[size=5]UPDATED 9th of Dec 2006[/size]
Ok here we go with the mIRC guide.
Ok, first of all - what actually is IRC? A quote from mIRC website (
www.mirc.com):
What is IRC?
IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is a virtual meeting place where people from all over the world can meet and talk; you'll find the whole diversity of human interests, ideas, and issues here, and you'll be able to participate in group discussions on one of the many thousands of IRC channels, on hundreds of IRC networks, or just talk in private to family or friends, wherever they are in the world.
Okay, and what is mIRC then? Again, quote from mirc.com:
What is mIRC?
To use IRC you need a small program like mIRC, an IRC client for Windows, written by Khaled Mardam-Bey. mIRC is a friendly IRC client that is well equipped with options and tools. mIRC is shareware, which means that you can download mIRC and try it out freely for 30 days to evaluate it. If during, or at the end of, the evaluation period you decide that you would like to continue using mIRC, you must register your copy (
addon by ile: or, actually not...
).
There are many many many IRC clients out there but mIRC is the most popular and easy to use (and I can teach you all a bit getting started with mIRC.)
Let's get started, shall we?
First, you have to download a mIRC.
http://www.mirc.com/get.html Click the link and get the latest copy of mIRC. (6.21 at the moment.)
When downloaded - install it (uh, you guessed that already?)
When installed, open it. (wow...)
Now the guide actually begins.
When you open the mIRC, the following screen should pop out:
Click the Continue.
Next, there should pop-up the following box:
Still with me? Also, View -> Options brings that box up.
There you're supposed to fill "Full name", "E-mail address", "Nick name" and "Alternative nick".
Here I have filled the examples:
Next, let's add a IRC server for you.
Don't close that options box; you'll still need it.
Now you're supposed to click "Servers" page below the "Connect" mainpage. Now there should be that "Add" box on the right side. Correct? Good. Keep following. Here's the pic, just to make sure...
Description: America's Army IRC Network
IRC server: irc.americasarmy.com
Port(s): 6667
Group: Leave it blank
Password: Leave it blank
Like this:
Click add, and following screen is up again:
Now,if you followed me correctly it should connect to America's Army IRC Network now (please remember to read IRC ROE first, that'll avoid you facing problems while in there:
http://www.americasarmy.com/support/roe_irc.php ). There should be MOTD and things rolling and then just "nothing is happening". I'd guess you're in the server. It should look like this;
I typed #americasarmy there, so you know where to type it and such.
Then, just click "Join" and you're in. Let the chatting begin.
www.mirc.com is good way to learn more of the IRC commands, this is created just to get you guys started and to join Official America's Army IRC Network.
Next, something which I just did few moments ago; if you're not familiar with In-Game IRC yet, you will be shortly. Many people haven't noticed it in the menus although it has been there for ages, but now in 2.7 it has changed a bit, so; here's your guide for AA In-Game IRC!
First, open AA and watch the intro. The login screen pops up, and you should see this:
Now you either have to log in to your personnel jacket or if you don't have an account yet, just click "Explore The Army".
This screen should be up next:
Now, click "AA Browser" on the left and you'll find yourself in following place. Next, click "Chat" button above the serverlist and such as shown in the picture below.
Now, you'll see this:
The default IRC server and channel to join have been set by default to irc.americasarmy.com and channel #aa-support .
Join #aa-support if you wish to receive some help with AA, otherwise you can join either #aa-newplayers or #americasarmy .
Anyway, now if you press "Connect" next to the "Server" box, it will connect you into the IRC server. Now, you see alot of text scrolling by. Please notice, you agree to abide the AA IRC Network ROE, as mentioned in the beginning of this guide.
Now, wait few seconds to make sure you're in the server and then either press "Join" button next to "Channel" box, where #aa-support is by default. Click an arrow next to "#aa-support" text and you'll get a default channel list:
Join the channel which suits for your needs. If you're a beginner and wanna chat with other "newbies", you should head to #aa-newplayers.
If you are having problems with AA and need some assistance, join #aa-support and you'll receive nice and friendly help from the Tech Staff members.
In case you just wanna chat generally, step into #americasarmy and you might have a chat with a developer, too!!
Summa summarum:
It's very easy, just be careful and you have no reason to throw your keyboard and mouse at the wall!
You can join other channels just by typing:
/join #ChannelNameHere
You can change your nickname just by typing:
/nick YourNewNickHere
Please hit the Thank You button if this helped you to get into world of IRC, and if you have any feedback for this Guide; please tell me and I'll update the Guide if needed.
Thanks!
-iletzu-
Quoted
What is IRC?
! 
