I searched the forums to see if there are any active IRC channels out there, but all I've found was some old outdated threads containing servers and channels that no longer exist. I am a huge IRC nut myself, so I went ahead and created the channel #alganon on Stratics. I mostly hang out on Quakenet myself, but I understand that quite some people have their issues with this network. It's also not the most stable one. Anyway, here are the details:
Channel: #alganon (use /join #alganon to join the channel after you connected to a server, see below)
Network: irc.stratics.com (use /server irc.stratics.com to connect)
You can also pick one of these servers directly. It does not matter which one you pick as they are all connect anyway.
- stratics.frws.com - USA - Colorado
- irc.glowfish.de - EU - Germany
- irc.gamers-irc.org - USA - Colorado
- irc.us.glowfish.de - USA - St. Louis
The guys and gals at Stratics have lots of information how to connect to IRC, register nicks and channels, so I'll just take the most important parts from them and provide links for more information on their site.
Before starting you should decide whether you'd like to install a client (like mIRC, but there are so many others... X-Chat, Trillian, etc.) or use one of the many Java IRC applications in your browser. If you plan to use IRC on a regular basis, go and grab a client. More information here.
Secure your nickname: Registering a nick is easy. Pick one using /nick NewNick. Type the command /ns register passwordhere your.email@theserver.com (insert your information there for password and mail address). You are now registered.
To identify yourself on the network type /ns identify passwordhere.
You can do that automatically by using perform. Stratics has more details how to that as well.
General note on IRC for people not familiar with it: People often hang out on IRC channels just like they are connected to a Instant Messenger, thus not everyone may be able or willing to reply within seconds. Hang in there, stay connected and eventually conversations will pick up.
Anyway, that's it for now. Hope to see you guys on IRC.
Last but not least: If I've missed information about an existing channel, please let me know. I'll edit the thread then. :-) I am also not sure if this is the best category for the thread. So Mods, please feel free to move it around as you see fit.
