For this task, I downloaded the mIRC client and connected to one of the recommened channels for beginners via an American server. Comparing Internet Relay Chat with other more 'modern' chat programs, such as MSN, there is quite a big difference, mainly in presentation and usability. Visually, mIRC seemed quite bland, a bit of coloured text on a white background - no distinguishing contrasts to separate the chat section etc. It was reasonably easy to get connected, and relatively simple to use. Overall though, it felt pretty prehistoric and had no other features to speak of. I suppose you could say IRC is a combination of chat programs such as MSN, ICQ etc and a Newsgroup/Discussion Board - instant chat on a group scale.
In IRC's favour, as a method of communication, I would say that, as opposed to a Newsgroup/Discussion Board, you at least get an instant response to any topic of information that you are discussing with other users, within the chat room.
However, I prefer MSN as I like it's user interface, has good organisational features and it can be personalised.
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