IRC
UK Linux User Groups runs an IRC server for real time chit-chat on Linux type stuff and all are welcome to participate, the irc server is irc.lug.org.uk and the main channel we use is #linux.
Below are links on how to setup an IRC client. Popular IRC clients (linked below) include XChat, Pidgin, irssi and EPIC on Unix, and XChat & Pidgin under Windows. There's also a Java based IRC client, and one that runs entirely in a browser over HTTP (CGI:IRC).
Here are some links to help you get started with IRC.
- Surrey LUG IRC meeting page.
Linux/Unix IRC clients
- XChat - Graphical IRC client.
- irssi - Text based IRC client.
- epicsol
- Pidgin - Graphical Instant Messaging and IRC client.
Windows IRC clients
- XChat for Windows.
- XChat for Windows - "Silverx build".
- WikiPedia article explaining Windows builds of XChat.
- Pidgin - Graphical Instant Messaging and IRC client for Windows.
Java IRC clients
CGI:IRC
- CGI:IRC - IRC access in a standard web browser.
Documentation
- XChat Docs - XChat specific documentation
- Help for IRC newbies - General IRC help
- Blitzed help for new users (irc.lug.org.uk is part of the Blitzed IRC network).
- Flash video showing how to connect to an irc channel using GAIM in Ubuntu. Thanks to Kent LUG for that.
Connecting
The irc server is at irc.lug.org.uk and the main channel we use is #linux however many LUGs have their own channel, for example Hampshire LUG uses #hants, Surrey uses #surrey and Kent uses #klug. Of course many other channels are available.
Join the #linux channel by entering /join #linux and then chat away!
To leave and disconnect from the server, type /quit
For help, use the /msg nickserv help command.
Have fun and enjoy! :-)