Getting onto IRC!

This post will teach you how to get onto IRC on any linux distribution.

First things first, if you're using Fedora or distribution with yum (as root),

# yum install xchat

Or Ubuntu or Debian or distribution with apt-get (as root),

# apt-get install xchat

Or if you wish to compile from source, get the latest source tarball from http://xchat.org/. The lastest tarball at the time of writing this post is http://xchat.org/files/source/2.8/xchat-2.8.4.tar.bz2

$ tar jxvf xchat-2.8.4.tar.bz2

This will extract the downloaded file to xchat-2.8.4 directory in the current directory.

$ cd xchat-2.8.4

This will change the directory to where you need to install xchat from.

$ ./configure
$ make

The first step checks for some system parameters and prepares the installation. The second command compiles xchat.

$ su
# make install

Logs in as the root user and installs xchat.

In case you install using the method for your distribution, xchat will appear in your application list under "Internet". Other wise, execute xchat from a terminal using :

$ xchat &

You should see a screen similar to this :

Enter the details pertaining to you in the window that you see.



The main window will show you some transactions with the server. Then you will be prompted for a channel name.



And here you are! You can start chatting in the main window by using the textbar at the bottom. Or you can engage in a personal conversation by double-clicking on one of the names on the right!

Have fun, and hope to see you at #open @ irc.oftc.net!