can't connect? o.o
I'm using xchat2 when you launch the program it comes up with a server list, simply click 'add +' and name it freenode, or whatever, then click 'Edit'
on the new screen that opens it'll have a box at the top, saying something like 'server/6677' edit that to irc.freenode.net that's all you need to put in as the server

put in the nick you want to use and click the close button, then back on the server list screen click the connect button and it'll start conencting.
once it's done you'll most likely want to register your nickname
do that by typing /msg nickserv register <password> then you can send private messages.
the next thing to do is type /join #planeshift
and then you're in the channel! ^^