IRC: it’s not just for BDSM cyber and warez kiddies anymore! It’s my pleasure to announce our support of that archaic, text-only communication protocol, Internet Relay Chat, via Gizmodo’s new irc.gizmodo.com server. I’m not quite sure what will come of this experiment, but something tells me a group of portable technology fans heavily into communication will be able to start creating some interesting and useful tools using an easily accessible, data-lean system like IRC.
If you already have an IRC client you like, come on into #gizmodo—let’s dish. If you haven’t used IRC before, I’ve pulled out a few IRC clients that I’ve had good luck with over the years. All the usual etiquette applies. Hope to RUMORF ASL you very soon.
On Windows I’ve used mIRC for years, although dIRC is decent, as well. mIRC is nagware, though, so using it might be a drag. Trillian has IRC support, although I don’t know if it’s in the free version or not.
On OSX, it’s pretty much down to X-Chat Aqua or Colloquy as far as I’m concerned. Of course, many of the generic unix command line clients will complile, as well, such as IRSSI or BitchX.
There are a few Series 60 clients, including the excellent WirelessIRC ($10).
On Pocket PC, ProChat looks very capable, and is free.
There are quite a few PalmOS clients, but I’ve never been terribly impressed by any of them. upIRC gets close, and should even support higher-resolution screens.
If you have a good (especially free) suggestion, let me know.
Update: A few people have suggested Chatzilla, a plug-in for Firefox. That would probably be quick and easy.
