IRC isn’t as popular nowadays, but every once in a while I have a reason to use it. I’ve used xChat on Linux but on Windows I didn’t know of a free IRC client. I Googled around but found only commercial applications.
Then I found one right under my nose. Literally.
I was using Opera to search Google for a client and discovered that Opera has a built in IRC client. Yes, in the 4.64MB download, not only do they have the most standards compliant web browser, a full-featured mail client and a bittorrent client, they also have an IRC client. Impressive.
If you don’t want to use Opera’s IRC client I also realized that you can use Gaim (6.64MB not including the separate GTK runtime environment download) which is an instant messaging client for all the popular services like AOL, Yahoo, MSN that also has IRC support.
I’ll have to try that out.
Believe it or not there’s an xchat version for Windows that I used back in my Windows days. If I recall it worked just as well as the Linux version.
I was pretty much going to say the same thing about xchat for Windows. I believe newer versions make you pay, but the version I use is completely free.
Also, I just recently got Gaim 2.0b going on my windows box and it’s great. Definitely a thumbs up
You’re right, there is a Windows version of XChat, but you have to pay $19.99 for it after 30 days. Below is their explanation. Being frugal, I didn’t want to pay $20 for something I could get free elsewhere.
You may use X-Chat for Windows for free for 30 days. If, after this time, you would like to continue using the product, you are required to register. Registration is a one time fee of $19.99 US (United States Dollars) which can be paid using the PayPal service below.
Q. Why isn’t the Windows version free?
A. Building X-Chat for Windows is a difficult process, it requires quite some skill and expertise to accomplish. It takes time, and is by no means automated. This version also has some value added features only for Windows, such as opening irc:// URLs from your web browser in an existing instance of xchat, spell checking and graphical emoticons.
What in the…?
Well I sure as heck didn’t pay for it back then. I’m waaay too cheap for that. :)
I guess that makes the Opera client that much better.
I figured you hadn’t paid for it.
I’m still a big fan of Firefox for browsing, but I’m just astounded at how much Opera can do.