Internet Relay Chat or IRC is a form of text chat over the internet. You can chat with people in discussion groups (also known as channels) or send private messages to individuals.
IRC has been in use since 1988, much longer than other instant messenger software like Microsoft Messanger, iChat or Google Talk etc.
IRC is extremely efficient - you can use it over very slow or low bandwidth internet connections and seldom will you experience lag or be involuntarily dropped out of a discussion due to a lack of bandwidth.
IRC is a little different to other modes of online chat that you might be used to. It is important to remember that IRC is a technical method for text chatting over the internet. This means that anyone can establish their own chat server or run their own IRC Network.
More recent 'Instant Messenger' softwares such as Skype usually enable you only to access one specific chat network. The Skype software only enables you to chat within the Skype network (you can only chat with other Skype users). Mircosoft Messenger only enables you to chat within the Microsoft Network (you can only chat with other MSN members) .
IRC chat software (also known as IRC clients) enables you to connect to any IRC network, and anyone (with the necessary technical expertise) can set up their own IRC network.
However setting up your own IRC server or network is a lot of work just so you can chat! Thankfully there are many free IRC servers already established that you can use. If you use an established server you need only join an existing discussion channel or create your own (this is very easy).
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