Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a protocol used on the internet for real-time communication. IRC is older than the World Wide Web. There are many IRC networks such as EFnet. IRC networks are collections of IRC servers connected together. Users can communicate across different servers within the same network.

Check out Prelude to IRC or IRC Beginners to get a good start.

An IRC client makes life on IRC much easier. Here are some example clients:

• mIRC for Windows
• irssi for the Nixes (Console)
• X-Chat for the Nixes (X11)
• http://chat.efnet.info web based client for efnet

Most IRC clients have scripting capabilities which extend the client's functionality.

You can configure http://chat.efnet.info with more options like the .png image below by clicking the Advanced.. link.

So, now that you know what IRC is all about (not some scary dark underground or abyss). Download an IRC client and join us on EFNET. Confused still? Type this in your IRC Client Window "/server irc.efnet.org". It should connect you to the IRC server. Once connected type "/join #nestea" to begin chatting instantly.

If you just want to be lazy, and not learn anything and go against everything we represent just paste irc://irc.servercentral.net/nestea into your browser. An IRC client is still required if your browser does not support IRC protocols.

Participate in the IRC QandA.