Join the new world

If you've never used IRC before, it can prove to be quite a intimidating means of communication. It seems like everybody uses it and everybody is telling you to be there. But what is it? How can I use it? And why is it worth using it?

What is IRC?
IRC is an abbreviation for Internet Relay Chat. It allows users to communicate in real time either in "channels" (sometimes referred to as "rooms&quot😉 or Private Messages. A channel is a place where many people can gather to talk about a specific subject. The name of a channel is prefixed with a hash (😵. An example channel name would be: #hellothere Private messages are a direct conversation between you and one other person. Only the two of you can see what's being said. An IRC Client is simply a program that you use to connect to an IRC Server. An IRC Sever is a server, of course, that handles the IRC communications. IRC Commands are used by the client and server to preform functions and are usually executed once you hit the Enter key in the text box. Commands are usually prefixed with a slash "/" This special character is sometimes referred to as the Command Character

How can I use it?
First off, you'll need an IRC client. Some good ones are mIRC (Windows), Colloquy (Mac), XChat (Windows/Linux), and ChatZilla (available as a FireFox add-on or stand-alone with XULRunner). There are also some browser based alternatives, mainly, Mibbit. Most of these clients will have some form of documentation to get you connected to an IRC Server. I'll be providing you with some generic commands that are pretty common across clients.

Once you're in an IRC Client you need to connect, if you haven't done so already. To connect to Rizon the following command usually works: /server irc.rizon.net Hit enter. Once you are fully connect you may choose a nickname if you haven't been already prompted to do so. Use /nick MyIRCNameHere Where MyIRCNameHere is what you want your nickname to be. Beware, though, some nicknames are already taken!

Now we're ready to join a channel. You can use /join #channel where #channel is the name of the channel. If we wanted to join the United Independents channel we can use: /join #uip Not too hard, see? 😉 How can we talk? Just enter you message and hit enter. Just like a command but without the "/" We have the very basics covered. If you're interested in detail then check this out: http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/irctutorial.html Great tutorial that'll tell you every thing you need to know and more. If you have any further questions, most people will be glad to help you!

If ya wanna quickly hop on the UIP channel at any time without a client just go here: http://qchat.rizon.net/?nick=UIPer..&channels=%23uip&prompt=0 or use this short link: http://tinyurl.com/uip-irc-chat

Why is it worth using IRC?
The biggest benefit is getting to know other people on eRep. Some of my friendships have spawned there. If you have an eRep related question, channels like #eus (or even #usa-chat) will probably be glad to point you in the right direction. Aside from questions, it's just a good all around method to communicate. Often political parties will have meetings that you may want (or have) to be a part of. And last and certainly not least is for fun! I've had some great times on IRC and well... They were great. ^.^

WARNING: IRC might just become your medical marijuana.