mIRC gives you access to chat rooms centered around tons of different topics in which you can converse with users from all over the world. With this program, you can connect and disconnect with ease and enjoy hours of group or private conversations about whatever interests you.
Pros
Favorites list: When you first install this app, there is a preloaded Favorites List that contains suggestions for you to try. Of course, you can always edit this list and add your own favorite channels as you find them, but it's nice to have somewhere to start, just because there are so many different options.
Stacked windows: Since it's likely you'll be involved in more than one conversation at a time, this app stacks windows in a tight, overlapping layout, so that you'll have no problem locating a specific page when you need it. Each window has its name across the top, and that's clearly visible whether they're stacked or not. Of course, you can always rearrange the windows if you'd like to see more of each of them at the same time.
Cons
Average interface: mIRC has a functional interface, but it's not very visually appealing or streamlined for beginners. Once you get the hang of it, though, it's no trouble to navigate. And there is a thorough Help document that you can browse through if you'd like.
Bottom Line
If you enjoy participating in chat rooms, or if you'd just like to try it, this app is a good option. It provides access to just about any channel you can imagine, and it's free to try for 30 days, so you have plenty of time to test it out. If you do decide to continue using mIRC beyond the trial period, you'll have to purchase a license for $20.
Editors' note: This is a review of the trial version of mIRC 7.32.
Publisher's Description
From mIRC:
mIRC is a full featured Internet Relay Chat client for Windows that can be used to communicate, share, play or work with others on IRC networks around the world, either in multi-user group conferences or in one-to-one private discussions. It has a clean, practical interface that is highly configurable and supports features such as buddy lists, file transfers, multi-server connections, IPv6, SSL encryption, proxy support, UTF-8 display, UPnP, customizable sounds, spoken messages, tray notifications, message logging, and more.
What's new in this version: Version 7.32 includes a number of updates, enhancements and bug fixes.
