ive recently found out that
hexchat works on every major os (yes im behind the times on that),mac ,linux ,windows.
it supports alot of things with a click, including ignore lists, chanop functions, secure connections via ssl and more.
to set up a secure connection you must add a server.
open hexchat
click on the hexchat (next to view, might be file under windows)
click on network list
click on add
type in minifang.no-ip.info -do not hit enter or anything proceed to next step
click on edit
click on minifang.no-ip.info, then edit
type in minifang.no-ip.info/6697
hit enter
click on autojoin channels
click add, type #ellgab
hit enter
check the following boxes:
use ssl for all servers on this network
accept invalid ssl certificates (mine is self signed)
use global user information (if unchecked)
click close
this will take you back to the network list box
type in your nickname
type in your secondary nickname (in case you get disconnected and your ghost is still on the server)
a third nickname if desired
and a user name
click on (highlight minifang.no-ip.info if it isnt already)
click the favor button (puts it at the top of the list for easy access)
and click connect.
it should then connect to the chat.
ssl is a secure point to point protocol that encrypts data from the originating program (hexchat in this case) and is decrypted by the end point program (in this case the chat server).
it is used by anyone wishing a secure point to point communication such as banks.
i use to prevent botnets from invading my server, by requiring them to support ssl to do so. i dont know of any that do, but its possible.