Use ChatZilla IRC Client WithOUT Firefox?!

For me ChatZilla is by FAR the best IRC client out there.  Why?  The way it cleanly displays message threads  so you can quickly scan them can't be beat.  I keep trying different clients and looking for something better and so far nada.

The big drawback with Chatzilla is that it's tied to the Firefox browser.  So if you need to restart Ffox for any reason there goes your IRC client and any unread messages :(

I mentioned my dilemma to Justin today and he went out and actually found me the ultimate solution ... ChatZilla on XULRunner!  Basically XULRunner allows you to run the ChatZilla client free from Ffox!  Per the website:

"Standalone Mozilla IRC Client, no browsers attached.

ChatZilla is normally used as part of SeaMonkey, or an extension to other browsers. However, this has caused problems with custom themes and other extensions, and means you can't restart the browser without leaving IRC.

XULRunner allows you to use ChatZilla standalone, free of whatever happens to your browser. "

It's a very simple download and install and oh man I'm loving it.  All the greatness of ChatZilla with no ties to my Ffox browser sessions ... brilliant!!!

Mibbit is still by far the easiest way to get on the CITRT IRC channel, but for those wanting a standalone IRC client ChatZilla on XULRunner is the cat's meow.