1. Introduction
2. Finding the right version for you
3. Installation
4. Using it with mIRC
5. Connecting on a SSL port, what are the benefits?

1. Introduction

SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer. SSL is used in
many ways, the main use is for connections.
some Programs require SSL along with some web sites,
In this tutorial I will show you how to use SSL with
mIRC to connect on SSL so you can join +z #channels on IRC.

Suggested reading:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Sockets_Layer
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/S/SSL.html

2. Finding the right version for you

There are several distributions of SSL
each distribution has different features and for
some, limitations. If you are a believer in OS(Open Source)
I would recommend OpenSSL. But be aware, although it is
open source does not mean it's better. For instance,
for a simple user of a computer, let's say they can barely
get on the Internet :P, Linux would NOT be the good choice.
Linux requires you have some knowledge in computers
to actually be able to compile something.. but thats another story.

Now, there are two ways to use SSL, either get a client
where you connect to yourself on a certain port, and it bounces
that connection(encrypted with SSL) to the server.
one client that does that is called "stunnel",
Please be aware if you want to compile this you still require
a functioning SSL library such as OpenSSL or SSLeay.

Another way is with a SSL library itself, some programs such
as mIRC can use these. an SSL Library is not only useful for
connecting, but also compiling code that requires SSL capability
(like stunnel) I personally use OpenSSL. using SSL by itself,
SSL will take your connection and encrypts it on the way out
to the Internet.

Stunnel can be found here:
http://www.stunnel.org/

OpenSSL can be found here:
http://www.openssl.org/

The Installer on Windows for OpenSSL can be found here:
http://www.slproweb.com/products/Win32OpenSSL.html

SSLEay can be found here:
http://www.columbia.edu/~ariel/ssleay/

Others:
http://google.com/search?q=SSL+Download

3. Installation

The Installation of SSL is pretty simple and self explanatory
for each Distribution. Once you have the Distribution you want
to use, Install it to the system Drive (usually C: on Windows),
mine is on C:OpenSSL Once you have it installed, it's not only
available for mIRC but any application on your computer.

4. Using it with mIRC

Open mIRC up, and go to [Options -> Connection -> Options -> SSL]
you should see a check box at the top, uncheck that.
now restart mIRC, and go back to that box and recheck it,
you should now be able to connect on a SSL port.
SSL ports in mIRC either have a leading '+' or you specify '-e'
when connecting (eg. /server -e irc.ircserver.net 7000 OR
/server irc.ircserver.net +7000).

5. Connecting on a SSL port, what are the benefits?

All the benefits I can see are simple. You can't be eave dropped on
as easily, and you can join +z (SSL Only) #channels.