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Online 12-Step Group for Compulsive Overeaters

Tech Help for Online OA Meetings

If the meeting room connection doesn't work for you, there are several ways to go to meetings online. All the instructions you need are right here on this page. If you run into any difficulties, click on the button below at the left to email us for help.

We meet on the internet on our own IRC channel, or "chat room." Going to a meeting in a chat room takes special IRC software, but the software is easy to get. Below are directions for getting and using IRC software for Windows computers, Macs, and Web TV.

Before you start, you may want to print out this page so you'll have the directions close to you to follow them. Look for your computer type, and follow the steps as carefully as you can. If you run into trouble or need extra help, click on the button at the left to email us for help.

GOING TO MEETINGS ON IRC

IRC FOR WINDOWS

Windows computers use software called mIRC. First you need to get this mIRC software from the internet. This called "downloading" it from the internet.

  1. DOWNLOAD MIRC:
    • Start up your web browser (Netscape, Internet Explorer, AOL, or iCab) and go to http://www.mirc.com/
    • Click on the Download mIRC button.
    • Click on the Download mIRC Now button.
    • In the left column of the download window, click on Desktop, then click Save in the bottom right corner.
    • When the download box shows that the download is finished, close the little window, then close your web browser.

    You're done downloading mIRC! Now you have the software you need. You're halfway there!

    Next, you need to learn how to use mIRC. The first time is the hardest because you have to find a Mibbit server and type in all your information. After that it's really easy. There are three basic steps for using mIRC.

  2. INSTALL MIRC:
    • Now you need to find the mIRC program you just downloaded on your computer desktop. It will be called mirc631.exe or something similar with "mirc" and some numbers. Double-click on it.
    • It will start to install. Click Next, I Agree, Yes, OK, Install, etc. to any questions that might come up, and watch it install, then click Finish.
    • Find the little mIRC icon on your computer desktop and double-click it.
    • Click once in the line "Licensed To" to open the connection window

     

  3. CONNECT TO A MIBBIT SERVER:
    • On the IRC Servers line at the top right, scroll down to Mibbit
    • Type in your name, your email address, a nickname you'd like to use, and an alternate nickname in case someone is already using the first one you chose
    • Click on OK at the bottom
    • In the new window, pull down the File menu to Connect, then wait while your computer connects you to a Mibbit server. You'll know you are connect when you see a lot of script fly by in the window.

     

  4. JOIN THE #12STEP4COES CHANNEL:
    • In the new window, on the top line that asks for the channel you want to join, type this exactly:
      #12step4coes

      (Use no spaces anywhere - no space before the # sign, and no space between the #sign and the words or numbers. This is very important!)
    • Click on Join at the top right

Wait a few seconds and you'll be taken straight into our online meeting room in a new box where you can see a list of people in the room at the right, and their conversation in the main window at the left. Type in the empty line at the very bottom, and hit Enter on your keyboard to send your words to the chat room. That's all it takes to join the conversation and to participate in a meeting!


IRC FOR MACS

Macintosh computers use software called Colloquy that is very easy to download and use. Follow these instructions:

  1. Start up your web browser (Safari, Internet Explorer, Chrome, or Firefox) and go to http://colloquy.info/downloads.html
  2. - For Lion and Mountain Lion systems (OS 10.7+), click on "downloaded here" in the first line of text.
    - For older Macs (10.6 and below), click on "The last supported release for Leopard and Snow Leopard can be found here" in the second paragraph.
  3. Wait for a few minutes and Colloquy will automatically download.
  4. When the download box shows that the download is finished, you can close your web browser.
  5. Now you need to find the Colloquy icon you just downloaded and double-click on it to install it on your computer. It will be in your Downloads folder, or possibly on your Desktop. If you can't find it quickly, do a search for "Colloquy."
  6. Double-click on the Colloquy icon to open it.
  7. When it asks to move itself to the applications folder, click "yes" or "send."
  8. When the "New Connection" window opens"
  9. Type in a nickname
  10. For the "Server" line, copy and paste this: irc.mibbit.net
  11. When Connections window opens, click on "Join Room" at the top.
  12. On Chat Room line, copy and paste this: #12step4coes .
  13. Type into very bottom line on screen, then hit Return key on the keyboard to enter. You're chatting!

IRC FOR iPADS and iPHONES

iPhones and iPads also use Colloquy. Follow these instructions:

  1. Go to the App Store and search for "Colloquy IRC."
  2. Buy the app for $1.99.
  3. Wait for the app to download, then find it on your desktop and click on it.
  4. Click on "Add an IRC Connection."
  5. On the "Address" line, type in: irc.mibbit.net .
  6. On the "Nickname" line, type in a nickname you want to use.
  7. Scroll down to the "Join Rooms" line, click on it, click on Add Chat Room, then type in: 12step4coes
  8. Click Return on the keypad, then click "Join Rooms" in the top left corner.
  9. Click "Done" in the top right corner, then click New Connection in the top left corner.
  10. Click "Connect" in the top right corner.
  11. Click "12step4coes" at the top left, and you will see the chat room open.
  12. Type into the box at the very bottom of the screen and hit Send to send your words to the chatroom. You're chatting!

IRC FOR WEBTV

To access meetings on WebTV:

  1. Go to the Web TV home page.
  2. Select Chat
  3. Select Go To
  4. Then enter the following:
    • Server: irc.mibbit.net
    • Port Number: 6667
    • Channel (Room) Name: 12step4coes
  5. Select Connect

HELP! I CAN'T GET INTO A MEETING!

If you have any trouble getting to an online meeting or following these directions, don't hesitate to email us at helpdesk@12steps4coes.org. Tell us what kind of computer you use, which program you are trying to download, and what went wrong at what stage in the process. We will be happy to help you figure out what's wrong!