okay. go to
http://www.mirc.co.uk/get.html and download this program. it is a dedicated chat client. after you've downloaded and installed the program, open it and click the second from the left button on the toolbar (options). click on the connect section, press the "add" button, and enter the following info:
description: irvingnet
irc server: irc.irvingnet.net
don't enter anything into the port or group or password window. now press add.
that takes you back to the connect window. enter in the requested info (you name, email addess, a nickname, and an alternate nickname, then press the "connect to IRC server" button. a window marked Status will appear and a bunch of stuff that makes very little sense will flash through it as you connect to the network. once you're connected, type "/join #tfp" (no quotation marks) and you'll be there. if you have any more problem, grab a large hammer and beat yourself silly.