Umm, no.

When you connect to ICQ, you connect to a main server and you use that server to query the online status of your buddies (and only your buddies).

When you connect to IRC, you connect to a whole network (by just connecting to one server). Then you can go into a channel (chatroom), and you will see all people that participate as well in that channel. You usually have one window per channel and just see the messages one after another in that window.

When using IRC you are not restricted to a certain buddylist or anything, you can go where you want to - and other people can do so as well.

I don't like this "I have to have your number to be able to talk to you" restriction. IRC is more relaxed.

Till