How can I use the CalgaryNano Chat?!?

So, you want to join the CalgaryNano chat room, do you? Well, here's how you do it.

There are two ways to get to the CalgaryNano chat:

2) use a full-featured IRC client - a program specifically designed for the kind of chat room we use, which is based on the Internet Relay Chat system. There are many IRC programs, and if you already know how to use one, just use these settings:

Server: irc.idlechat.net port 6667
Once you connect, you can /join #CalgaryNano

There are many IRC clients, as mentioned above, and some are incredibly powerful and filled with features, but most people just want to be able to chat. First the Windows client. You can skip to the Mac OS client. The IRC clients chosen here are simple to use and more importantly, simple to install and configure.

For Windows: X-Chat 2

X-Chat 2 is a free client that is based on X-Chat, which has been around a long time but is not free - once the free trial expires, that's it. Pay, or stop using it. X-Chat 2 never expires.

You can download X-Chat 2 and install the program easily

1. just go to the X-Chat 2 download page, and
2. click on the numbered link where it says "Latest X-Chat installer:".
3. run the program to install it. You may need to hit "yes" if your firewall asks if you really want to run it. On most pages, just hit "next".
   
   Accept the license and hit "next" again.
   
   and hit "next" until it asks you to hit "install"
   
   and then when it finishes installing, hit "finish"
4. you can now run the program. When it comes up, you will see a window that says "XChat: Network List"
   
   Enter the following information:
   1. Nick name: your choice of name you want to use
   2. Second choice: alternative if the system can't use that name
   3. Third choice: another alternative if it can't use the first two
      (note, I put "Squiddy", "Squiddy-" and "Squiddy_" as my choices (without quotes))
   4. User name: make something up!
   5. Real name: make something up!
5. Now you can setup the network entries
   1. in the Networks list you'll see "New Network".
      
      (if you don't see it, hit the +Add button)
      Click on that and type in "_nanowrimo" and hit enter.
      (put the "_" in front to keep it at the top of the list)
      Then click the "Edit" button
      
      You'll see the following come up:
      
      
   2. Where it says "newserver/6667" click and change that to
      "irc.idlechat.net/6667", then click in the empty space below it to set it.
   3. You can then put a checkmark in "Auto connect to this network at startup", so it will always take you to the right server
   4. in Favorite channels, put #CalgaryNano
   5. Leave "connect command" blank unless you know how to use it.
   6. you can put a password in "Nickserv password" - you will need to
      register once connected to the server and in #CalgaryNano
   7. leave "server password" blank unless you know how to use it.
   8. click Close
6. Now that you have it configured, every time you start the program, it will take you to the right server, then put you in the #CalgaryNano chat room, and if you've set a password (and registered - more below) it will log in your nick name. If you do not set autoconnect, you can just highlight the "nanowrimo" network, and click "connect"
7. once you are in the #CalgaryNano chat room, you should see a list of names to the right, one of which will be Barkeep. He is our host and no, he's not live, he's just a scripted helper. Type "-help" (without the quotes, but don't forget the "-") to see his commands.

And there you go, you're in the chat. Of course, if you have any questions, just ask for help. I am Squiddy. I am the Keeper of the Chat and I'm happy to help you. You can also ask for help on the CalgaryNano facebook page, and we'll get you going.

1. You can download it at the Colloquy Download Page. there is a link for the latest version, which is good for Mac OS X 10.7. If you are using an older version of Mac OS, thre is a link to a version that will work for you. Once you have downloaded it, double-click it to install it. A window will pop up asking if you want to send analytics, which is up to you. Once it is installed, then run it.
2. You will see this:
   
   
   1. Nickname is the name you want to use. It should match your nanowrimo forums name
   2. Protocol should be as shown
   3. for server, type in: irc.idlechat.net
      port should be 6667
   4. Click the Details arrow to see more
   5. Put your forum name as your username
   6. Leave this password blank
   7. For real name, make something up
   8. For Join Rooms, put #CalgaryNano
   9. Click Connect
3. You should then be connected.
   Click the View Menu and select Get Info, you should see:
   
   
   1. Chat server should be us.ipocalypse.net
      You can use eu.ipocalypse.net as an alternative
   2. Server port should be 6667
   3. SSL off, SASL checked
   4. Username blank
   5. Server Password blank
   6. Nickname is your nanowrimo.org forum name
   7. Password is a password you will need once you register in the chat.
      You can set this later.
   8. Alt. nicknames. Sometimes your nickname won't work, so pick alternates.
      It is best to keep it simple. I personally use: Squiddy, Squiddy-, Squiddy_
   9. For real name, make something up
4. Now click on the "Automatic" tab and you should see:
   
   
   1. Check "Connect on launch
   2. Check "Open console on connect
   3. In Join Rooms, put #CalgaryNano
   4. Then on this screen:
      
      
   5. Click on "Join Rooms"
   6. And then:
      
      
   7. click "join"