First things first, you need to download a client to access IRC Servers. To do this, go to: www.mirc.com And download the mIRC client.
After that, install the client. Once you run the client, you should get to a screen that looks like this:
Don't panic. The first thing you should do is click the "Add" button and add our IRC Server to your connect list.
A new window will pop up. Is it not glorious?
Fill out the new window with the information listed below and then click "Ok".
You'll come back to this window. Looks familiar, doesn't it.
Fill out the information in this window as is pertinent to yourself. The only line that really matters is the "Nickname:" line. This is equivalent to your AIM Screen name, basically. After you fill it out, click "Ok".
The screen will disappear. Do not panic.
Click the connect button. It looks like a lightning bolt. Only click it once.
After you click it, a line will come up. It should say something along the lines of:
"*** Connecting to irc.othersideirc.net (6667)
A whole slew of lines will then pop up after wards. Whoop-dee-doo. Ignore them.
If someone else is using the nickname you're using, you'll get some messages from -NickServ-. Type '/nick BlahBlahMe' to fix that. If not, then type '/join #End' and hit enter.
eyay~ You made it to the chatroom. Chat, f00bag.
Extra Stuff: If you're like me, you won't like the default colors. They burn the eyes. Click the "Colors" Button.
Set the colors the way you want... The settings I have chosen are pretty reliable though. Hit "OK" when you're finished.
If you want to make sure nobody jacks your screen name, you can use Nickserv to register it. The syntax is: '/msg nickserv register [Insert Password Here]'
After that, you're set. Head back to the chatroom and have fun.
See you soon. =]