How to Use mIRC Chat

mIRC is a lightweight Internet Relay Chat client for Windows. mIRC can be downloaded free. You can use the software for evaluation purposes for 30 days before you must pay to register it. This ad-free chat client has many useful features, such as message logs and buddy lists. It also has the ability to send and receive files and to use scripts to automate IRC commands. You can use this program to join existing chat channels, including channels that provide help with mIRC; or you can create your own.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Download and install the mIRC program if you have not done so already (see Resources). In the options window, type in your name, email address, chosen nickname and nickname alternative. Select whether you'd like to chat in invisible mode. Click "OK."

2. Select "File>Select Server." Select a server from the list in the right pane. Double-click on the folder names to expand the lists. Either choose to connect to a random server, or select a specific server to connect to. Click the connect button, which has an icon that looks like a lightning bolt.

3. Enter the channel name in the field provided and click "Join." Alternatively, you can click to join a chat channel from the list below the field. You can also find a channel through the Favorites folder. Talk to the people in the group by typing your message in the field and pressing "Enter." Chat privately by double-clicking a person's name from the list in the right pane.

4. Use the command menu to use basic IRC commands. Select "Who is user" and enter a nickname in the field to find information about another chat user. Click "Query user" to send someone a query with a private message. Select "Set away>On" if you plan to be away from your computer for a while. Select "Invite user" to invite a specific nickname to another channel. Select "Ignore" to avoid seeing chats from obnoxious users. Alternatively, you can also right-click the nickname of the person in question and select a command from the pop-up menu. Click "Tools>Options>Logging" to set your message logging preferences. Automatic logging is set by default.

5. Click the "Send File" button to send a file to another user. This button has a yellow folder with a red arrow. Type the nickname of the recipient in the field next to "Nick." Then use the drop-down menu to browse for the file. When the correct file is in the "File Name" field, click "Send." If someone else sends you a file, a window will pop up and prompt you to accept the file. Make sure you know the potential dangers of receiving files over a chat client before you accept any files.

6. Click "Tools>Address Book" to keep track of other users. Enter the user's nickname, real name, email, website and other information in the fields provided. Click "Notify" to make this person your buddy. This feature will notify you whenever your friend is online.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have problems with the software that aren't answered in the Help file, check the mIRC discussion forums for additional answers.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Download mIRC chat
• mIRC discussion forums