Well I try to get into the chat but all I get is a grey surface instead of the chat messages.
I use Linux Ubuntu, newest version. What can I do here?
probably dont have java runtime running
http://www.ubuntugeek.com/how-to-install-java-runtime-environment-jre-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty.html (http://www.ubuntugeek.com/how-to-install-java-runtime-environment-jre-in-ubuntu-904-jaunty.html)
if you have it installed try running it first then opening chat.
Alternatively, you can install Quassel IRC (or any other IRC client that blows your mind) from ubuntu's Add/Remove app.
When you fire it up, it'll prompt you for a default server, and it's pretty easy to fill in. Server will be irc.susans.org and the port number 6667.
Fill those in, save & connect to the server.
Once connected, the server will dump a few paragraphs of text including the names of channels to join and a few notes on appropriate use of chat, obtaining help, etc.
Pick a channel that suits your interest and join it by typing "/join #TSTalk" without the quotes (if #TSTalk happened to be the channel of your choosing).