![irccommands irccommands1 How to Use IRC? Tips and Basic Chat Commands [Part 2 of 2]](http://mintywhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/irccommands1.png)
Yesterday, we explained IRC and how to get set up. Today, we’ll cover tips and basic commands for using IRC. In this guide, we’ll cover:
- How to join IRC networks
- How to join a IRC network channels
- IRC tips
- IRC basic commands
How to Join IRC Networks
An IRC Network hosts channels (more about that in a minute) on which you can chat and interact. A network is hosted by the server (what’s an IRC server?) and, generally, provides a chatting area for groups of interest or geographic location. There are many (tens of thousands or more) IRC networks, which can host anywhere from one to many thousand channels.
To join an IRC network, you need to know its address and port number. Once you’ve found a network, simply connect to it with your IRC client. For example:
![What is IRC? whatisirc What is IRC? An Introduction to IRC [Part 1 of 2]](http://mintywhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/whatisirc.png)
![outlookLogoMac outlookLogoMac Setting up and using a second email account in Outlook 2010 [How To]](http://mintywhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/outlookLogoMac.jpg)

![WinUSB WinUSB 500x318 Easily Create a Windows Installation Flash Drive [How To]](http://mintywhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/WinUSB-500x318.jpg)