Chat sometimes gets a bad name by those who are not familiar with all of its uses. While much of chat is purely entertainment, it also provides an opportunity to "talk" with other people who have common experiences. There are a number of chat systems available:

• Internet Relay Chat (IRC) A huge system of networks and chat rooms allowing people from all over the world to communicate.
• Instant message systems Keep a list of your friends to know when they're online. Send messages, files, or chat.
• World Wide Web various chat networks and communities accessable through your browser (e.g. Netscape, Internet Explorer)
• Others: AOL, MUDs, etc.

Roadmap96: IRC/MUDs/MOOs and Other Talkers
From Patrick Crispen's classic online introduction to the Net, Roadmap96.

ZDNet Internet: ChatUser
Chat 101 is an introduction to the pleasures of real time chat.

IRC is a system which allows people all over the world to communicate on a real time basis. There are some technical aspects of chat which may at first seem daunting, but all that's necessary to start is to be able to get there. The people are usually friendly and willing to help.

Channels

In IRC, chat rooms are called "channels". Each channel name starts with a #. The most popular autism related channels are:

• #autism: For general chat about autism. Parents, professionals, people on the autistic spectrum, and anyone else with an interest in autism is welcome.
• #asperger: For people on the autistic spectrum ONLY.
• #autfriends: For family, friends, and autistic people. Those with no connection to autism are not welcome.

Networks

There are many different IRC networks, most of which have several different servers. In order to access a channel, you have to first connect to a server on the correct network. If you connect to the wrong netowrk, you won't get to the channel you want.

• Starlink-IRC: The network where both #autism and #asperger are located. Both #autism and #asperger are on the Starlink-IRC Network (which is NOT the same as Starlink). Starlink-IRC is a family oriented network which has strict rules about the types of channels it allows. Random server: irc.starlink-irc.org
• Chatcircuit: The network where #autfriends is located. Random server: irc.chatcircuit.com

Software

To access IRC, you can use your web browser to access the Starlink-IRC network, but the preferred way is to download a chat program. The most popular programs are:

• mIRC: By far the most commonly used IRC program. mIRC is fully configurable and quite programmable for advanced users. The biggest advantage is that, due to its popularity, mIRC is the easiest program to get help with.
• Pirch: Possibly the next most popular program. The biggest noticeable advantage of Pirch is that it's possible to connect to mosre than one netowrk, which can't be done with mIRC.
• Java: Java allows access to IRC through your web browser. The #autism channel or the Starlink-IRC network in general are accessible through Java. The only advantage of Java is that it's easy to get on the channel. The disadvantages, including lagging, freezing, crashes, and limited functions, are usually enough to prompt a quick change to mIRC or a similar program.
• IRC Gold: Free IRC chat software with features ranging from color preferences to a buddy list.

Ops

"Op" or "chanop" is short for "channel operator". In most programs, ops are identified by a @ before their name in the list of nicknames (right side of the window in mIRC). In Java (browser access) ops are called "hosts". The job of ops is to keep the channel safe and help anyone who needs it. Ops or others may ask you what your connection to autism is. On #asperger this is a way of keeping out people who are not themselves autistic, on #autism it's just a way to get to know you and get an idea of your perspective.

Jargon

There is extensive use of jargon and acronyms on IRC and other chats. You will eventually catch on to the most common of these. If there is something you don't understand, just ask and someone is sure to explain it to you.

Technical Info

The most common "technical" aspect of IRC you may need to know about is lagging. This means that it is taking a long time for the text to get between you and other people so you are not able to keep up with the conversation. There is nothing you can do about lagging other than trying another server. Someone may "ping" you if you seem to be lagging or are quiet for a long time. Ping gives the amount of time it is taking for their messages to get from themselves to you and back again.

Liszt's IRC Chat Directory
Multi-network IRC search engine.

A Short IRC Primer
Detailed information on IRC

Ensor's Internet Relay Chat Extravaganza
From the introductory to the arcane, this site has links and features for every IRC user.

Internet Relay Chat

IRC - What Is It?
A palatable tutorial on IRC chat.

IRC Related Resources on the Internet
The "most complete reference collection for information regarding IRC" on the Net.

IRC User Central at Lightlink
An explanation of IRC, how to get it, IRC servers, popular IRC channels and more.

WWW--IRC Gateway Home Page
With WWWIRC, you can use IRC from your Web browser.

Internet Relay Chat Information ( IRC )
From the basics to more technical documents.

IRC Help for the Beginner
Plain-talking introduction to IRC

A Short IRC Primer
Details on getting started with IRC chat, frequently asked questions, netiquette and more.

Instant Message systems are a way of keeping track of people you know when they are online. Most have both message functions (for sending short, fast e-mail type messages) as well as chat. To use these you need to know the ID (number or name) of the people you want to add to your list. Then you can add them to your list and your program will let you know when various people on your list are online. Instant Messag programs include (but are not limited to):

• ICQ: The most popular instant message system. ICQ lets you chat, send messages and files, play games or contact other users.
• AOL Instant Messenger: If you want to have instant contact with your friends on AOL, you'll need this software. AIM is distributed with Netscape and may be used by people with or without AOL.
• Infoseek Instant Messaging: Infoseek Instant Messaging provides free instant online communication from PeopleLink.
• PeopleLink Inc.: Free, real time online messaging service can be downloaded here.
• Activerse: Ding!: Download Ding!, the Java-based buddy list that helps you stay in contact with your friends.
• Tribal Voice: Home of PowWow, personal communicator software for group-cruising the Web and creating tribes in cyberspace.
• PAL Introduction: Instant messaging from the folks at Excite.

C/Net Reviews: The Buddy System - 7 buddy list programs reviewed
C/Net's article explains buddy lists, reviews seven of the top packages, and provides a recommendation.

Knock! Knock! Who's There?: The Buddy Lists
Learn what buddy lists are, how they work and who the major players are.

Open Buddy List Proposal Gets Broad Support
A look at the Rendezvous Protocol (RVP), a proposed standard for real time Internet communications.

World Wide Web

There are a number of places to chat on the www using only your browser. At this point, the ACCESS site designer is not aware of any specific places with good autism chat. Please e-mail: worldapart@attcanada.net if you know of any.

About Talk City
A community of topical chat sites promoting online friendship and mutual respect.

Learn the Net: Web Chat
Real time communication and conversation using a Web browser, often without additional software.

Meta Chats
Directory of chat logs, chat links and chat software.