To join an IRC discussion, you need an IRC client and Internet access. The IRC client is a program that runs on your computer and sends and receives messages to and from an IRC server. The IRC server, in turn, is responsible for making sure that all messages are broadcast to everyone participating in a discussion. There can be many discussions going on at once; each one is assigned a unique channel.

DALnet IRC network home page 
DALnet provides various Internet Relay Chat (IRC) products and services. This page provides links to information on DALnet, server listings, IRC software, and services.

Downloadable Internet Relay Chat (IRC) applications 
Provides downloadable IRC interface applications for Winsock, Netscape, and Windows 16 bit applications.

Internet Relay Chat - Undernet IRC network
Contains useful information on real time communications via the Internet and links associated with the Undernet IRC network.

IRC help site
Offers links to download IRC FAQs, primers, help files, Requests for Comments documents, and an IRC Opguide.

IRC student project paper
Contains a brief explanation of IRC along with detailed sections on IRC implementation, types of messages, applications based on IRC, and recent developments and problems.

Scripts and Bots for the IRC Client mIRC
Constantly updated site with the latest bots, scripts, and add-ons for the Windows IRC Client mIRC. Also contains information on how to operate mIRC and other resources.

Yahoo!'s IRC channels page
Yahoo!'s directory of IRC channels.

Yahoo!'s IRC software page
Yahoo!'s directory of IRC software.

IRC's help home page
This user home page provides information on IRC FAQs, primers, help files, general scripts, server lists and maps, and more!