If you are using mozilla then this direct link might work for you as well: @irc_link@.
After closing of this window you will be logged out of the chat. If you want to continue browsing and chat at the same time then you may want to open a new window for browsing.
Seeing 'Nullpointer Exception blabla' in the applet box above? Then either the chat network connection is blocked from your internet account or our chat server is down for some reason.