Second - Install it - Most programs install very easy. Generally, whatever the defaults are during the installation are all you need. Even if you use a modem to connect to the Internet.

If you are connected to the Internet via an existing network, you may need to check with your system administrator. If he/she has placed a firewall or some other security on your network, you may need to make additional adjustments to your IRC software. Most IRC programs will include a read me file with more details. (Please read it if you have problems)

Third - Start the software... the first time you run the program, there will probably be some questions you need answer... who you are, who you want to be known as (IRC uses "NICK"names of usually 9 characters to identify yourself, You will need to select a unique name, most IRC programs will allow you to select a second name in case your first choice is already in use. Be creative with your nick :)

-- It will also ask for other information... generally, most people do not wish to enter their real name anywhere in IRC... Most of the info you type into your IRC program will be accessible to other people using IRC. Be creative with this info, you DO want some people to know who you are. If you are on any 3D product "lists" it is prolly a good idea to use the same name in the #carrara chat room as you do on the "lists". This will help the Chat room moderator know whom you are.

Fourth - Connect to IRC - Most IRC programs will include a large list of IRC servers for you. The #carrara channel is on EFnet. You will only be able to join the chat room while connected to an EFnet server.

Generally, you should try to select an IRC server near you. However, you may have to try several servers before you find one that will allow you access.

Some servers are better than others, many of us have a list of 4 or 5 servers we use at different times, depending on network congestion, reliability of the server, and other factors.

And Finally! - When you get connected, you'll read a message of the Day from the server, and other statistics (that will likely fly by too fast to read - you can scroll up to read what has flashed by.) It is probably a good idea to read the MOTD once in a while, to learn of any special considerations in using the server you connected to.

In the input box of the status window (or the window where the MOTD displayed) type: /join #carrara and hit enter. A new window will open, this will be the chat window! If we are there, say HI!... if not, check your watch... (If it is the right time, try a different server, like mentioned, some servers are better than others, and that can change day to day :)

If you have problems... The room is active almost every evenings at around 9pm Eastern to about midnight... (6PM to 9PM Pacific) but these hours can and do vary.

If it is within those times, stick around... it's like a coffee shop, sometimes there is a crowd, sometimes not. People come and go...

Once you get there, you'll discover you can do more than just chat!, it is possible to swap files, have private chats, play sounds, and more... We'll help ya learn what you can't figure out on your own...

See ya there... maybe even today!

DanM aka RayDreamr