IRC is the internet's 'chat' protocol, allowing people to have real-time public discussions on subject-specific channels, private communication and data transfer services. It is a popular service spread across several different nets hosting many thousands of users at a time.

Choosing and setting up a client for IRC can be a difficult task (even on a mac :-). These pages should give you some information enabling you to make your choice of client and get it up and running with a minimum of fuss. If you do experience problems that can't be solved by the client's help files, email me and I'll try and give some advice.

The Software

	Client	Features
	ChatNet 2.0.8	Content filtering available. Also runs as a client-client system using AppleTalk.
	Snak 4.8	Aggressively maintained, stable client. Many features.
	Homer 0.94	An old favourite, but it no longer works with many IRC servers.
	ichat 2.2	Works as a plugin for Navigator 3.x or 4.x browsers. Aimed at users of 'Rooms' web servers, basic IRC possible.
	ircle 3.0.4	The most fully featured client available. Handles scripting, sound, faces, pop-ups, DCC etc exceptionally well.
	MacIRC 0.9.6	A strong contender. Multiple channels, nice interface, sounds and scripting available.
	Netscape Chat 2.0	No longer a supported product, the functions are now subsumed into Netscape Communicator.
Web-Based Sevices
	Service	Requirements
	OptiChat	Netscape 2 or better, Explorer 4. Only a few rooms, and response time is often slow.
	EZTalk	Netscape 2 or better, Explorer 3 or better. Requires Java, but other IRC clients can connect via chat.talkcity.com, port 6667.

John Staplehurst updated: 19/11/2001