Click here to get the latest mIRC release from www.mirc.com.

Once downloaded, the mIRC installation file will most likely be on your desktop or in your 'My Documents' unless you have changed your download directory. Double click on the file, and it will ask you where you would like to install mIRC. This is usually C:\mirc or C:\Program Files\mirc.

Once installed, it will ask you if you would like to launch the software. Tick the box and click finish. If you forgot to tick the box, or this is your second time launching mIRC, click Start -> Programs -> mIRC -> mIRC.

The first time you run mIRC, it should present you with a screen similar to that shown below. If not, click File/Options on the menu. Insert your name, E-mail address and nickname that you would like to chat as. The alternative nickname is only used if someone is currently using the nickname chosen above.

If you're running the latest version of mIRC (v5.9 and later) you will not need to add a server to the server list. If you have an old version, it's recommended that you get the latest servers.ini file and copy it into your mIRC install directory.

As show in the previous point, selecting "IRC Network" Blabbernet will select "Blabbernet: Random server". However, if you would like to ensure you are always connecting to a server closest to you, click "Add" and fill in the server's details as shown below. If you're not sure which server you should add, visit this page to find more info on Blabber.net's servers.

By default, mIRC will popup a preset list of channels once you connect. You can use this list to join channels, but bare in mind the list does not reflect the list of channels that exist on Blabber.net. For best results, untick "Pop up folder on connect" on that window and click the Close button. Then, type /list in the status window while you're connected. A window should appear looking something like this:


The channel name is listed on the left-hand side, with the amount of users listed in the center and the topic on the right hand side. Join the channel(s) that look appealing to you by double clicking on them.

Once you're in a channel you're free to start chatting. It's usually a good idea to get upto speed with the rules of the channel so you don't make any mistakes and get yourself kicked out. If you need help while you're learning, the FAQ is an excellent resource.