What sort of Linux users use IRC?

[yeehi]

Why do people use IRC instead of spending their time on the forums?
Do you meet different sorts of people on IRC? What are they like?

[sisco311]

Not a support question. Moved to The Community Cafe.

[philinux]

Why do people use IRC instead of spending their time on the forums?
Do you meet different sorts of people on IRC? What are they like?

For instant help or just to socialise.

[Nytram]

Like Philinux said - if you're looking for help then it's quicker than asking on a forum; you can ask questions and get an instant response. The kind of people you meet are the same on forums as on IRC chat, at least in my experience; why don't you try it and find out.

[MisterGaribaldi]

Real Linux users use IRC.

[yeehi]

What is the best application to use for IRC? Is there a default one installed in 12.04?

What is the url for the IRC? something like freenode...

[Nytram]

If you're using Gnome the most commonly used IRC software is XChat, it can be installed from the Software Centre. The official Ubuntu chat channels are on Freenode, but many networks have Ubuntu/Linux chat rooms.

[catlover2]

As Nytram said, I sometimes go to an IRC channel if I want a fast answer to something, and Google isn't helping.

[VE6EFR]

My wife and I run a website for the city that will allow people to listen in to live audio from the Edmonton Fire Rescue Services and Edmonton EMS. We have an IRC room that will let people ask questions or just talk about what they are hearing (major structure fire, etc).

We find that this is a great way for listeners to interact with each other and not have to install anything. Plus it helps to entertain them between events so they stay around longer.

[CharlesA]

For instant help or just to socialise.

This.

I use Xchat, myself.