IRC, standing for Internet Relay Chat, is a means of communicating in real-time online. There are several websites that host servers on which you can create and register rooms.
We have registered a room on Esper.net. There are several ways to connect, all listed below.
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On your computer:
1) My recommendation is to use a downloaded IRC client. These are desktop applications that are much more powerful than online clients. For a Mac, use
Colloquy and for a PC, use
mIRC.
2) You can use
Esper's online Java client. While it is not as powerful as desktop clients, it is still stable and easy to use. Just click the link, type /join #EIC, and hit enter.
On your iPhone:
1) If jailbroken: (Thanks to Dave for instructions)
1. Download ColloQ from Installer. This is a modified version of Colloquy. Colloquy works and is nice, but ColloQ has added features (such as the ability to do actions like "/me winks") and is more stable.
2. Add a connection:
Host name: irc.esper.net
Port: 6667
Uses SSL: off
Real Name: (I leave blank. You don't need this)
Nickname: (choose your mobile nick.)
Password: (only applies if you use Nickserv... another FAQ)
Alternates: pick an alternate nickname in case you get disconnected (which happens often on mobile)... you will reconnect with this name until your "ghost" drops from the system.
"connect at launch": on
"join rooms": #eic
That's all you need. Once you connect, click on the #eic channel that pops up and you're in. The button on the top will tell you who's in the room. If it doesn't work, go back using the top left button, then back into the #eic channel. The user button will work then (it's a bug).
One more thing.
3. Download "Insomnia" from installer and run it when using ColloQ. It will help maintain your connection so you don't disconnect as often. It's not perfect, but it really helps.
2) If not jailbroken:
While it is not as functional as the Java client, you can use Mibbbit to connect on the iPhone.
Go here, and in top field, select Esper.net. Don't bother with the channel, just input your nickname and hit "Go." You will then see the new server tab at the top. Click there, an when it's finished logging in, type /j #eic.
You can also use "Rooms" to connect. Rooms is an IRC Client from the AppStore that costs $2.99.