To get started with mIRC you first download the software, connect to a server, join a channel and get chatting.

You just have to download the software once and then you are on your way to chatting with people from all over the world.

So, for example, the next time you need a new recipe - go to one of the cookery channels and ask around!

Downloading mIRC

Most IRC clients look fairly similar and offer the same set of features. mIRC, was written by Londoner Khaled Mardam-Bey and is shareware, so you can use it for free for 30 days to see if you like it.

If you do like it and you want to keep using it, you should pay the registration fee, which is only US$20, or about 13 pounds.

To get mIRC, go to www.mirc.co.uk and choose 'Download mIRC' from the menu.

You will see a long list of download sites - look for one in a location near you (there are several UK options) and click on it. Make sure you download the correct version, depending on whether you use a Windows or Mac computer.

Click OK at this point to download the file to your desktop. You will end up with a file called mirc6.03s.exe on your desktop.

This is called an installer - it's a package which includes the mIRC software itself and is designed to help you install it on your computer.

After you start the installation you will see a friendly welcome message. Click the 'Next' button to continue the installation, which is a very simple process. You have to agree to the license and then decide where to install the software on your hard disk.

The preset or default option is normally fine, so don't bother altering anything. Simply click the 'Install' button and wait while the program does its work.