Intro to IRC Chat

If you are new to IRC (Internet Relay Chat), you may be surprised to find out how easy and popular it is. There are more people using IRC than any other chat system in the world.

If you prefer not to use the java chat rooms on our site, or cannot use java, or would like to try some special features unavailable to java users, you might want to download mIRC or IRCle, two programs designed to make IRC easier and more fun. (mIRC is for PCs; IRCle is for Macs.)

Our FAQ for IRCle is still in progress at this time, but most of the commands and processes are similar to those on mIRC.

Installing and Setting up mIRC

1. Go to http:\\www.mirc.com and download mIRC, following instructions. Be sure to note the directory where you have downloaded the file.

If you decide you like it after trying it, you can register and pay for the software. The unregistered version has all the features of the registered version and has no expiration period. The regular fee is $20 but there is a sliding scale.

2. To install mIRC, simply go to the directory where you have downloaded the file, and double click on it; it will be called mircXXX.exe (where XXX is the version number).

It will create directory C:\Program Files\mIRC

The mIRC chat program, mirc.exe, will be installed in that folder; download, logs, and sounds sub-folders will be created there also.

You may find it handy to create a shortcut to C:\Program Files\mIRC\mirc.exe

3. To set up mIRC to access our chat rooms:

  a. Sign onto the Internet.
  b. Double click on C:\Program Files\mIRC\mirc.exe (or the shortcut to it).
  c. The mIRC Options dialog window will open:
  d. In the first box (IRC Network), select all and click the Add button.
e. In the next window, specify the server information:
     - For description, type Webmaster
     - For server, type irc.webmaster.com
     - Leave group blank
     - Enter your desired login password in the password box.
     - Then click Add.
  f. When you return to the mIRC Options dialog window, enter info as follows:
     - Enter information in "Full name" that you don't mind others viewing. Do not use your real name unless you want it to be known.
     - Enter your email address
     - Enter your desired nickname
     - In the Alternative box, give an alternative nickname to be used if there is a problem with your primary nickname, or leave blank.
     - Leave "invisible mode" unchecked.
  g. Then click the "Connect to IRC Server" button.

4. To enter the chat room (known on IRC as a "channel"):

IRC channel (chat room) names always begin with # and have no spaces. When asked for a channel, enter the name of one of our chat rooms, always including the # and with no spaces:

Dog Chat Rooms
#thedoghouse
#thedogden

Fish and Marine Life Chat Room
#fishandmarinelife

Cat Chat Rooms
#catcarecentral
#catsmeow
#scratchingpost
#meowchat

Bird Chat
#theaviary

Small Mammal Chat
#critterchat

Horse Chat
#thepaddock

Reptiles & Amphibians Chat
#mainroom

5. When you are a new user on the Webmaster server, you will not already have a registered nickname. This means you will show up to other chatters as "GuestXXX," where "XXX" is some numbers. To use a nickname, simply type into the room:

/nick yourdesirednickname

Change "yourdesirednickname" to the name you want to use in the room. Then hit enter.

If no one else is using that nickname, the "GuestXXX" will change to the nickname you selected.

6. How do I register my nickname?

When you are in the chat room in the nickname you want to register, just type:

/nickserv register yourpassword youremail

(Substitute your desired password and your full email address, including the ISP domain, such as @aol.com) in this command. Be sure to use the exact password that you entered into the setup box.

7. I didn't enter a password when I set mIRC up the first time. Now what do I do?

It is suggested that you have your password stored, so that you don't have to enter it each time you start mIRC.

In mIRC, when you aren't logged on:

• - Select File > Options
• - Click on "Edit"
• - In the box labeled password, type in your password.
• - Click OK.
• - Click OK again.

BE VERY SURE NOT TO MAKE A TYPO OF YOUR PASSWORD WHEN YOU REGISTER, AS YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO USE THE NICKNAME FOR 21 DAYS IF YOU FORGET OR LOSE THE PASSWORD. DO NOT GIVE ANYONE YOUR PASSWORD; THIS IS THE SAME AS GIVING THEM YOUR NICKNAME!

8. Can I register more than one nickname?

Yes.

9. How can I switch between nicknames?

During a time you are logged in, in any chat room, or in the mIRC "status" window, simply type:

/nick newnickname

changing "newnickname" to the name you want to change to, and hit "enter."

10. How can I change between chat rooms?

When in a chat room, click on the "Commands" button on the menu bar of the mIRC window. Select "Join Channel." Type in the name of the channel (chat room) you want to join, remembering to use the # symbol, and no spaces.

You can also simply type:

/join #newroomname

making sure to change "newroomname" to the name of the actual room you want to go to; then hit "enter."

11. If you have any further questions, including on how to use colors, macros, and sounds in the rooms, email PHPuma