xchat is an Internet Relay Chat client meaning you can use it to connect to IRC servers and join channels for a wide variety of purposes including seeking real-time help.

The Linux version is included in most distributions including Ubuntu. The windows version from Silverex is almost identical to the Linux version and is "free" in contrast to the "official" version which is shareware.

Freenode is the network we use most often as it contains a number of channels devoted to "free" software. The channel #windows seems useful and reasonably hospitable. Be prepared for RTFM responses. Avoid being confrontational. Listen for awhile to understand channel polity.