What is IRC?

In the simplest terms, IRC, Internet Relay Chat, is a means of talking with anyone else on the internet via your computer keyboard and screen. You can either talk to them directly, person-to person in a private conversation not visible to others through a query (private message) or DCC chat (Direct Client-to-Client chat), or you can join a channel to talk. A channel is like a public chat room with a lot of people, where you can see all of their conversations on your screen and join in yourself if you want. The size of the channel can vary and in fact sometimes you can even create private channels. To access these channels and use IRC, an individual, through a program called a "client", connects to a network of IRC servers, machines that allow users to connect to IRC. There are literally hundreds of networks across the globe, thousands of channels, and infinite possibilities that you can use, catering to every kind of interest group under the sun. For example, on a given day EFnet can have over 12,000 channels, while a smaller IRC network such as Shadowfire can have over 100 channels. If for some reason you can't find what you're looking for, you can create a channel for it, within the boundaries of the particular network's policies.

Why would you use IRC?

IRC can be used for various forms of communication and for transferring files. As opposed to other forms of Internet communication available, such as Instant Messaging Software, IRC offers the option to communicate privately or in larger groups. The choices available on IRC depend on the network and the users on that network. Personally, I choose to use IRC because of the community aspect of the network I use.

Other Users gave these responses for what they saw as the purpose of IRC
and why they used it:

Defender:"For me it is fun and games. A diversion. Escape from everyday life."

LadyGwen:"To enjoy the company of other folks with whom I have similar likes and dislikes."

Anonymous1:"To get to meet other people who possibly share common interests. For some people it is also a form of escapism, for others maybe entertainment. It could be used just for fun, or to assume another identity which you otherwise couldn't in the real world. It can also be used as a communication tool for people who know each other in the real world. In general though, my opinion is that it's a tool used mainly to facilitate meeting other people."

Jamesey:"It's used for chatting, and sharing files"

Anonymous2:"To provide a place for communication to promote learning and a better understanding of the world and it's differing cultures and heritages."

Sophosis:"Entertainment (very broadly)"

Anonymous3:"to chat"

shard:"Mainly to provide an open forum for communication. To give people a place to go and chat with friends while online. To provide people with a place on the internet to meet people"

MissMinx:"To chat(talk) with other people."

See More User Responses on the Uses of IRC and the Advantages of Channels here:

While IRC has its advantages, it also has its disadvantages. Like any other part of the Internet, security is a big issue. If you are interested in using IRC, please read through this website and the resources offered or explore the security section of http://www.irchelp.org before logging on to an IRC network.