Internet Relay Chat

In computing, service that allows users connected to the Internet to chat with each other in real time and over many channels. There are probably hundreds of IRC channels active at any one time, covering a variety of topics. Anything written in one channel can be seen by all other users of that channel. Private channels can be used for private conference calls. Many abbreviations are used to cut down on typing and users have to type quickly if they wish to keep up with the conversation. IRC was developed by Jarkko Oikarinen in Finland in the late 1980s and works using a number of dedicated IRC servers around the world. IRC is also popular with hackers as a vehicle for propagating computer viruses.