PHiNET is a multi-user chat server that allows users to chat in a controlled environment, while giving access to simple commands to manage their session. The server runs under a 9x/NT based environment and accepts connections from any standard telnet client. The advantage of using the telnet protocol, (other than ease of use) is that a majority of operating systems with TCP/IP support have access to some kind of telnet client, meaning that the client base is potentially larger than even ICQ.

The program includes a host of options for customization. Everything from what port the server runs on, what commands the users have access to, and the color of the window text.

When a user logs in they are presented with a customizable logo (A majority of connection messages are fully customizable) they then have access to a host of commands (IRC style) for general chat.