Connection FAQ's

What do I need to chat?

To chat you need to have internet access and a program called an IRC chat client. Several IRC chat client programs are available for download from the World Wide Web. For PC computers the most popular programs are mIRC and Pirch as well as Microsoft Chat which is freeware. MAC users can use the program Ircle. ScoutLink also has a Java based Webchat on their website, which you can use.

The person who made the mIRC software has given permission to use mIRC on ScoutLink. This is one reason you will find that most ScoutLink chatters use mIRC.

NOTES: If you believe you'll need help learning how to use some of the features of your chat client, you'll find many chatters willing to help you. And most of these helpful folks use (and understand) mIRC.

If you are using Microsoft Chat, make sure you select Text mode on the toolbar. If you use Comic mode, chatters using different software can't see the comic characters. Instead, they may see a long code in front of all your speech.

How to get started

Go to the link for the chat program you are going to use and download the program file. Write down the folder or directory on your hard drive where the program is being saved, example: C:\windows\temp so that you can find it afterwards.
Read all help material and print it out. Following the directions on the page for the program, install it and set it up.
You will need to choose a nickname or two to use when you chat, your first choice may be already taken. Please see FAQ's for New Chatters which describes the nickname registration process.

OK I've gotten that far how to do I find chat?

Connect to your internet service.
Start the IRC program, such as mIRC.
Connect to a ScoutLink server by using your IRC program. There is a list of servers on the ScoutLink website.
Type in the one line box at the bottom of the screen the command:
/join #trefoil