Quick Facts About Chat Software:

There are two ways to chat via the Internet:

• Java applet or "browser chat". This is the type of chat found on websites such as Talk City, MSN, AOL, Yahoo, etc. Usually the first time you visit their websites and click on chat, there is a short download and the applet is loaded for you automatically.  To be able to chat after that, you have to go to the website and click a chat link to enter.

• IRC chat is the original method of chat and is not tied directly to a webpage. IRC chatrooms run from their own chat servers and to access the chatroom, you need to download and install an IRC chat client, or program. Once installed, you can connect to an IRC room with only an Internet connection. You don't have to even have your browser window open. In fact, with this type, it's important to note: You can NOT access the chatroom from the website itself.

The following links are the two most commonly used IRC chat programs (as well as directions for WebTV). These are the basic versions of each, from reputable download sites. Each one has it's own features and fans. :) Generally however, Microsoft Chat 2.5 is the easiest to install, configure and use for someone new to IRC chat.

Once you choose the program you want, you need to download it and install. You can download it to a "My Downloads" folder if you have one or directly to your desktop...just remember where you saved it to. Once the download is complete, you will need to either find the .exe file on your desktop or use Windows Explorer and browse to the folder where the .exe file is saved. Clicking on the file will begin the installation.

Once installation is complete, to run any of these programs you would go to your desktop START - PROGRAMS - CHAT PROGRAM (whichever one you chose) and open the program from there. You do NOT have to be on the Cheers webpage to do this. You only have to be connected to the Internet.

Depending on the program you use, details for configuring your software are provided directly below the download links. It will walk you step by step through setting the server and room information so that you can come directly into Cheers when you start the program each time. Instructions are also provided for WebTV users.

• Microsoft Chat 2.5
• mIRC




Microsoft Chat:

We've updated and posted a tutorial for installing Microsoft Chat 2.5 on the message board which includes screen shots. You can find that here: Tutorial



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WebTV:

1. Go to main Chat page @ the WTV site.
2. Move cursor up to GO TO~ top right hand side of the page.
3. Click on GO TO
4. In Server line,type cuckooznest.ircxpro.com
5. In room line, type #Cheers



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mIRC:

When you open mIRC (START - PROGRAMS - mIRC) go to the top of your screen to File - mIRC Options. In the box that pops up, make sure the Category to the left has Connect highlighted and then look to the right and click "Add" beside the servers list. Enter the following:

Description: Cheers
IRC Server: cuckooznest.ircxpro.com
Port: 6667
(no group or password needed)

Click Add and then you will be able to select this from your server list to connect. Once on the server you can type /join #Cheers.