February 22, 2003
Forums
This is to be dedicated to iRC (Internet Chat Relay) and the rooms, sites, and programs used to communicate on the web. Your choice in software can have a big impact on the amount of pleasure you get from these sites, and we can help you with that too.
There is so much to offer out there, from sites where you can get help for specific illnesses, discuss your favorite hobbies, cooking, or learn how to do whatever it is you want to do. And you do it by talking to others with the same maladies, interests, or technical bent that is specific to yourself. Literally thousands of rooms around the world and in your own neighborhood exist on the Web today... you just have to know where and how to look for them.
Of course, there are some pitfalls for you if you have kids that randomly visit some of these sites, but I'll try to help you to help them do their chatting and web surfing in a safe and responsible manner. The majority of these sites have moderators that control the flow of the conversation, and the subject matter. Most have rules regarding foul language, sexual content, and are on guard for the predators that are highlighted in the tabloids and news today. Rest assured, the IRCops are in the channels and watching everything going on, and enforce rules and regulations by kicking offenders out of the channel and banning them from returning.
News and Links
HighLifter: This is a spirited room dedicated to ATV riding and hosts enthusiasts from the ArkLaTx and Nationally.
SBO: I believe this to be S'port/Bossier Online, but after monitoring for a few days the room stays empty.
International TechChat
Now here is a place you can go to as your technical questions. I've been a follower of this group long before Chris Pirillo joined TechTV's Call For Help segment.
You can also navigate to these sites by using an IRC Client like mIRC or Trillian. Make your connection to:
lockergnome.wyldryde.net on port 6667, connect, then enter /join #lockergnome. Using a chat client adds to the functionality and options in chat specific sites.