Alternatively, there are many free websites that have java applets that will allow you to browse IRC networks. These vary greatly in functionality and form. If you are serious about using IRC, I would recommend mIRC for windows based operating systems or IRCle for Macs.
i recommend athena for macs, xchat for X windows, and pirch for ms windows. alternatively IM clients are beginning to territorialize irc networks, FIRE and Trillian both can do irc. as an old irc user, i recognize this as the second coming of aol to irc, but such is life.
jeremy hunsinger jhuns@vt.edu on the ibook www.cddc.vt.edu www.cddc.vt.edu/jeremy www.dromocracy.com () ascii ribbon campaign - against html mail /\ - against microsoft attachments