For irc info and FAQ, you can browse files on cs-ftp.bu.edu or any ftp site 
that carries irc specific files in the  /irc/clients directory, pick up 
IRCPRIMER.1.1. (I forget the rest of  the extension) it has a very good 
primer for irc beginners. This tutorial will not attempt to replace that 
document.

For WSIRC regular distribution of latest versions you can try these sites:

USA: cs-ftp.bu.edu (/irc/clients/pc/windows/wsirc14g.zip)
USA: winftp.cica.indiana.edu (/pub/pc/win3/winsock/wsirc14g.zip)
USA: ftp.undernet.org (wsirc14g.zip)
EUR: ftp.demon.co.uk (wsirc14g.zip)
EUR: ftp.funet.fi (/pub/msdos/networks/irc/windows/wsirc14g.zip)
SIN: use CICA mirror directory
COMPUSERVE: INETFORUM, TELECOM, WUGNET (WSIRC.ZIP)

First, you must be running MS-Windows. WSIRC and WINSOCK.DLL are MS-Windows 
based software.

Second, you must use an implementation of tcp/ip for MS-Windows which is 
called WINSOCK.DLL (it is actually the name of the file, but we refer to the 
protocol by the same name).

Third, you must either be connected to a TCP/IP LAN or a modem. When you use a 
modem, you must subscribe to a SLIP account with your Internet Service 
Provider. You must ask them: your username, your pchostname, your permanent ip 
address , their DNS ip address. These will be required for WINSOCK.DLL 
configuration setup.

Fourth, there is a configuration setup you need to do with WINSOCK.DLL, the 
specifics are covered by each vendor's documentation. Commercial WINSOCK 
software costs US$ 199.- to US$ 299.-. Shareware WINSOCK software costs US$ 
20.- to US$ 40.- (Peter Tattam's WINSOCK.DLL is US$ 20.- has an internal 
SLIP driver and works very well).

Fifth, assuming all of the configuration works. Dial up your internet service 
provider to your SLIP account (a script file can automate this process).

Sixth, once connected, start up WSIRC. Open up the Options | Server dialog box 
and enter all information in the boxes provided. For server names, browse the 
SERVERS.TXT file, I have used irc.funet.fi, poe.acc.virginia.edu, 
cs-pub.bu.edu, irc.eskimo.com, irc.colorado.edu, etc. Do not use the actual 
ip address (123.222.222.222) use the human text name (irc.funet.fi). Use port 
6667. Use the username and pcname provided by your SLIP provider. Use 
nicknames that are NO LONGER than 9 characters. Use no spaces in between for 
anything (except for the email info, but that's optional).

Seventh, click on the connect button (or use File | Connect). If it doesn't 
connect, try another server. If 11004 error occurs, either your DNS ip address 
is wrong or you entered an invalid server name, enter a valid server name. If 
10060 or 10061 occurs, either the server is down, busy or otherwise not 
responding, try another server. If the server says "Nickname in use", change 
your nickname on the fly with /NICK mynick. The server should then display its 
MOTD (message of the day) file.

Eighth, once connected to the irc server, you can type /LIST in the Server 
Window entry box (slim long horizontal rectangular window) to see all the 
channels that your server sees. This may take a while, if the server 
disconnects due to ping timeout, use another server that allows a longer 
timeout. Double click on any that you see interesting. You do not always have 
to do a /LIST. You can join a channel immediately e.g. by typing /JOIN #chat 
to join the #chat channel. Channels on irc always begin with the '#' 
character. A Channel Window should pop up, if not check your nickname to see 
that it is 9 characters or less.

Ninth, once in the channel, type anything you want. It's usually common 
courtesy to simple say 'Hello all' to see if anybody is there and friendly. 
Some channels are 'behaviorally challenging', if so simply join another 
channel or create your own. To leave a channel type /LEAVE or /PART or close
the Channel Window.

Tenth, if you stumble, you can always ask for help by email to
csamsi@clark.net