JIRC

Written entirely in Java, jIRC is a proprietary freeware web-based Java applet that allows users to connect to any IRC server through a web browser.

Requirements

Windows users need a Java enabled browser like Opera, Mozilla Firefox, Netscape or alternatively Internet Explorer. The newer version of these browsers, the more compatibility with various IRC features. Mac users need Internet Explorer 4.5 at minimum, or a Mac-based web browser.

Since the applets don't usually exceed 50 Kilobytes, it will only take about 20 seconds to download on a standard 28.8 dial-up modem. This provides flexibility for even the slowest of internet connections, and saves space on hard drives that an IRC Client would use.

Official Website: http://www.jpilot.com/products/jirc/

Pros and cons

jIRC offers some advantages over conventional IRC clients. There is no need to download an IRC client, and very little configuration is required, thus it is more simple to work with. Unfortunately, it has virtually no customization features compared to a standard executable IRC client, and advanced users will not find the options they desire. Also, there are still bugs in many jIRC applets, as the entire applet runs with limited stability.

ee also

*List of IRC clients
*Comparison of IRC clients