Free Windows Builds Of XChat

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XChat is the IRC client I've been using since day #1 of my IRC days. The non Windows platform versions are free, and available for download. However, the Windows XChat version comes with a fee attached; $20. Since the XChat program itself id Open Source, people have taken the time to compile all Windows versions and offer them for free.

The theme it uses is called SilverX, and looks very similar to the real XChat theme. Overall the client is almost the same. The current build gives you a variety of system tray options, including alerts triggered by different events. As far as I can tell this was added in by the website that compiles the build. Some other small features I've noticed were the ability to set global away messages by just right clicking on the XChat icon.

If you're worried about hurting an Open Source project, don't. XChat has had help from hundreds of people in the community including code fixes, and bug reporting. In fact there is even some controversy as to whether XChat is violating the GPL license agreement.

Thanks to Jim for he tip!

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