Now on Starchat

The Chat Sessions

#Ataxia: INTERNAF's Chat room/channel

#Ataxia is now on the Starchat Network. This network was especially designed for support groups and organizations. Listed here you will find:

• Scheduled chat times
• Directions to #Ataxia
• Nickname registration info

#Ataxia was created for any ataxian (their family or friends) It is maintained by the Channel Founder and the Channel Operators.
Scheduled chats are organised through Internaf's Chat Moderator. auntystac@gmail.com
All are volunteers who have ataxia. Chat Reminders are sent (Thursdays) to INTERNAF members via our mailing list to keep members informed of #Ataxia news. Although always open, #Ataxia has several scheduled times:
-Daily open chats are held at 4:30 pm EST,9:30 pm GMT. A few of us gather just to have interaction and fun.
-Friday Chat, 4 pm EST, 9 pm GMT, 6 am Saturday in Sydney Australia.

These are both held mainly for socializing, but any ataxia subject is welcome to be brought up, we sometimes play trivia or hold discussions on certain subjects. Come check us out!

Not sure of time zone conversions:
http://www.timezoneconverter.com/cgi-bin/tzc.tzc

Directions:

• type in date/time you want converted; uncheck use current date/time ;from time zone: click your local area;to time zone: click Canada Eastern ;
• then click convert.

#Ataxia Etiquette
These are only guidelines to make chatting easier and a more pleasant experience for everyone:

1-All ataxians are welcome (their friends and family to);
2- Be pleasant at all times. There are others in the room. Keep profanity to a minimum, ie.only if you're joking, otherwise you'll get kicked-out or banned;
3- The channel has designated channel operators. They are the ones with the @ beside their name in the chatters window. If you require assistance please ask one of them;
4- English is not everyones first language....remember in translations sometimes the actual meaning of a word or phrase is misconstrued;
5- We all (or most) have ataxia, some may type slower than others, have slower connections, be multi-tasking whatever....faster folks be patient....slower folks don't get frustrated;
6- Remember this is the internet, irc connections no matter which method ( mirc, thru website, ircle, or webtv, etc.), do not work all the time. Again be patient. If at first you don't succeed TRY AGAIN later;
7- To avoid confusion find a nickname you like and stick with it. Registering it will ensure it is not taken by someone else on the Starchat network

For newbies:

1- If entering a room full of people is intimidating for you, just say hi;
2- Many of the regulars have formed lasting friendships, please don't let that make you feel left out, overtime you will know everyone too;
3- Sit back and observe, if that would be easier at first;
4- Remember we were all newbies at one time;
5- Some of us may ask for personal stats, so be prepared with the answer you wish to give (ie .age, dx, where your from, name, etc.). How much or how little you divulge is your choice.

DIRECTIONS FOR FINDING #ATAXIA

There are several ways to access #Ataxia. Many of the regulars use the chat programs mirc or ircle. The initial setup takes a bit of time, but once you're familiar with its features they are much more reliable and customizable.

Using the web browser

The simplest way to connect is with your web browser, which is what you're using right now. This method doesn't require you to download and/or install anything, it's drawback, however, is that it's less custumizable than the others.
Finally, to access it, simply click here -> CHAT <-or go to http://www.starchat.net/java.php
A window for security will pop up. Click grant this session. Next change nickname guest for yours. Type your nick's password in the password box (only if your nick is registered). In channel box replace starchat by ataxia. And click connect now. Your there!
Click here for nickname registration info

Using Mirc (for pc's)If you have a PC with Windows I recommend a chat software called MIRC. I am including detailed instructions for downloading and installing it to your PC.DOWNLOADING MIRC:1) Go to this web site http://www.mirc.com/get.html and click on which type of MIRC you need...
2) A file will be downloaded directly to your harddrive... you might want to specify a directory where you want it to go... remember where it went...you'll need this later.
3) For more information on "How to install", go to http://www.mirc.com/install.html
4) Click on the icon and a window will pop up... close the window that asks you about registering... another window pops up asking you which server you want to connect to.... and select a Starchat server (irc.starchat.net).
Click here for list of servers
5) Then fill in the 4 blanks on that screen... real name, email, nickname and alternate nickname... I’d advise to just leave the email blank if it lets you... or enter some garbage in that field. It’s not necessary to put your real name on either if you’d rather not.
Click here for nickname registration info
6) Click on Connect
Once you are connected another window will pop up for you to select a channel to join... type #ataxia in the box... note you need the # sign.Good luck!

Using Ircle (for Mac's)
If you have a Mac with MacOS, I recommend a chat software called IRCle. I am including detailed instructions for downloading and installing it to your Mac.
DOWNLOADING IRCle:
1) Go to this web site http://www.ircle.com/
This is the IRCle homepage ...it says... "download"... click there.
2) On the next page click on which type of IRCle you need...
3) A file will be downloaded directly to your harddrive, and a window containing the app. will open.
4) Go in, click on the ircle icon and a window will pop up... close the window that asks you about registering by choosing not now or try it first.
5 ) Then click on the first line in the connections window. fill in nickname, click on server and choose a Starchat server: (irc.starchat.net)
Click here for list of servers
Click here for nickname registration info
Click OK, then ACCEPT and OK.
6) Then back in the connections window click on Connect
Once connected, just type /join #ataxiaGood luck!

For Webtv and MSNTv users

Click here for info http://www.starchat.net/wtv/tutorial.htm
Click here for nickname registration info
For more info, go see: http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/misc/webtv.htmlGood luck!

For AOL users

ATTENTION:
AOL users must register nicks in order for others in the room to see what they are typing. A different procedure for them is found here:
http://www.starchat.net/aol.php

Nickname registration:

To avoid your nickname being stolen by someone else on the Starchat network We encourage all users to register their nickname. It only takes a few minutes. Once in #Ataxia on Starchat do the following:
type -> /ns register <your email> <password>
You will then receive an email with instructions for activating it. (typing a message with a number while in starchat.)

Once registered, each time you enter #Ataxia you must identify your nick.
To do so type -> /ns id <password>
Mirc allows you to do this automatically by going to options/perform/type command in white box.