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#Parkinsons On The Undernet. The undernet is a crazy place. Currently, it has more channels (rooms) than can be easily displayed. It is world wide in it's scope and yet at times is intensely personal. The topics of conversation range from serious to whimsical. #Parkinsons was created a little over a year ago as an exercise in learning how to use the net. At first, it was one person, talking to an infrequent visitor. The visitors were usually the curious, sometimes they were less friendly. Finally, there came a person who returned for a second visit, and a small miracle was born. Strangers became friends. People came in with questions and left with answers and hope. A short time ago, #Parkinsons grew strong enough to become a registered IRC channel with over thirty people who share a common (and some not so common) interests. What do you need to get there, and how do you do it? First, you need access to the internet. (I know this sounds silly, but you would be surprised.) The internet access needs to allow you to access more than just web browsing and email. Most Independent Service Providers provide this type of access. Next, you need a reasonably fast computer. A 386 or better is recommended. I have not tried it with a 286, but if that's what you've got, go fer it. A fast modem also helps. I started with a 2400 baud modem. It's workable but you may get left behind and become frustrated. Software. Now we get to the heart of the matter. Most software available for IRC is shareware, or freeware. The best known programs are MIRC for IBM and compatibles and IRCLE for the MAC. A relatively new program is PIRCH for IBM and compatibles. All of these programs are available on the Web (WWW). You also need a list of IRC servers. Most of the IRC programs come with a list of servers ready for use. The last thing you need is patience. Getting "connected" is rather easy, but a lot of people give up after one or two failed attempts. Then too, once you get the software installed and running, you may ask "where is everyone?". IRC is very much like using a two way radio or mobile phone. If you dial the wrong number, try at the wrong time, or don't know where the people are, you can spend a lot of time by your self. #parkinsons is a 24 hour channel. That does not mean there is always someone there. The best times are from 6:00 P.M. Central Standard time (United States) to 10:00 P.M. CST, U.S. Of course, there may be other "best times". Half of the world is awake while the other half is sleeping. #Parkinsons is not the exclusive "property" of any one person, although it is registered under the name "WerBeagle". If you want to start a "best time" in your time zone, have fun. Be aware, however, that WerBeagle will probably be notified by the Channel Service of any abuse of the channel. The name. #parkinsons. Not $parkinsons, or @parkinsons, or #parkysons, or #parkiesons, or #parkasons, or #parkandsons, or #parksons, or #parkison, or #parkinson's, or #parkies, or even parkinsons. All but three of the above names will get you a channel. But only #parkinsons will get you to a place where they don't care how slow you type, how inventive you are at spelling, or how long you take to respond. *chuckle* And yes, in one case the police were sent to the person's home. A new visitor honestly thought the person was in need of help. (What are sister's for anyway?) That's what you need. How do you do it? This topic has been covered by people far more capable than I am. So in the interest of space, and so I don't get tons of email about wasting list space, here are some web sites you can visit. This is by no means a complete list of sites. Have fun. This site talks about accessing IRC from AOL, but they did a great job of step 1, 2, 3...you're there for IRC in general and MIRC specifically. Try this site first. http://www.mindspring.com/~mcgatney/irc.html IRC for the MAC. This is a source for the MAC software. http://www.mid.net/INFO-MAC/PM-1995/95-09/Info-Mac_Digest_V13_97/0029.html Some other sites I've found.... MIRC IRC Client (software) http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Park/6000/ http://www.ctfire.com/ Pirch IRC Client (Software) http://www.bcpl.lib.md.us/~frappa/pirch.html IRC: What is it and how do you get there? http://kragar.kei.com/irc.html http://www.netsurf.org/~violet/jwz/irc-faq.html http://www.singnet.com.sg/public/IRC/ircclient.html