Chatroom

Getting an IRC Client

In order to access our chatroom you will need to load a program on your computer called an IRC client. There are many programs available to do this.

Windows

The most popular one for the Microsoft Windows operating systems is called mIRC. Another popular free client for Windows is Visual IRC.

You can click on the box on the left for our pre-configured mIRC, which will save you some setup time. It is virus and trojan free.

Mac

If you use the MacOS, the most popular is called Ircle. A free IRC client called X-Chat Aqua is also widely used.

Unix

If you are running a version of *nix, there is a list of available IRC clients and links to them HERE.

All Operating Systems

If you use Mozilla/Firefox as your browser, you can add an extension called Chatzilla which will allow your browser to connect to IRC. It is fast and fully functional, and if you are not going to install a full IRC client on your computer, we recommend Chatzilla.

You can try connecting to our chatroom without loading any software on your computer by using a Java Applet. Our customized version can be accessed by clicking HERE or on the box to the left. Your computer will need Sun Java installed. You should understand that a Java Client is inherently slower than the other alternatives.

Setting up your IRC Client

Once you have the IRC client loaded, you need to run the Setup.

First, select a nick. This is your nickname on the network. It can be your real name, or whatever you wish. (Keep it clean, please.) Unlike other IRC networks, on NewNet.Net you have the option of registering your nick so only you can use it.

Next, specify which IRC network you want to log into. Our chatroom is on the NewNet.Net network. Select "Random NewNet Server". Then click Connect.

When you have connected, which may take 30-60 seconds, type /join #diabetic-talk <cr> . This is the command that will bring you into our chatroom. Later on, this can all be automated (keep reading).

Some Basic IRC Commands

Once you have connected with an IRC network, there are some basic commands you will need to know:

Registering your Nick

To register your nick, so no one else can use it, you must first be using that nick. First, use the /nick <newnick> command above to change to the nick you want. Then, enter the following into your Status Window:

/msg Nickserv REGISTER [password] [e-mail]

Select a password you can remember. Case matters. Your e-mail address is only used to send you a confirmation e-mail, giving you a command to enter when connected to verify your registration. This is a once-only thing.

A network computer called Nickserv keeps track of everything to do with nicks. It will use your IP address to verify that you are really you. To teach it your usual IP address, enter the following into your Status Window:

/msg Nickserv ACCESS ADD

This tells Nickserv to add your current IP address to its list of YOUR addresses. This is its first level of verification that you are you. You can have multiple IP addresses in the Nickserv database. When you login, if you are using a different IP address, it will not recognize your login as valid, and will ask you to IDENTIFY yourself with your password. Enter the following into your Status Window:

/msg Nickserv IDENTIFY password

Remember, you only need to register once, and your nick will be yours as long as you login at least once every 30 days.

Your First Visit to the Chatroom

There is no real protocol in the chatroom, except civility. When you enter for the first time, it is usual to say hi. If there happens to be a conversation in progress, understand that it might take a minute to welcome you. Since many of us are in the room regularly, you will probably find that we talk about lots of things other than diabetes. But your diabetes related questions are always welcome, and will take priority.

Our chatroom is truly international. We have many participants from North America, Europe, and Australia. This makes the traffic level differ depending on when you enter the room. If you happen to hit a time when no one immediately responds, please wait a few minutes. If there is still no response, please try again at a different time of day. The busiest times are late afternoon and evening in the North American time zones.

In order to understand your particular situation, we will probably ask you some questions. Please realize that we aren't being nosey, we need to know some stuff before we can answer your concerns.  Overall, the chatroom is pretty friendly, and we hope you will feel comfortable and have fun.

However, we do have some rules. Visit our Rules Page for more information.

Remember, no one in the chatroom can provide medical advice. You should always independently verify all information with your medical team.