Download and install
X-chat.
There are at least 2 versions of X-chat for Windows, the above is the free one.
(You can also use
Chatzilla for Firefox and there are also ways to connect using Miranda, Gaim and Trillian.)
Run xchat so the main screen appears.
Click xchat in the top left, then click Network List - this image will appear

Complete some names. Having alternate names is a good thing.
Scroll down to Freenode
Click Edit
The top box should have a server already there.
Tick the autoconnect box

Enter #wordpress in the "Channels to join"
Now close x-chat and open it - you should be taken straight into #wordpress
You will know when you get there....

Say Hi to everyone, look at all the silent people in the big list (they aren't ignoring you - they aren't at their computer) and then at the bottom type this and hit Return

And now you can help Bug Hunt !