JIRC
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- The title of this article is incorrect because of technical limitations. The correct title is jIRC.
Written entirely in Java, jIRC is a web-based Java applet that allows users to connect to any IRC server through a web browser.
Requirements
Windows users need a Java enabled browser like Internet Explorer 4.0 or Netscape 4.07. Newer versions than this may offer more compatibility with various IRC features. Macintosh users need Internet Explorer 4.5 at minimum, or a Macintosh-based web browser.
Since the applets don't usually exceed 50 Kilobytes, it will only take about 20 seconds to download on a standard 28.8 dial-up modem. This provides flexibility for even the slowest of internet connections, and saves space on hard drives that an IRC Client would use.
Pros and cons
jIRC offers some advantages over conventional IRC clients. There is no need to download an IRC client, and very little configuration is required, thus it is more simple to work with. Unfortunately, it has virtually no customization features compared to a standard executable IRC client, and advanced users will not find the options they desire. Also, there are still bugs in many jIRC applets, as the entire applet runs with limited stability.
Overall, jIRC is a great solution for using IRC from a remote location. Instead of wasting time downloading and installing, one can use this quick solution and be on IRC within seconds.