There are a number of IRC (Internet Relay Chat) client software packages you can use to gain access
to IRC. Two of the main clients used today are "Pirch" and "mIRC". I happen
to prefer "Pirch" but it is really a matter of choice for the user. Being I
use "Pirch" this page will be dedicated to the use of "Pirch". If you prefer
using "mIRC", may I suggest visiting Dragon's Page for some Great! tips on setting that software up. IRC is simply a means of communicating in real time over the Internet. No matter if you decide on using "Pirch" or "mIRC", these software packages will provide you with a window that offers a command line to type messages that can be seen by other users in a channle. As you type your message and press the ENTER key, the other users can see that message. For those of you that are familiar with AOL (America Online) or have heard of it, IRC offers a smililar envirment for chatting.
This is a very good question. One reason for using IRC is that it is FREE unlike AOL or other communication software packages.
The only thing that is needed to use IRC is an Internet connection and the IRC client software. "Pirch" or "mIRC". After you have established an Internet connection and downloaded your IRC software, your set. There are countless reasons for using IRC but some of them are getting support for your computer problems, chatting with old friends and family that might be across the United States or perhaps across the world! You can meet some fantastic people on IRC that will form a great friendship. On my "IRC Channels" page, I have given you information on the two channels that I visit. In the event you have not figured it out our or have not read yet, I am known as Eagle_Wings on IRC. That is my "nickname" that I use. A "nickname" is used on IRC much like a handle is used on "CB" radio. Some of the other reasons for using IRC is not only communicating by means of sending messages but you can also send files just as you may do with email. The only difference is that the other person starts receiving the file the moment that you send it. So in saying this, if you need to explain something about the file you have the capability of doing it in real time. In other words you don't have to assume that the person getting the file will understand what you are trying to convey to them. You can make sure at the time you send the file that all is understood. These are only some of the many reasons that you will find IRC a handy means of communicating.
Ok, So I Know What IRC Is..Where Do I Go From Here?
As I said at the begining of this page, all that is needed to use IRC is an Internet connection. Being you are reading this right now one can assume that you already have an Internet connection. The next step is downloading your IRC client (software). As I said, I prefer "Pirch" over "mIRC" but it is a matter of choice for the user. I have provided links for both "Pirch" and "mIRC" download sites in the "DOWNLOAD" section of this page. This page is not intended as a setup tutorial but simply a brief description of what IRC is and the benefits of using it. So in saying that I will add that you can find information on setting up both "Pirch" and "mIRC" on their respective download sites. After you have downloaded and setup your IRC software, Please visit the channels that I have provided on my "IRC Channels" page. You can meet some fantastic people in those channels. On my "IRC Channels" page, I have provided graphics that will show you how you need to setup "Pirch" in order to visit both channels. Please understand that setting up your IRC software is NOT! a hard task or one that you should be affraid of. In fact after downloading your software and installing it, it is possible to be chatting in a matter of moments so please do not assume that just because I have not offerd indepth information on setting the software up that you should expect to be a whiz at computers, I simply did not have the time to go into setting up and cofiguring the software. Both "Pirch" and "mIRC" are pretty much setup for you as far as being able to connect at the time of installation. I will also add that it is possible by means of customizing each one of these software packages, you will have the benifit of being able to talk not only pubicly in channels but also in private one on one conversations with other users. This comes in very handy if you trying to help another user with a computer problem or discussing something that the rest of the people in the channel would not be interested in. As my friends know on IRC another one of the things I enjoy about IRC is the capablity of being able to play sounds in the form of "midi" or "wav" files. With my love of music, I have over 3000 midi files that I enjoy playing and sharing with my IRC friends. It is possible to play these files for all to hear in the channel while you are enjoying chatting. Well, whether you are new at IRC or thinking about getting started, I hope that this page has offerd some helpful information on what IRC is and how you can enjoy it. Have FUN!! and I hope to see you in either "Oldlay's" or "Dragon's" channel. Again, I offer information on how to access both of these channels on my "IRC Channels" page.
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