The first thing you'll need to chat on IRC is a working internet connection that supports it. The next thing you'll need is the right kind of software, or "client" in order to connect with IRC servers. Once you've installed your software, a process that will vary between software and computers, you will need to configure it - which is similar between different clients.

Perhaps you prefer to look at what software is available on the Web for IRC.

Most IRC clients are very similar in their general look and feel. Essentially, there's a small rectangle that you type what you want to say in, and when you press the "enter" key, it gets sent into the "channel" or "room" you're chatting in, for everyone else to see. This happens in a window where the messages of others appear along with your own. There is usually a list of who is in the channel with you to the right of the main window.

Here's a screenshot of an mIRC session:

There are a variety of computer systems being used on the internet, and most have IRC clients written for them, including:

Windows 3.1x
Windows 95
Macintosh
OS/2
Amiga
UNIX

As many of you are on one of the Windows or Mac platorms, you should know about the TUCOWS software distribution site. For a little more depth on theMacintosh-side of internet communications, the Mac Orchard is also a good resource.

Finally, if you are using American Online, there is some additional info you need to consider as you choose your software.

Windows 3.1x:

mIRC - This and it's 32-bit cousin are arguably the most popular if not the "best" of the Windows IRC clients (and I believe it to be the best!). Not only does mIRC have a clean, straight-forward feel to it, pre-configured with some of the most popular servers, including those with #osho, but offers tremendous power to those who spend a little time with it. The other nice thing about mIRC is that it is so popular, it has a very strong and intelligent user community, many of whom are happy to share their knowledge. *Recommended*

WS IRC - This was my first IRC client when I got started out on the net with Windows 3.1x. While it was really easy to install and setup, I found it somewhat lacking once I tried out mIRC. You be the judge.

Pirch - (Also in 32-bit version.) From what I hear, and from my own experience, Pirch is a very full-featured IRC client that is comparable to mIRC in form and function...although I think Pirch might look a bit "prettier." I welcome Pirch in that it will compete with mIRC and both will be better programs as a result. But I will also unabashedly champion mIRC over Pirch because I like it more. Nonetheless, you will be more than well-equipped to join us on #osho using Pirch.

Windows 95:

Global Chat - Global Chat by Quarterdeck is an IRC client that was specifically designed to integrate with one's web browser, and has the capability to connect with servers based on links from web pages. It has a very sleek and unobtrusive appearance, and is better suited for beginners who wish to use the world wide web as a gateway to IRC. It does not have some of the goodies that Pirch and mIRC have, and thus some of the "fun" we have on #osho is unavailable to the Global Chat user. But, it's a fun tool to have in one's arsenal of IRC clients (who says you can only use just one??).

mIRC - If you're running Windows 95, then the 32-bit version of mIRC is highly recommended because along with all the groovy things I mentioned about its 16-bit Win3.1x cousin above, it also comes with the MLINK32 utility that allows mIRC to be connected to specific servers and channels via links on web pages, just like Global Chat. *Recommended*

OrbitIRC - This software looks very intriguing. Quoting TUCOWS: Gives a user easy Point-and-Click control over all aspects of an IRC It has a unique interface where there are no windows hiding other windows - everything is in the open for you to monitor your IRC session. It's a fresh look at a great internet pasttime - IRC!

fIRC96 - Quoting TUCOWS: A new beta IRC client. Simple to use for the beginner, but advanced users may find it lacking.

MS ComicChat - Quoting TUCOWS: Comic Chat is a new kind of graphical chat program, developed at Microsoft. As users type text into Comic Chat, a comic strip unfolds showing the various participants in the conversation as comics characters, and their utterances in word balloons.

Pirch 95 - As I have only used the 16-bit (Win 3.1x) version of Pirch, I don't know if the Win 95 version has any added functionality, but I would assume that it does. Pirch comes highly recommended, (but less highly than mIRC hehehe), so check it out and make up your own mind.

VIRC - Quoting TUCOWS again: VIRC is a new concept in IRC. Soon, this program will be totally integrated with the Win95 Shell and you'll be able to drag files from the Explorer onto a nick to DCC send them the file, and you'll be able to drag IRC servers onto the desktop for rapid connection to IRC.

Macintosh:

Global Chat for Macintosh - I would assume that this would be comparable to its Windows counterpart, but cannot vouch for it personally.

IRCle - According to TUCOWS: One of the best IRC chat clients, good instructions.

MacIRC - Very popular new IRC client for the Mac the is being inensely developed.

ichat - Web browser integrated chat client for IRC and dedicated ichat servers. Also Win3.1 and Win95 versions.

OS/2:

IRC/2 - Internet Relay Chat for OS/2 is a 32-bit "Ready for OS/2 Warp" shareware program that allows you to connect to Internet Relay Chat (IRC).

Amiga:

IRC Chat 2.4 - Shareware IRC client for the Amiga - I have no idea how good it is.

Grape Vine - Another IRC client for the Amiga, which has at least one support page and out there.

UNIX:

IRCii - UNIX shell access IRC client.

sirc - is an IRC client for Unix programmed and programmable in perl.

Zircon - an X11 client for IRC.

Once you've obtained and installed your software, you will need to configure it before connecting. This process is similar no matter what software/computer you are using.

Configuration Instructions:

1. Real Name : Your real name (well, you don't really have to--as there are IRC commands that will reveal the info you insert here, please act accordingly).
2. E-Mail : Your email address.
3. Nick Name : The name you want people to know you as in IRC. Most of the denizens of #osho use their sannyas names.
4. Alternate : An alternate nickname in case somebody else is already using yours.
5. Local Host Info : Please leave this blank as the client will usually fill this up for you.
6. Server : This is the name of the IRC server you are connecting to. Some IRC clients already come with a list of IRC servers for you to choose from. The next section of this article focuses on the servers that carry the #osho channel.
7. Port : Each server will "talk" to you on a particular Port Number. Most IRC servers use port 6667. The Undernet servers that carry #osho all use this port number.

Next up...IRC networks and IRC servers.