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<don> How do I ask a question?
<funny_guy> don: you just did!
If there are several conversations taking place at the same time, it's customary to put the nick of the user you are directing your comment to at the start of the line (as shown in the second line above). Most IRC clients will auto-complete the nick when you press the <tab> key, so you could type "fun<tab>" to fill in the nick "funny_guy".
Channels generally have a purpose, and people are often joined to many different channels at once. You'll see many of the same people in different channels. However, what might be appropriate in one channel often isn't in another. When you enter a channel, take a look at its Topic (displayed at the top, or with the /topic command) for clues.
Generally you should avoid small-talk unless you are sure that it is appropriate. Even if you see others in the channel doing it, don't take that to mean that you should (i.e., channel veterans can get away with things newcomers can't!). At the same time, be ready for a playful and (at times) very sarcastic environment.
Also be aware that you never know who you are talking to based on their nicks (you will learn who people are later, as you get to know people's nicks). Don't make assumptions about people (for example, many of the people in #seneca are students, and an equal number are core Mozilla developers).
