Chat generally refers to real-time communication with others. This may take the
form of a group of people in a chatroom or could be a conversation between two
people. The communication may be text only or could involve audio or even video.
We have planned this exercise to be a real time chat experience. We ask that you
sign up for one field trip (You can join us for every session if you are so
inclined).
If you are unable to attend one of the chat experiences, please email Robin for
an alternate assignment.
Internet Relay Chat is real time communication with other Internet users from
all over the world. The Internet comes alive on IRC.
Tjerk Vonck, webmaster of the extensive mIRC website says it best:
" Sure, the Web is nice for finding info and E-mail beats snailmail hands
down, but when you've been wondering 'where the others are?', then IRC is what
you're looking for.
IRC is the net's equivalent of CB radio. But unlike CB, Internet Relay Chat lets
people all over the world participate in real-time conversations. IRC is where
the Net comes alive! "
During this tour we give you some background on IRC, and you will have the
opportunity to try some of the features/commands.
While IRC is a great experience, it is the most complicated as commands are
involved. Also, it needs to be mentioned that the content of CHAT out on the
Internet is NOT always "g" rated (ours will be, of course).....so
depending where you go, you may not like what you see. There ARE choices :)
There are many, many, fun, family channels and subject oriented chats for you to
participate in and explore (help channels, newbie channels etc).
In this "tour" we will go to the Efnet IRC Network
and we will have our own channel.....it will be called #385Tour......after our chat, you are
certainly free to go off on your own and explore, and even log on to other
networks. This will probably take no more than an hour.....probably less :)
Please be comfortable, and realize that unwelcome, disruptive visitors to our
chat will be kicked and banned as this is a learning experience for you, our
students.
 We do recommend mIRC as the chat client for the PC....it is very well done, has
an easy user interface, and is shareware. That means you can "try before
you buy"......The author has done a great job on this client, and if you decide
to keep it and become an IRC regular, it's well worth the small amount he
charges to register the program.
If you decide not to register, you simply
remove it from your system, and owe NOTHING. So, you can
download it for the
class, use it, and then uninstall it and delete.
If you have a 16 bit operating system like Windows 3.X, you will need to select
the 16 bit mIRC program. MIRC591S.EXE
If you have Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/NT, please get the 32 bit version. MIRC603.EXE
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 Ircle is suggested for the MAC. This is also a shareware program, and can be
used for a 30 day evaluation period. You can find the Ircle download at:
http://www.ircle.com/
Ircle set up instructions with screenshots can be found at:
http://www.ex.ac.uk/~jastaple/irc/irclehelp/config.html
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Here is info to get you started and be prepared for the tour. You will need to
do this ahead of time so that you are ready to go on the evening of the tour.
Please do not wait until 15 minutes before the tour.
Setting Up Your
Software
After you download your IRC software, you must install it on your computer
before you can use it. This is done by RUNNING the executable file. You can do
this easily by double-clicking on that file in Windows Explorer.
EXAMPLE:
If you selected mIRC v6.03 (32 bit) as your IRC client, the executable
file would be MIRC603.EXE.
MIRC591S.EXE is for use with a 16 bit
Winsock. (Windows 3.X)
MIRC603.EXE is for use with a 32 bit Winsock (Windows 95/98/ME/2000/NT)
and for Windows XP
All you need to do is double-click on this file in the Windows Explorer, and
follow prompts on the screen. This will RUN the file and you will be on your
way.
ENTER your identifying information.
Launch the program and select the ICON with the hammer from the menu bar, the
second one from the LEFT. Click on the CONNECT option on the left.
Full name: Put anything here :) (I would suggest NOT using a real name)
E-Mail address: user_name@domain.com
Enter anything in this format. There is no need to enter a real email address.
Please do not enter any passwords. They are NOT necessary.
Select and type in 2 Nicknames.....remember that millions of folks use IRC.
These names have to be unique so you can add characters to them for that purpose
if you like.
Example: charmin``
Charmin ~
When you log on, your second choice might be the one that works.....just take a
look at the top and see which nick is next to Status :)
Next open the IDENTD option:
Please enable the ident server by checking the top block
Fill in a user name...this can be your NICK
and check "enable only when connecting" at the bottom by putting a
check in that that box as well.
For now....we will keep the rest of the setup at the default with the exception
of DCC....this is the feature that allows you to accept files from others on IRC
Open the DCC option.....please set that to IGNORE for now. Please DO NOT set
that to auto accept files. You can always change that setting after you are more
familiar with IRC.
Close that up and you are ready to sign on :)
On Tour Night....
Signing on to the Efnet IRC Network:
Sign on to your ISP..
Launch mIRC....close out the register nag screen :)
If you do not see the CONNECT open (you should), click the hammer icon which is
the second one from the LEFT....Click on the CONNECT option from your left menu.
You want the screen that has your nickname in there.
At the TOP, you will see the IRC servers field.....use the arrow for the drop
down menu and select Efnet.
In the next field use the arrow and select one that MIGHT be close to you or
select random Efnet server......don't worry too much about a close server....I
frequently get shoved to Stockholm :)
We are now ready :)
Press the "CONNECT TO IRC SERVER" button...
This may take a few moments...the screen will scroll by......and you should be
connected to Efnet. You will get a welcome message and the network
will tell you all sorts of info.
The field to type in is at the very bottom of your window and your cursor goes
there automatically...
Next type exactly with the space and # please:
/join #385tour
Hopefully, if all has gone well, we will greet you in our tour channel :)
Please post with any questions :)