Sure thing!
There are basic instructions on how to download mirc and get connected etc
here at the Fanfic Archive.
Once you're all set up and connected it's simplicity itself to open up a simple, basic channel which you can use to hang out with your friends. Where you would normally type in:
/join #loisclark password
to join an established channel, type instead:
/join #yourchannelname yourpassword (password is optional but putting one in and giving it to those chatting there cuts down on you being invaded by flyby trolls - strangers you don't want gate-crashing your party.)
Simple as that. You're in, you're ready to chat.
When the first person there is in the channel, they should do the following:
Right click on the large white part to the left of the nick list. That will bring up a box labelled Channel Modes. Click on it. Tick the 'Secret' box and the 'Key' box and insert your password of choice in the blank box next to key. Then hit ok.
That will further ensure that you'll be safe from gate-crashing trolls.
At some point once the channel is established, you might want to go the whole hog and register the channel as permanent - which has advantages but is more work and probably isn't that necessary to you enjoying a hangout place. But if you want to know more there you can work on it later.
If there's anything still confusing you, why don't you mail me and we can work through any problems you might have. Would be only too delighted to help. (That goes for anyone else having problems too btw.
)
LabRat
