It certainly helps to know what IRC is all about before you cruise the various networks and go channel surfing. A good place to start is our IRC page, which I mentioned before. The NewIRCusers web site has lots of good information for getting started. We recommend the IRC FAQ or the FAQ by Helen Trillian Rose . This article is limited in its scope because of the space allotted here, but I'll try to explain a few key issues.
Nicknames Let's first take a look at nicknames.
When you configure your new IRC client software, you will have to select a nickname. You should try to choose one that is fairly unique if you are going to visit any of the larger nets like EFnet or Undernet. Androgenous sounding nicknames are best if you want to be left alone. It isn't necessary or particularly advisable to give out your e-mail address, even though many IRC clients like mIRC have a place to type it in. Private Chats You can initiate or receive private chats as well as chatting in the main channel window.