IRC for beginners

This document explains chatting, IRC and what software is best.

Where is Linuxchix IRC?

You will find Linuxchix on the server irc.linuxchix.org. The main channel is called #linuxchix (don't forget the # -- that's part of the name).

With some software (konqueror, chatzilla, mirc) you might be able to use this shortcut:
irc://irc.linuxchix.org/linuxchix

If this is your first time in IRC, you might want to join the beginner channel first (/join #beginner).

What is Chatting?

Real time, text-based communication; once you connect to irc.linuxchix.org and a channel, you are talking with other Linuxchix, from around the world.

Why Chat?

• Fun: although most channels have a chosen topic, these are friendly gatherings -- fun as well as informative.
• Staying in Touch : Linuxchix has special features, such as ChanServ, NickServ, and MemoServ, which allows you to leave memos for your friends, even if you don't know their email address or phone number.
• Trading Files : you can send and receive files using DCC, such as sound files, and pictures. This is more common in Windows irc servers than in Linux-oriented channels, but some people do use DCC for direct file transfer.

What is IRC?

IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat, which is text-based and immediate. You join a channel, then read and type messages to a group of people within that channel. IRC is installed on servers all over the world. Linuxchix has a server, irc.linuxchix.org.

Most IRC programs (clients) have a built-in list of servers you can connect to. Linuxchix will probably not be listed, so you'll need to add it. Linuxchix as the name, irc.linuxchix.org as the server. No passwords are required. Join the beginner channel (/join #beginner) if this is your first time using IRC.

If you use multi-protocol software such as Pidgin (formerly known as Gaim), you'll be able to use IRC and IMs in a single interface.

What Software is Best?

Depending on your operating system, you have lots of choices. For a complete listing, see IRC Client List: http://www.ircreviews.org/clients/

Linux/BSD

Best known is xchat, and here's a primer on how to use xchat to connect to our IRC network.
But there are many other good programs. Here are a few of them, divided into graphical (X, or X-windows) and terminal (term, or text-only) clients:

• X: The Aussie Linuxchix have a nice guide to installing and using Pidgin: http://www.pidgin.im/, at http://au.linuxchix.org/IRC. Pidgin is ported to Linux, BSD, MacOS X, and Windows. It can also be used with many IM protocols.
• X: xchat: Up-to-date and Open Source, of course! http://www.xchat.org/. Also available for Windows.
• X: Konversation: part of the KDE desktop, at least in Kubuntu: http://konversation.kde.org/
• X: Gaim (now renamed to Pidgin), the instant messaging program, can also speak IRC. More information at http://www.pidgin.im/
• Term: ircII is the grand-daddy IRC client. It is part of most Linux distributions, and most other text-based IRC clients are derived from it: http://www.eterna.com.au/ircii/. See http://tldp.org/HOWTO/IRC/beginners.html for some help getting started.
• Term: irssi is the most popular terminal IRC client: http://www.irssi.org/

Mac

IRCle seems to dominate the pre-OS-X market, but there is more choice in the newer Mac programs.

• IRCle: for all older (pre-OS-X) Macs: http://www.ircle.com/.
• Snak: the most popular choice for OS-X; supports multiple servers: http://www.snak.com/.
• A new OSX client, Colloquy handles IRC and some other protocols: http://colloquy.info/

Windows

The most widely used is mIRC, but if you also use IM, you might like Trillian or GAIM/Pidgin, which do both.

• mIRC is what most Windows users start and stay with. http://mirc.com/ has basic information about IRC, along with messages boards for special topics.
• Trillian: http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/. Trillian allows you to connect to IRC, IM & Yahoo Messenger all at the same time, but does have a trimmed-down IRC functionality.

If you are still using Windows, but intend to learn to use open source programs and perhaps even Linux or other Unix-based operating system, you might consider using X-chat or Pidgin in Windows. Your IRC client will still seem familiar to you after the move.