For this week’s Freeware Frenzy, I will be taking a look at mIRC 6.16. IRC is short for Internet Relay Chat, and there are a number of programs that will connect you. mIRC is the most popular one, and it is the one I started with. Like all chatting methods, be it AIM or MSN Messenger, you will only pick up IRC if you have a need for it. In my case it was the PCMech channel, and because I go there, I have been using IRC for a few years now. So let’s take a look and see what it’s all about.

mIRC installation is simple, it will install in less then one minute. It is the initial use that can be a bit daunting. You only need the screen name of a friend to use AIM, but in IRC you need to know a channel and its network. IRC is made up of hundreds of networks hosted on thousands of servers, each hosting hundreds of separate channels. For example, when I connected to the London2 Undernet server I found the following information:

There are 40139 users and 87926 invisible on 27 servers
65 operator(s) online
405 unknown connection(s)
44319 channels formed
I have 8847 clients and 1 server

So when mIRC first starts up, you need to configure these options. Fill in the fields by choosing a nickname, but never use your real name or email. Then you’ll need to choose your network and a server to connect to that network. Then you’re ready to connect. Once you have a connection to a server, you are free to enter any channel on that network. Simply type /join #channel name and you will go there.

mIRC is easily and extensively customizable. Aside from the fact that numerous programs exist for IRC, there are also skins and add-ons that customize whichever program you’re using. Aside from changing the display options, you can change sounds, DCC for sending files, private chat, log conversations, enter multiple channels (provided they are on the same network), or even control a channel if you are the admin.

Along the top of the program the icons are shortcuts to numerous options. Going left to right they are: Connect/Disconnect, Options, Favorites, Channel List, Script Editor, Address Book, Online Timer, Colors, Send File, Chat, DCC, Received Files, Log Files, Notify List, URL list, Cascade and Tile Windows and About. Channel List will generate a list of all of the channels operating on you network, usually in the thousands. The script editor allows you to shortcut frequently used functions, such as joining channels or making greetings. The help file explains these in more detail. Your address book allows you to remember online contacts by storing their email address or just making a general note about them. Your URL list allows you to store favorite sites, or can even catch URLs from conversations if you enable that option.

So as you can see, mIRC is a simple looking program with a wealth of options under its surface. But I personally thought it was a little plain. So why not jazz it up a bit. I went looking for add-ons and found AcidMax v2.0. This script installs simply by unzipping it into your mIRC program file and adds numerous extra features. Aside from improving on its look, Acidmax also adds a web browser, media player, mp3 player, translator, dictionary, a zillion extra custom settings, webcams, sounds, away messages, themes, and weather. To be honest, I don’t use some of these features, but the fact they exist in a free package is great. I wouldn’t go back to just plain mIRC after using this.

So in conclusion, IRC is a great way to connect with people from all over the world, or just some buddies who enjoy the same game or website as you do. No matter which program you use to IRC, be sure to be safe and never give out personal information. If possible, register with your network to hide your IP address. Just like in the real world, not everyone is as nice as they might initially seem.

mIRC is a great way to try out IRC. While I admit the program is advertised as shareware, the program continues to work even after the 30 day limit. Feel free to register but skipping registration in no way prevents you from continuing to connect to IRC. Check out mIRC at www.mirc.co.uk or Google for other IRC programs, like Trillian.