====== How To Connect (PinoyIRC Network) ======

Welcome to **PinoyIRC**!  
This guide will help you connect and start chatting in just a few minutes.

----

===== Step 1: Install an IRC Client =====
Choose one of the following IRC clients:

  * **mIRC** (Windows)
  * **HexChat** (Windows / Linux)
  * **irssi / WeeChat** (Advanced users)

----

===== Step 2: Connect to PinoyIRC =====
You may connect using **any of these servers**:

  * moosejaw.ca.pinoyirc.com
  * meadowlake.ca.pinoyirc.com
  * makati.ph.pinoyirc.com

**Ports:**
  * 6667 (Normal)
  * 6697 (SSL – Recommended)

**Normal Connection:**
<code>
/server moosejaw.ca.pinoyirc.com 6667
</code>

**Secure (SSL) Connection:**
<code>
/server moosejaw.ca.pinoyirc.com 6697
</code>

(You can replace the server name with any server listed above.)

----

===== Step 3: Choose a Nickname =====
Pick a unique nickname:
<code>
/nick YourNick
</code>

----

===== Step 4: Register Your Nickname =====
Register your nickname to protect it.

<code>
/msg NickServ REGISTER password email
</code>

**Example:**
<code>
/msg NickServ REGISTER mypass123 my@email.com
</code>

----

===== Step 5: Identify When Reconnecting =====
Each time you reconnect, identify your nick:
<code>
/msg NickServ IDENTIFY password
</code>

----

===== Step 6: Join a Channel =====
Join a channel to start chatting:
<code>
/join #pinoyIRC
</code>

----

===== Step 7: Basic IRC Commands =====
Join a channel:
<code>
/join #channel
</code>

Leave a channel:
<code>
/part
</code>

Change nickname:
<code>
/nick NewNick
</code>

Quit IRC:
<code>
/quit
</code>

----

===== Common Problems =====
**Nickname already in use?**
<code>
/msg NickServ GHOST YourNick password
</code>

**Disconnected?**  
Reconnect using another PinoyIRC server from the list above.

----

===== Tips for New Users =====
  * Use **SSL (6697)** for better security
  * Always **register your nickname**
  * Never share your password
  * Follow channel rules and respect other users
  * Join #Help channel - general help
  * 
----

Enjoy chatting on **PinoyIRC**!