Join your fellow printers on channel #printchat on the DalNet IRC network. PrintChat IRC FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions about IRC) What is an IRC chat channnel? IRC, or Internet Relay Chat, is a multi-user chat system where people meet on "channels" (rooms, virtual places, usually with a certain topic of conversation) to talk in groups, or privately. Talk is done in real time, with users typing their messages back and forth on their keyboards. There is no limit to the number of people that can participate in a given discussion, although it can get rather confusing if too many people are talking at once on the same channel. As a participant on a chat channel you need a "client" program (software program) which connects to a "server" (computer) in an IRC network. All servers are interconnected and pass messages from user to user over the IRC network. There are many different IRC networks, some serving as many as 15,000 or more users all at once. The PrintChat chat channel, #printchat, is on the DALnet network. Log onto any one of the DALnet servers -- there are more than 30 -- a list is on DALnet's home page, using your IRC client software, using port 7000 (recommended -- some other ports work fine, too), and join #printchat -- that's about all there is to it! How do I get IRC client software? Since you're already on the Internet (which is also necessary, obviously) there's a good chance your Internet Service Provider has already provided you with client software for IRC. If you don't have software (or suspect it may need to be updated), it's easy to get it on the Web. For Mac users, I recommend Ircle. It's shareware and can be downloaded here. For PC users, mIRC is very popular, is also shareware, and can be downloaded here. What does it cost to chat? Once you have your client software and Internet connection, all it costs is your time! I have to warn you, though...chat can be very addictive. That's because it's so much fun -- especially when you're on the #printchat channel and talking to printing friends you've made on the list -- as well as with visitors who stop in occasionally from around the world! What's the purpose of the PrintChat channel? The purpose of the PrintChat channel is simply to provide another means of discussion and communication with your fellow printers about printing and graphic arts issues. Items discussed often relate to postings on the PrintShare or PrintOwners mailing lists -- these two avenues of communication can work hand in hand. Who's in charge of PrintChat? Stu Marty, known on the lists as "Just old Stu," of Wright Printing is the "Super Op" and oversees topics and conversation on PrintChat. Others you'll see more or less frequently include Bob Bergey, Doug Shelton, and Rick Foster, who are also operators (ops) on PrintChat. The operators reserve the right to kick and ban anyone from the channel who abuses it. Where can I learn more about IRC? There are numerous Web sites that have lots of IRC information, but one of the best is New IRC Users. It has just about everything you could want to know about IRC chat -- and probably lots more! Any future plans for PrintChat? Matter of fact, yes! We are working on plans to have regularly scheduled chat sessions on specific topics, to be announced on the lists, and occasionally may have special guests from the printing industry. Stay tuned for more information!