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The most common way is to use IRC
(Internet Relay Chat) - a system that allows you to join a channel (or 'room', although
this term is regarded as 'non-U' by some on IRC) to talk with others, either in groups or
in private. Messages typed by the participants are effectively exchanged in real time
(although there is inevitably a delay of a few seconds) and it is usually possible to
exchange files, such as pictures, as you chat. To use IRC you need appropriate 'client'
software, which is available to download from the Net.
Demon also have a second IRC server: efnet.demon.co.uk As its name implies, this server is attached to the EfNet network. Its use, including port numbers, is identical to that of ircnet.demon.co.uk. Other servers, that link to different networks, include: irc.quarterdeck.com, irc.undernet.org and irc.bt.net. In most cases, the port number to use for IRC is 6667. Normally you don't need a password to use IRC so leave this field blank. You will need to enter a nick (nickname). This usually must be unique, otherwise you won't be able to log on. Since there may be thousands of people on the network, names such as John or Sue may already be in use - you will be asked to give a different nick if so. Just make one up! Once you are logged on, ask the software to download a list of channels - this may be an option on the menu bar, or you may need to enter /list. It can take a long time if hundreds of channels are in use. Choose one that has a topic to your liking, maybe looking out for labels such as Newbie, Friendly, Win95, etc. Those of a nervous disposition should be warned that there is often a proliferation of sexually explicit channels - there is no need to go anywhere near those if you don't want to. To join the channel of your choice, either click on the appropriate menu item or enter /join #Friendly (substitute your own preference for Friendly). The hash symbol simply indicates a globally available channel (some software will strip out the #). It is then probably best just to sit there and see what goes on - try a simple Hi all when you feel confident. The software should indicate how to send public messages to all and private messages to an individual (use Help if necessary!). Expect to see the sort of abbreviations and smilies that crop up in News - eg. ROFL (Rolling On the Floor Laughing), <G> for grin, - and perhaps new ones such as BRB (Be Right Back). You will probably also see references to the Lagmonster - that time delay that often besets the Net and makes rapid-fire conversation hard work! Note that it is possible for anyone to setup their own channel. Thus it is possible to arrange regular meetings for a real time chat with a group of friends/colleagues from around the globe. A detailed FAQ is available from mIRC: http://www.mirc.co.uk/ircintro.html A FAQ on the Undernet is posted to the newsgroup alt.irc. There is also useful material on using Demon for IRC at http://www.demon.net/helpdesk/technicallibrary/misc/irc/ and http://www.demon.net/helpdesk/faq/config.shtml#ircserver There are also ‘chat rooms’ on a number of WWW sites. However, these can be limited in scope and slow in response compared with true IRC. Links to guidance on how children can safely use chat (and other Net services) can be found at: http://www.iwf.org.uk/public/page.92.htm |
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