IRC on plug

[Derek Neighbors]

Bob George said:
> On Thursday 17 April 2003 07:13 am, Rob Wultsch wrote:
>> No clue as to the lone box versus profession... But why not just have
>> a link like this one instead of having extra stuff running on the plug
>> site. irc://efnet.demon.co.uk:6668/utvhacks     (yes that is a room
>> about hacking a ms product)
>>
>> I know that it works under mozilla... no clue about anything else...
>
> That works (for those that have it configured properly).
>
> The reason I suggested a "try it now" (cgi or applet, doesn't matter) is
> based  on my experience with my free [linux-powered] cisco lab. On my
> web page, I  described how to connect using ssh or telnet, and even
> created several  "telnet:" links (that work under MS Windows at least).
> But usage remained  low. I finally added an applet (yes, an evil JAVA
> applet! :) and once people  peeked at it, they started bothering to
> configure their telnet and ssh  clients for return visits.
>
> I suspect a lot of people have never tried IRC before, and they might
> not be  willing to bother setting up a client without having seen the
> value first.  Something on the web page just make that part easier for
> first-time users.

I agree with the 'see in action' bit, but before I take more flames on the
java applet thing.  There are "practical" benefits to CGI:IRC that I have
not found in applet IRC clients.  Specifically you will notice it all
rides on port 80.  I.E ANYONE with internet access to browse the web can
irc.  This is important for folks behind firewalls. ;)

-Derek