Irc

• /msg nickserv identify <password>
• /msg NickServ VERIFY REGISTER ChrisColetta zgyqmgvbuafp

In Pidgin

nstall as usual, start it up.

choose File -> New Connection (or cmd+n)

type in a nickname (you don't have to register, but should http://freenode.net/f...)
choose "IRC" as the Server Protocol
type irc.freenode.net into the Chat Server box
click "remember this connection" if you wish ;)
and click connect!

Now you have a little box with your connection info listed. Click on the "Join Room" button (or cmd + j)
type #drupal in the Chat Room box
click "Join"

Ta-da! Welcome to the main Drupal chat room! Easy peasy :)