

Answer : What would be the best software for headset/mic communication between two PC:s on same LAN?

you can also use Teamspeak locally if you wish, you just need to setup the server-side on another system (just to make it easier for you to control/setup), and put the client on their systems - its what most gamers use to communicate online, and doesn't have the licensing issues of Ventrilo.  They are beta testing v3.0, but v2.0 would be ok for your small requirements.  Or you can lease a small connection for say 5 or 10 connections for a few $$ per month from a game server provider.

You could also try out Xfire, it too has basic comms, and also lets your son know when his friends sign in and what game they are playing - http://www.xfire.com/ - again used by 17mill gamers worldwide.

http://www.teamspeak.com/