Where we are: File > Settings > Server

I would first like to let you know, if you are brand new to IRC you can pick any network to start with. Although the most popular ones seem to be:

Click on the down arrow of the drop-down listbox. This will show you all of the networks that you can join, just scroll down until you find one that suits you, and click on it. This will bring up a list of available servers for that network. For best results select a server which is closest to you. Now select a server which is closest to you. Press Save and then Ok. Now click on the lightning bolt directly under Control. You should connect to the server, and a lot of text will fly past. If trying to connect to the server results in an error, you will have to try another server for the network that you chose.

After you are connected, select the world icon, which is the 5th icon from the left, on the icon bar. After the window comes up, press Get List. This will show you a list of all channels on the network that you joined. By double-clicking on a channel name, you will join it. To leave a channel, you can right-click over the channel button at the bottom of savIRC's main window.

When you are finished chatting and exploring, go to File > Exit to exit savIRC. Congratulations, you have successfully used savIRC, and IRC. Read on, for more detailed information about how to configure savIRC, how to report bugs, and how to develop your personal scripts for savIRC.