Hiya Guys,

Can anyone recommend some free web-based software that I can set up so that people that visit my website can connect to my IRC chatroom? I've tried Jpilot, and like the look of that, but at the moment, I can't afford the $50 registration fee

Can anyone else recommend something?

Cheers guys

Personally I'd use PJIRC. Also, ircreviews.org and dmoz.org have two useful Java IRC client lists.

Personally, I'd go with PJIRC every time, its easy to setup, free, and FULLY customisable, supports a method of "coding" in commands, and also allows a multiple of different languages to be used.

Eamonn.

java sucks.. but hey its your call

Thats a very bold and wasteful posting as i'm sure your aware people could very well say 'mIRC scripting sucks' in every post in the scripting section of this forum, but they dont, Java has its uses just like every other language.

Eamonn.

java is slow loading, and requires a slow plugin to work right...

on the contrary, pjirc is pretty fast and damn near real time when it comes to text. OK in something like an XDCC channel you might notice it slowing down where theres thousands of lines per minute, but for normal chatting i find it perfectly fine.

can't deny that java can't compete with mIRC however, but its WAY better than somethin like jpilot which is GOD aweful.

Flash is slow on a 56k PC, and requires a plugin to work right.

Eamonn.

point taken, but flash wasnt being discussed here... and also flash is damn faster than java.

Let's not get into an argument about languages, because the only thing that ever happens is that everyone says something stupid. Let's just drop it while you're the only casualty.

The bottom line is that Java is far and away the best overall method for web-based chat clients.

I used PJIRC on my site, Though I stopped using it because my visitors were having problems with Ident etc.

So what I did was, Remove the Java applet and tell people to use a real client. Java chat itself is fine but I wouldn't advise trying to put inexperienced users on to public IRC using PJIRC.

It's better to pay for a system that uses a private server, Maybe not even IRC protocol. Otherwise you will be dealing with complaints about YOUR chat applet and YOUR site not working properly. When all they are experiencing is the common IRC problems. Common IRC connection problems are a pain for the user who simply click the " Chat Now! " button, It implies user friendliness that IRC can't really honour.

For IRC it's better for people to use a "real" client such as mIRC that has support forums, And a detailed FAQ and Readme. As IRC really is not ideal for the technical newbie. And the experienced IRC'er would not be using a Java applet as a preference

another good one is CGI:IRC

only thing with this one is that it runs on your own servers bandwidth instead of that of your users...

it does offer a better interface imho

http://cgiirc.sourceforge.net/

I had a look at CGIIRC and it seems to operate in a similair manner to PHPmyChat, refreshing periodically to grab the latest messages.

TBH I dont see the point of that, You may aswell use PHPmyChat if you want to consume bandwidth. What's the point of needing sockets enabled to connect to an IRC site in such a crude fashion, It's a waste of bandwidth and server resource and holds little advanatage, If any, Over crappy phpMyChat. The point of connecting to an external IRC server should be to _avoid_ bandwidth consumption?

Actually the only decent webchat i have found so far is the IRCQ-Net flash applet. PJirc is too much like a normal IRC client. Meaning i have to deal with technical queries, Just like mirc.com, from users who dont understand IRC error messages.

IRCQ-Net is a bit more newbie friendly. Also it uses a server configuration which avoids common IRC Problems, Ident, etc etc.

However it has several other drawbacks:

1. Cannot custoimize GUI to match your sites style sheets.
2. Cannot remove the channel list from inside the gui or the ICQ-net logo.

In conclusion, After practical expereince, There is no decent IRC web-chat out there for the general public.

For geekish IRC heads who can get on with an IRC client, They are welcome to PJIRC. If you don't mind an IRC applet that looks bolted on and totally not part of your site, then IRCQ-net is a bit smoother. That's yer lot.

i need ur help i am trying to open one chat that is given me problem,can you help me

Pssibly, but we need more information. What kind of trouble are you having is the minimum information we would need.

Please note that this is a help forum for mIRC not Web/Java chat.

Hey,

I'm kinda new with all this, but the point is that i want to have a web applet. Now i've downloaded pjirc, and unpacked the whole thing. What am i to do now?

I'd recommend you locate a help site or forum for pjirc. I don't use it, and never have. mIRC is the only IRC chat program that I've ever used.

you will need to upload it to your website.
maybe even add it in a one of your website pages.

As an owner of an IRC server on a jointly owned network that has been established for quite a while now I can assure you that there is nothing wrong with java applets, even on dialup connections they load in under 30 seconds even on a first visit.

The thing you seem to have forgotten here is that the finer points of IRC are not for everyone and there are a lot of people out there that want to simply use IRC as a means of communications. It is a good way to introduce new users to IRC without bombarding them with suggestions about chat software, scripting and all the hardcore aspects of IRC.

To a new user who is unfamiliar with IRC, a java applet will ALWAYS be an easier way to get them on board. I run celebrity chats on my network. All users, except the regulars will always come in on a webpage. Why? Because their concern is asking the celebrity questions and they don't have to worry about things like what server to join, what room to join, how does this work? etc. It's all laid on for them.

If you run a server and you genuinely want users there what are you going to do: Lay it on for them and give them the option of graduating to mIRC when they become more experienced or just tell them to get an IRC client and learn the ropes from day one?

Carlsbriggs: I use and recommend PJIRC on our network's website. Like anything, it does take some setting up but works well once that job is done.