To get the most recent version of mIRC, go to www.mirc.co.uk. Save the program somewhere on your computer that you will be able to easily find it afterwards. Once it is finished downloading, go to where you saved the program and click it to start the installation.
If you are unfamiliar with mIRC, just let it install all defaults, you can always change or tweak it later to suit your own preferences once you get to know it. When it is finished installing, you will have a mIRC icon on your desktop. Click the icon to start the program.
The first window you will get is the mIRC Options.
Keep in mind that IRC is a public application, you really don't want strangers to have your actual personal information. For your "Full Name" it is generally suggested that you make something up, the same applies to your email address. Put the nickname you want to use to chat with, as well as an alternative nick in case your first choice is already taken. Keep "Invisible mode" checked, as this helps preserve your privacy.
Once this information is completed, on the left click "servers".
Here is where you select which network you want to chat on. Scroll through the alphabetical list, highlight the network, and click "Select" on the right. You will be taken back to the first screen where you entered your nickname and other information ... the server you selected will be shown below "Invisible mode" now. Click "Connect" to log on.
** If for some reason you don't see Ascends in the list of servers, or you end up on an unknown network, then just type /server irc.ascends.net to connect
Once you are connected, you will be prompted to join a channel when the mIRC Favorites window comes up.
Keep in mind that the list of channels shown here is not necessarily representative of those actually active on the network you have connected to, it is merely a list of suggested channels. If you know the name of the channel you want to join, you can scroll through the alphabetical list and highlight it, then click Join. If the channel is not listed, just type it in the box at the top where it says "Enter a channel name and click join:" Be sure to put a # in front of the channel name, for example #quiltchat. Click join and you will enter the channel.
To get a list of available channels to chat in on any network, once connected just type /list on any chat line and the Channels list window will come up. You can right click on any channel in the list and click Join.
At the top of your mIRC screen, you will find options where you can tweak your mIRC to suit your own preferences. For example, under "View" you can change the font and colors shown. Note that the font and colors you choose will only affect your own screen, not what others in the channel see. Other preferences can be changed under Tools, Options. Once you feel comfortable with it, have fun playing around with different options and settings until you get everything the way you like it, and don't worry ... anything that you have set can be UNset if you don't like it.
Sometimes people like to share files in IRC, such as music or pictures, via DCC (Direct Client to Client). It is not advisable to accept files from anyone you don't know and trust, otherwise you could find yourself infected with a virus, so beware of this. The same rule applies to links posted in a channel or a private chat window, don't click any link unless you are sure of the person posting it.
mIRC is a pretty straightforward program to use, very user-friendly. It is shareware, and if you intend to use it for an extended period of time or on a regular basis, you might consider purchasing it.