#Chiro-Chat, #Chirostaff-Chat and #ChiroKids-Chat on IRC

Welcome! If you made it this far you obviously have some knowledge of the internet and how it works (or doesn't work). Below is a brief attempt at explaining Internet Relay Chat (IRC) and how you can join the world of real-time text based chat. We have also included several links to help further explain, as well as download, the different programs (clients) used to connect to IRC.

If your frustration level overrides your desire to continue, please do not hesitate to drop a letter to dpre@chiro.org and I would be more than happy to help in your configuration, or point you in the right direction. You may also submit questions, ideas or share information you feel is helpful, at the Communicate Forum. If you are using a UNIX shell account you can telnet directly to our IRC server.

NOTE: Most of the information below is based on a windows operating system because "that's all I know".

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) Overview

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a network, client/server system on which Internet users can talk together using text on their computers. People gather in individual areas called "channels". Some channels, like #Chiro-Chat #Chirostaff-Chat and #ChiroKids-Chat, have a basic topic of discussion, but many channels are simply dedicated to small talk or chat. And then there are those that can be used to get help on finding places of interest on the Internet, getting technical assistance with software problems, etc. You would be surprised at the number of people you can find on IRC that will donate their time just to help others.

A "client" is the program you use on your computer to connect to IRC. A "server" is the outside computer system (such as chiro.org) you then use to connect your client to the IRC "network".

IRC is basically divided into a few large networks and several smaller networks. The three most popular networks are known as Efnet, DALnet and Undernet. In each of these, if you list all the channels available at any given time, you may have up to ten thousand, with tens of thousands of users (people). Irc.Chiro Org, (where #Chiro-Chat #Chirostaff-Chat and #ChiroKids-Chat are located) is the smallest of networks, with only three channels, "#Chiro-Chat #Chirostaff-Chat and #ChiroKids-Chat".

Getting Connected

To connect to #Chiro-Chat #Chirostaff-Chat and #ChiroKids-Chat, just follow the appropriate links below and download a client (IRC program). If you are using Windows and are not sure of your abilities, I strongly suggest you check out the mIRC for Net newbies and Download Dummies page. It is a very well written step by step tutorial on setting up the mIRC client (the best in my opinion).

Now, HERE IS THE IMPORTANT PART! You must ADD the "chiro.org" server to your list of servers to be able to connect to us. To do this from the mIRC client (program), click on the "Setup Information" button (second from the left). A new window will pop up. Click "add" and type: chiro.org in both the "Description" and "IRC Server" boxes (port 6667 is default and leave the "group" empty). In most cases the other major servers are pre-configured into your client. However, chiro.org must be added to your list. Click "Add" and you will now see chiro.org in your list of servers.

Once this is accomplished, fill out your name, e-mail address, nickname (who you will be known as on the channel...I am "dpre") and alternate nickname (in case your first choice is already being used). Highlight chiro.org in the IRC servers list and click "connect". You will soon be logged on to the Chiro.Org Network. To join #Chiro-Chat type: /join #Chiro-Chat (do not forget the "/" or the "#") or, if you are a CA or Chiropractic Office Personel type: /join #Chirostaff-Chat (do not forget the "/" or the "#"). If you have a child that would like to talk to other children of chiropractors, type /join #ChiroKids-Chat. Note: We strongly suggest that an adult closely supervise their childrens presence on any chat channel, including #ChiroKids-Chat. If you have chosen a different server other than chiro.org, you may "list" the available channels on the network by typing: /list and join a given channel that looks interesting to you.

When you join a channel, you will see a list of nicknames... these are the people who are already in the channel. Once you have entered... you can join in on the discussion, or if no one is on, just minimize your client and when someone comes in, your program will generally "beep" to let you know.

Some channels, such as #Chiro-Chat, are under the control of "channel operators" and also what is known as a "bot". Operators are Projects members from Chiro.Org and experienced IRC users. Their nicknames will be preceded by an @ symbol in the names list. A bot is a computer (not a person) that guards the channel in what ever way it is programed by the channel founder. Our bot on #Chiro-Chat, #Chirostaff-Chat and #ChiroKids-Chat is named Chirobot. For example, if someone uses inappropriate language, the "bot" has the ability to kick that person out of the channel and even prevent them from ever returning. If you have questions regarding the channel, you can usually direct them to the channels operators.

#Chiro-Chat, #Chirostaff-Chat and #ChiroKids-Chat are reserved exclusively for Chiropractors, their families and friends. Chiro Org Network is also to be used for Chiropractic related purposes only. If you would like to start another channel, please contact manager@chiro.org

Links for further information

Links to IRC Clients