Open Source Comes to Campus/Curriculum/Laptop setup/Windows IRC

On Windows, we'll be using HexChat, a popular graphical IRC chat client.

IRC client setup instructions
Download HexChat for Windows from this link.

IRC client practice: joining the OpenHatch channel
During this workshop we'll get practice using IRC and help each other as we contribute to projects in the #openhatch channel on the Freenode network.

To join it, scroll down in the Network list and find the Freenode network. Select it by clicking, then click Connect.

Once you connect, you'll need to join the #openhatch channel.

Given that information, and reviewing the HexChat overview above, use HexChat to connect to Freenode and join the OpenHatch channel. Pick any nickname you like. :) Once you have joined the channel, say hello!

Registering a nickname on Freenode (optional)
You can pick a permanent name by "registering a nick". This doesn't mean you can't easily go by other names - instead, it reserves the nick you register so it can be used only by you. To register a nick, type the following command into your client's input line:

/msg NickServ REGISTER password youremail@example.com

Replace "password" with a secure password and "youremail@example.com" with your email. Further details are at the Freenode FAQ pages.

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