INTERNET RELAY CHAT - A BASIC INTRODUCTION by Ken Hill
What is IRC?
IRC is Internet Relay Chat. It is a group of networked
server computers that let clients (or users) connect and
passes their message among the networked servers in almost
real time. In other words, it is a big chat server, you
join a group (channel) and you talk in an open forum type
environment or one on one.
What IRC Networks are out there?
There are about fifty really mainstream IRC networks
(groups of servers) you can connect to. The most common
I have found is typically, 'EF-NET', 'Under-Net', and
'DAL-Net'.
What is a Channel?
A channel is the name for the 'group' you are joining, or
the 'forum' in which you want to talk. On IRC channels
are denoted as #ChannelName. For instance, say you are
interested in MP3 music, then you may want to go to #MP3.
What is a nickname?
Your nickname is how others will see you online. On most
IRC works your name can be 9 characters long. However
on some networks it can be much longer. The syntax for
changing names is listed under the basic commands below.
What are the @ + things I see in all the channels?
This is the structure of the channel. Someone that starts
a channel will have a '@' sign. That denotes that he is
the channel operator. In essence they 'own' the channel.
The channel operator can make other people operators also,
as he sees fit. The '+' sign in front of some names is to
denote 'voiced' mode. The channel operator has the option
of setting the entire channel up as a 'moderated' channel,
which means he can select the people 'allowed' to speak.
He does this by 'voicing' them with a '+' sign.
How do I get on IRC?
To get on IRC you will need to get a client program. I
personally suggest using 'mIRC', if you are in the windows
environment. I have used the program for many years
faithfully. It is a shareware program that doesn't disable
after a given time period, however it does have a nag
screen when you first load it, if you don't register it.
What are the basic commands once I am on?
/join #channel - this will make you enter a channel
/part #channel - this will make you exit a channel you are in
/nick newname - this will change your current screen name
A note to parents, about IRC.
IRC is a wonderful forum for idea exchange, and a fun place
to chat and learn. However you must keep in mind that you
don't know who is on the other end. Just because someone
says they are 16, doesn't mean they aren't 45. Keep an eye
on your children and make sure they know not to give out
any personal information on IRC.
Safe IRC'ing everyone!
Ken Dennis
k-dennis@excite.com
http://www.killerbawx.com/~freespace/
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Internet Relay Chat - A Basic Introduction
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