IRC and other chat mechanisms

[Lem Sip]

After days of reading and trial and error I have got a red hat 7.1 box up and running on the web. I don't know anyone that runs Linux other than me so it's been a bit tricky and now that I'm here I'd like to chat to some like minded people.

What does everyone use to chat to other Linux users for configuration and general help?

Also I want to use something to access a free email account to replace MSN from windows. Anyone know if there's an MSN client for Linux or some other free mail and chat program I can do this with?

Also, what CDDB applications does everyone use for playing CDs?

Thanks

Lem

[Craig McPherson]

In terms of IRC clients, I'd strongly recommend epic. *****x is probably the favorite, but epic can easily do everythign *****x can do, and it's marginally easier to learn. It's useless without a script, though. ThirdEye is my favorite script. It's probably my favorite script because it's the only script I've used. If you really need a graphical IRC program, xchat and tkirc are viable choices, and there are probably many more.

As for places to chat, most major networks have #linux or #linuxheld channels. LinuxNewbie has a channel which might be your best bet, but I forget which network it's on -- Effnet? There are a lot of choices out there. And there's always Slashnet, which is pretty much full of free-software types.

As for free e-mail, you can either choose one that has a web-based Interface, or choose one that offers POP3 service so that you can download your mail with fetchmail and use it with any mail client.

[Lem Sip]

Anyone else care to comment?

Also, where's the best place to find out about software? Looking randomly through download.com is fairly unappealing so any input would be appreciated :)

Lem

[Lem Sip]

Anyone else care to comment?

Also, where's the best place to find out about software? Looking randomly through download.com is fairly unappealing so any input would be appreciated :)

Lem

[Malakin]

Linux Software:

http://www.freshmeat.net

http://www.sourceforge.net

http://linux.tucows.com

http://apps.kde.com

[ 17 September 2001: Message edited by: Malakin ]

[bobtcowboy]

Originally posted by Craig McPherson:
<STRONG>If you really need a graphical IRC program, xchat and tkirc are viable choices, and there are probably many more.</STRONG>

ksirc or kvirc..... I'd have to say all GUI IRC clients are seriously lacking compared to say mIRC...

<STRONG>
LinuxNewbie has a channel which might be your best bet, but I forget which network it's on -- Effnet?</STRONG>

irc.openprojects.net ... #lno OPN also has other very helpful channels... #debian if you use it... #linuxhelp ...

Bill