IRC seems very complicated in the beginning - networks and servers, channels and commands... Its like learning to drive all over again! But just like driving a car, navigating IRC is all common sense - and with a little practice you will be racing around IRC like a pro in no time at all.

First of all, you need a "client". A browser connects you to the web, a client connects you to IRC. In order to join IRC channels, the first thing you need to do is select an appropriate IRC client. No matter what operating system you use, you will have several IRC clients to select from. Most are free or available as nominally priced shareware or adware. Our IRC client list will give you an overview of the clients available, and recommend what we feel are the best in each category, so you can download a copy to install and run on your computer.