irc bouncers are clients that proxy your connection to irc, so you are online even when you can't connect. When you later connect the proxy will relay all the missed conversations. This provides you with more of a permanent connection to irc, ideal for poor network connection or those who have to go to work during the day and cannot keep their machines on. Geek Bouncer offer a free bouncer: http://geekbouncer.co.uk/home Mark