IRC for Beginners
How to Chat with other Genealogists, and Why you would want to.

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IRC for Beginners

What is Chatting? What is IRC? What software is best? Where are other Genealogists to Chat with?

If you would like to join a list to learn more about IRC, see IRC-RW-L.

• What is Chatting? It is:
  
  
  • Real Time: once you connect to your chosen server and channel(s), you are directly communicating with other genealogists, around the world.
    
    
  • Fun: although most channels have a chosen topic, these are friendly gatherings -- fun as well as informative.
    
    
  • Trading Files : you can send and receive files using DCC, such as GEDCOMs, sound files, and pictures.
    
    
  • Staying in Touch : some servers have special features, such as ChanServ, NickServ, and NoteServ, so that you can leave messages for your friends.
  
  
• What is IRC? IRC is Internet Relay Chat, and is installed on servers all over the world. Most IRC programs have a built-in list of servers you can connect to, and you'll be able to add new servers as you find out about them. Some servers have a Web interface; you'll only be able to access that particular server with the interface, but it's a good way to decide whether or not you want to download and install software. Also, WebTV/ MSNtv users can access IRC in this way. Some servers with Web Access:
  
  
  • Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness: RAOGK Chat. Fill in a *Nick* (a name you want to be called), then hit the button to connect.
    
    
  • AlsaChat- Alsace Genealogy Chat: #alsace GenChat Java Interface. You must have Java enabled to use this interface.
    
    
  • YahooChat: Genealogy Chat. You need to sign up for a Yahoo ID before signing into their chat rooms.
  
  
• What Software is Best? Depending on your operating system, you have lots of choices:
  
  
  • Windows - the most widely used is mIRC, but there are many more choices available.
    
    
    • mIRC: What most people start and stay with. The latest version is available from the programmer; mIRC Homepage . Great basic information about IRC, along with messages boards for special topics.
      Version 6.01 is now available for download, with multiple server support (and bug fixes).
      
      
    • MS Chat: Phoenix-Online. International language support.
      
      
    • OrbitIRC: OrbitIRC.com.
      
      
    • pIRCH: pIRCH supports multiple server connections. Pirch98.
      
      
    • Trillian: Trillian allows you to connect to Yahoo Messenger, MSN Messenger (Passport), AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) and ICQ all at the same time, plus IRC. It has a trimmed-down IRC functionality. You can easily change the screen appearance with downloadable "skins."
      
      
    • Klient: Also allows multi-server connections. Optional spell checker. Klient.com
      
      
    • LeafChat: Also usable with Linux. LeafChat 1.7.
      
      
    • dIRC: Another client that allows multiple server connections, spell-checking, and scripting .
      
      
    
    
  • Linux: - Best known is X-chat, but there are many other good choices. Here are a few of them:
    
    
    • X-chat: Up-to-date and Open Source, of course! Runs under X-Windows. X-Chat.
      
    • EPIC: Based on ircII, EPIC (Enhanced Programmable ircII Client) is meant for real scripters and users searching freedom. To get the best from this client, you will need to learn the basics of scripting. A console IRC client. EPIC Homepage.
      
    • kvIRC (for KDE users): another X-windows client. KVIrc.net.
      
      
  • Mac: IRCle seems to dominate the pre-OS-X market, but there is more choice in the newer Mac programs.
    
    
    • IRCle: for all older (pre-OS-X) Macs. The Official Ircle Homepage.
      
    • Snak: the most popular choice for OS-X Macs. Supports multiple servers. Snak - IRC for Macintosh.
      
    • Athena: versions for both old and new Macs. AthenaIRC.
      
      
• Where are other Genealogists to Chat with?
  
  
  • All Chats Regularly Scheduled on irc.rootsweb.com/ ne-2.rootsweb.com.
    
    
  • A schedule of IIGS (International Internet Genealogy Society) IRC Chats.
    If your browser doesn't support cgi pages, go to the IRC Index , and click "Schedule of Regular & Theme Meetings" up at the top.
    
    
  • Gen Chat Web Ring. Webring Information.
    Submissions welcome, for ALL servers! Click to add a page about your chat: Gen Chat Ring.
    

Genealogy Chat Ring Next Random List

Updates or questions? Email me.

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