For Windows XP/Home/2K/98

Download MIRC or SysReset

For Mac users

Download X-Chat Aqua

Read some of the following links for help using these programs:

• Nautilus' How To Connect With mIRC Tutorial (Flash)
• DALnet's Help Desk
• Raph's Guide to IRC
• IRC Commands List
• Undernet's IRC for the beginner
• #IRChelp

Once you install and configure the software you are ready to join a channel.

To join a channel simply type "/join #channelname" (no quotes) in any MIRC window.

Once you join a channel you should do the following:

1. Read the topic. It's the first thing displayed in the channel window after you join. Type "//topic #" (no quotes) in the channel window to see it again. OR: "/topic #mangaproject" (no quotes) in the status window (substitute "mangaproject" for whatever channel you want).
2. Read the rules. Type "!rules" (no quotes) in the channel window.
   
3. Another thing you might want to try upon joining a channel is reading the channel help file. In this case you only need to type "!help" (no quotes) in the channel window.
   
4. List all the people offering files for download via FTP or IRC Servers (Fserv). In this case you simply type "!list" (no quotes) in the channel window.

*NOTE* Some channels require you to be a "registered" user in order to join them, and some channels have channel "keys" (passwords).

In order to register your nickname on a network type "/nickserv help" or "/msg nickserv help" in the status window and follow the instructions. Understand that registering your nickname in a channel is completely FREE and is something completely different than registering software. Here is a good guide!

In order to join a channel that requires a "key" you can try two things... #1 try looking at the topic of the channel you want to join, type "/list #channelname" in your status window, OR find out if that channel has a website, and if so go there to get the key. Once you have the channel key simply type "/join". Example "/join #mangaproject manga" (where "manga" is the key).