and here's some basics from [DFL] one of the operators there, on getting started:
If you are unfamiliar with IRC, you will need to download an IRC client, the most common of which is mIRC, available free at: www.mirc.com Just download the program, and follow the installation instructions.
mIRC is a pretty good client, and I'd suggest you install a reasonable script ontop of that to aid your downloading and protection.
failing that, the only commands you'll ever really need are
/server [insert server name]
/join #channel-name
(always read the on-join message for channel rules, and how to access fserves, request bots or pack downloads)
and finally
/dccallow +username
to add the provider to your safe list to prevent autoblocking their file sends
some channels require you to have a registered username to join them - it's simple type :-
/nickserv register help
for the list of registering commands for that server
none
Edit-->
Turned out to be a different individual, but still a good article:
Mr. Coates, glad to see you've migrated from the SWCutscene list. To get to know Mr. Coates check out this article of his: May 25, 1977: A Day Long Remembered