Get Connected
Download an IRC Client.
If you want something simple or are a GNOME user, look no farther then for an IRC client. Many popular distros include this pacakage, so it is easy to install -- and is part of Helix GNOME.
KDE users who don't want to run X-Chat should look at ksirc or (if you are running KDE 2.0). Ksirc ships inside of kdenetwork, so if you installed all of KDE, you probably have it installed. It's interface is a bit clunky in KDE 1.1.2, but it is better in KDE 2.0. 
Simple minded people, or people without X installed, should consider either ircII (often called irc) or BitchX (often called ircII-panasync).
Install the Packages
Most people will have one of the above programs already installed. If not, you can install the client by rpm -Uvh packagename.ppc.rpm (in RedHat) and dpkg -i packagename_powerpc.deb (in Debian). KVirc 0.90 is broken on the PowerPC, and doesn't work at all. Don't bother to install it. KVirc 2.0 requires that you compile it, and that you have KDE 2.0 installed.
Launch the Program
If you are using X-Chat in GNOME or KVirc or ksirc, in KDE, you should restart your panel. It will then appear in the App Menu (GNOME foot or KDE K Menu). If you don't see or are not using these Desktop Enviroments, type kvirc, xchat, ksirc, irc or bitchx in a xterm (or the console with console clients).
Getting on a Channel
Note: #imaclinux is our example here, other channels and servers are listed below.
/server irc.imaclinux.net - This sets the server you will be using.
/nick yournick - Lowercase nicks, less then 8 characters are prefered. Using caps in werid places, or the whole nick in caps will cause bad things to happen to you.
/join #imaclinux - Join the channel. Channels are not actually case sensative, however they do appear so to other users (so don't do /join #ImAclInUx unless you want to appear to be a loser).
Rules You Should Follow
- No Caps Lock, Ever. Use this, you will be banned, poked fun of, etc.
- No Colors or Bold. See above, only 10x worst.
- Be Nice. It really reflects on you.
- Paste Nicely. Try to reformat your text before pasting from a webpage or other document, so it doesn't have werid spacing or lots of unneccessary returns.
- Paste Nicely 2. Don't paste stuff that will fill up more then 5 lines. If possible take out any line breaks/returns before pasting (see above rule).
- Commerical Advertising aka Spam. It's evil. Don't expect to do it and live.
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NEVER, NEVER, IRC as root!!! You will get hacked, faster then you will know it.
Remember, anytime you are on IRC, your IP/host address is always showing. This tells to everybody where your machine is located, and where you are connected. Do something bad, people will remember you, even though you changed your nick. Also, in some cases you can associate your machine address to who you are (for example, one could remember that AArthur's ISP is bizonline/global2000.net from an email, and use that to realize that's mean, without even my nick).
IRC Channels to Check out
Note: Channels where questions are appropiate are marked below. Other channels don't particularly welcome questions, ask at own's risk.
TuxPPC- irc.imaclinux.net
- #imaclinux - Our support channel. Everybody is welcome to join in and chat. You may ask questions here.
irc.openprojects.net
- #mklinux - PowerPC Linux Developers Channel. Talk about PowerPC Linux or MkLinux development. You may ask questions here, especially if they involve Linux development.
- #ppclinux - PowerPC Linux Users Channel.
- #linuxhelp - Linux Help and Discussion. Very busy. No repeating or pasting allowed - be paitent.
- #redhat - Talk about RedHat and RedHat-based Linux. Also quite busy, questions are allowed, but don't repeat and be paitent.
- #debian - Debian Linux Stuff. Quite busy, but generally friendly. Questions are allowed, however some tend to get burried -- however don't repeat.
- #kde - KDE Developer Channel. Anybody is welcome, however questions on non-CVS stuff is frowned apon. If you are interested in KDE development come here.
- #gnome - GNOME Developer Channel. Usually pretty empty, I haven't spent much time there.
irc.slashnet.org
- #slashdot - If it has to do with Linux, *BSD UNIX, geeks or anything else, here is the place. Generally friendly, sometimes gets a little wild.
- #kuro5hin - Similar to Slashdot, only smaller. Friendlier atomopshere most of the time, many of the same people as #slashdot
- #macintosh - This used to be a good Macintosh channel where quite a bit of Linux and other discussion went on. It's kind of slow today.
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