# How to use IRC (Internet Relay Chat)

There are many different [IRC](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Relay_Chat)
networks to choose from Each network has many different channels. To get
started you'll need to know the server and channel that your community uses.

**Basics of IRC** - There are many other shortcuts that you can use on IRC, but the items below are basics of getting started.

- Download a chat client (XChat and IRSSI for Linux or Windows; Colloquy for Mac).
- Open the chat client and enter the network name and channel that the organization specifies on their homepage.
- Set up your IRC nick (your nickname, be sure not to use an offensive name) - it can be initials or numbers, anything you want it to be.
- "Hang out" on the channel --- watch the conversations that folks are having and chime in when you want to add to a conversation or answer someone's question. Learn by watching how others are "chatting" with one another. And of course feel free to ask questions.
- IRC is designed for short communications. Most messages are 20 words or less and communication is usually very quick and informal.
- When asking a question or responding to a specific person, start the line with their name and a colon. i.e. "gcigirl: when is the deadline?" That way the person is notified that you are directly addressing them. And likewise if someone uses your nick you will receive a notification that they are "talking" to you.