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Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is one of the oldest and most popular uses for the Internet. IRC allows users to "chat" in near real time with other people from anywhere that can access the Internet. IRC is similar to (but predates) the chat rooms available on AOL and other Service providers. You can think of it as something similar to an old time party line, or a CB radio.
To access IRC you need IRC client software, the most popular ones are mIRC and pIRCh
for PC's (IRCle for Macs). Information on how to get a copy of any
of these programs is located on this site, as well as FAQ's.
Most IRC software is shareware and available for download off the internet in many
places. The person who wrote mIRC gave permission for it's use on
ScoutLink. Therefore you will find that most chatters on the ScoutLink
network use mIRC.
Step #1:
Get yourself an IRC client. Install it on your computer. Most of our chatters use mIRC, and I'm not familiar with the others, so I'll use mIRC all the examples. It is worth noting that the person who wrote mIRC gave permission for it's use on ScoutLink. Therefore you will find that most chatters on the ScoutLink network use mIRC
Step #2:
Setup the IRC software. When you first set up the IRC software, or the first time you chat
(depending on your software), you'll be asked for your nickname. Some of us use our name
or a variation of our name. Others use a camp name or a variation. It is possible that the
name you select/type in is already taken by someone else. If this happens to you, try
adding a number or a character to the nickname you selected. My nickname is
"Galen_" which is another story in itself, someone already had registered
"Galen" so I added the trailing underscore "_". You are usually also asked for your real name and email address. Many people just
put their first name in for "real name".
If the nick you are using is not registered to someone else, you may like to register it. If you are a regular chatter you should go ahead and register it. But for occasional chatting, there is really no need to register a nick.
Step #3:
Connect to the Internet. Yes you have to connect to the internet to access IRC, most
people accomplish this by connecting to their ISP as if they were going to look at a
website, via a web browser. But there are many ways to access the internet, do it however
you normally do. Once you are connected to the internet minimize your web browser,
if you
accessed the web using it.
Step #4:
Start the IRC client you are using.
Step #5:
Connect to a ScoutLink server. Have a look at the ScoutLink
Server list. Select a server located near you and enter the details
into your IRC software to connect to this host. Some advanced clients
managing networks may require the addition of scoutlink as a new IRC
network.
NOTES:
There are several IRC "networks" on the internet. These are groups of computers
that relay the typed messages between themselves and then to the individual users on the
channels on each network. We use the "ScoutLink" network for our chats. If you
connect to a different IRC network you won't find us. Think of it a something like trying
to find oranges on a apple tree. It won't happen, if you want oranges,
you need an orange tree.
If your computer starts beeping at you at this point, or you get a message that says something like "This nickname belongs to someone else..." you inadvertently used a nickname that is either registered to someone else, or is currently in use by someone else. Switch to the Status window (if you're not there already) in mIRC and change your nickname by typing in /NICK WhateverTheNewNicknameIs (replace WhateverTheNewNicknameIs with the new one you choose) try just adding a number 1, 2 (etc) to the one you originally used, that usually works.
Step #6:
Join our channel. To do this type /JOIN #trefoil either in the channel box, or at the
command line in the IRC program you are using.
NOTE: Be sure to start with the
slash, as that tells the network that you are issuing a command (to join
the channel). The # before the name Trefoil is equally important, as
that tells the network you are giving it the name of a channel you want to
chat in.
/join #trefoil
Step #7:
You're there! ask anyone who's there for help if you need it! If you drop in for one of
the scheduled chats you will normally be welcomed by all. You may also be asked to
introduce yourself or someone may ask for a "Roll Call" The normal response to
either of these would be something like this: (nickname) Is (your First Name) from (where
you are from) - Level and Position(s)
Don't be surprised if the introductions come fast and furious. Most of the regulars have their information on a hot key and can send it by typing just a character or three. Some of the regulars have colors and sounds imbedded in their introductions too.