What is IRC?

IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is a multi-user, multi-channel chatting system. Imagine sitting in front of your computer and “talking” through typed messages with either one person or many other people from all over the Internet, all in real time! Best of all, once you get set up, chatting on IRC is totally free!

IRC is based on a client-server model. You run a client program on your own computer which connects you to a server computer on the Internet. These servers link to many other servers to make up an IRC network, which transport messages from one user (client) to another. In this manner, people from all over the world can talk to each other live and simultaneously.

To join in the fun, all you need is an Internet Service Provider to get you connected to the Internet (if you’re able to read this web page, you’re already connected), and an IRC client program. The most popular clients are mIRC for the Windows operating system.