There be IRC programmes (also called "applications" or "clients") for just about any operating system. In most cases they're freeware or shareware, and may be downloaded and used immediately for no charge.

Here is a chart of the most popular IRC clients among their ilk:

OS	CLIENT NAME	GET IT AT:
Windows	mIRC
Windows	Pirch
MacIntosh	IRCle
MacIntosh	MacIRC
UNIX	BitchX
BeOS	Baxter

Those on UNIX shell accounts don't need special software to access IRC. They have IRC-II at the command line.

You have two ways to log on:

1. Simply type irc and hit ENTER. Your ISP will log you to a predetermined server, from which you may change to the one you want. By default, your account login will also be your nickname, unless you hit "illegal name" (which occurs when someone on the network already has that nick), in which you will be prompted to type in a new one before the server accepts you.

2. Type a command that both specifies your nick and choice of server:
   irc  [nickname]  [servername:port]
   

   Then hit ENTER.
   ( Naming just the server without a
   ":port" lands you on the default 6667 )

When you're done, just hit /exit or /signoff to leave IRC.

There's a config file you can keep in your home directory called .ircrc. In it, you can establish some shortcut keys and your nick (as well as fancy kicks etc).

Captain Blood Recommends...     This is the ultimate book about IRC. It was written from the point of view of a UNIX user, and is invaluable for shell account setup and scripting. Explanation of commands, how IRC works, and cyberspace society make this a great book for mIRC, etc users as well. THIS BOOK RULES!

Contents © D. DAVID