Introduction to IRC for people using
Windows.
With this IRC Intro file we try to introduce IRC to people using MS
Windows. It is assumed you have an Internet Provider and you have some
experience with using winsock programs. This intro file focuses on IRC
itself. It will not go into details about installing or configuring the
programs you need to use IRC, but if you ever managed to install and use
programs like WS- FTP, Netscape, Eudora, WS-Archie, Mosaic, WinVN,
FreeAgent or similar programs, you will not have any trouble understanding
how to install and use an IRC program (client). Most IRC programs,
especially the popular and better ones, are distributed with excellent
help files on setting up and installing these programs. Some very good
FAQ's on IRC already exist but they are often written around UNIX based
IRC clients, and handle problems and give examples you will never need on
a Windows based IRC client. That is why this IRC Intro file is made. We
hope you will enjoy IRC!
(1) What is IRC?
IRC stands for "Internet Relay Chat". It was originally written by
Jarkko Oikarinen in 1988. Since starting in Finland, it has been used in
over 60 countries around the world. IRC is a multi-user chat system, where
people meet on "channels" (rooms, virtual places, usually with a certain
topic of conversation) to talk in groups, or privately. There is no
restriction to the number of people that can participate in a given
discussion, or the number of channels that can be formed on IRC.
(2) How is IRC set up?
As a user you run a "client" program which connects to a "server" in an
IRC network. All servers are interconnected and pass messages from user to
user over the IRC network. One server can be connected to several other
servers and up to hundreds of clients. Several larger and smaller IRC
networks exist. The largest one, called EFnet (Eris Free net), usually
serves over 15000 users at any given moment. Smaller ones, like Undernet
(10000) and Dalnet (5000), are a lot less populated but often offer more
stability and convenience.
(3) What does a client do? What is the purpose of a
server?
An irc client reads in the commands and text that you supply to it, and
parses them. It filters them and performs the appropriate actions, and if
necessary, passes them on to your IRC server. An IRC server can serve many
other clients. The server holds information about the channels and people
on IRC, as well as other pieces of information, and is also responsible
for routing your messages to other users. The IRC network itself consists
of multiple servers which are all connect to each other.
(4) How do I get on IRC?
First, you have to make sure an irc client is installed on your system.
If you do not have one you should ask your local system admin to install a
client on your PC or local area network. If you have a stand-alone PC with
internet acces you have to obtain and install a client yourself. (dont
worry ..its easy!)
(5) Where can I find an IRC client?
Popular IRC clients (in no particular order) : mIRC, Virc and Pirch.
You can get an IRC client by anonymous ftp from several sites (use the one
closest to you) If you are not familiar with ftp, ask your network
provider or local network guru for assistance. You can also access these
FTP sites with your web browser! FTP sites are for instance;
cs-ftp.bu.edu/irc/clients/pc/windows/
papa.indstate.edu/winsock-l/winirc/
Maybe it is easier for you to use your web browser to visit one of the
worldwide available archives with Internet programs. Go to one of them and
use 'IRC' as a search term. Please take your time, do zome reading, and
make sure to download the program you like;
You can also visit the programs' World Wide Web pages to download the
clients;
All major FTP sites have some /windows/irc/ directory that you can
check for IRC programs. Once you have downloaded, installed and run a
simple IRC program, it is easy to ask for and get (!) a better one on IRC!
Just go to one of the Help channels and ask what the best IRC program is.
(6) What else do I need before I can install an IRC
client?
Besides running MS-Windows you need to have a properly installed
WINSOCK. If you can use FTP, E-mail, News or other Internet programs from
within Windows already, you can safely assume you have a winsock installed
and it is working properly. If you do not have a properly working winsock
installed on your PC you should install one first.
(7) How do I install this client that I found?
Most programs on the internet are transported in a compressed form. The
better programs come in self extracting .exe files that also install the
program for you. Sometimes you first have to unzip the file to be able to
run the program in it. A good unzipper is winzip. Once unzipped, installing an IRC
client (like any program) is mainly a matter of running its setup program
or simply placing the files in a separate directory and running the
program. After installation, you may have to specify some personal
information before you can connect to an IRC server. For detailed
instructions read the help files included in the programs (typically a
.hlp file or readme.txt). Some IRC clients, like mIRC, have their own FAQ
that provides detailed help. Reading such FAQ's is highly recommended!
(8) What do I have to fill in in the client's Setup
menu?
The first time you run your IRC client program you have to fill in some
information about yourself, such as, your Internet address and the IRC
server with which you want to connect. Your client may also have a section
for you to specify the port, password, real name, email address,
nickname(s), IP address and Local Host name. These options are usually
found under File/Setup/.
(9) Which server should I connect my client to?
It's usually best to try and connect to a geographically close server,
even though that may not always be the best. Local (nearby) servers will
normally work faster for you and will give you unrestricted access. You
can always ask for suggestions on nearby server addresses when you log on
to IRC.
(10) What is the port number to use to connect to
IRC?
In general, the port number to use is 6667. Some, but not all, servers
listen to other ports (most commonly in the 6665-6670 range). When in
doubt, select port 6667 (Dalnet usually uses port 7000). A port number
should be seen as an entrance to a server. If you take the wrong entrance
(port) the server will not understand what you are doing, and will
disconnect you.
(11) Do I need a password to connect to irc?
Normally you do not need a password to use an IRC server. Most servers
allow anonymous access. If you do not have a password for an IRC server
then leave the password entry field blank. If you are prompted for a login
or password and you dont know what to type, try to connect to another
server.
(12) Do I have to give my real name?
No, you do not -have- to give your real name. However, simply filling
in nonsense will not make you anonymous. IRC is not inteded to keep you
hidden from your friends or enemies. Keep this in mind if you are tempted
to behave maliciously. A fake "real name" can be a good way to mask your
gender from all the nerds out here ;o) but the PC you use can always be
traced so you will never be truly anonymous.
(13) Do I have to fill in my E-mail address in the
setup?
Assuming you have an E-mail account somewhere you should fill in the
address you can be reached at by mail. In case you do not have an E-mail
address you can just fill in your name.
(14) What is a nickname?
On IRC you are known to others by a nickname. You are free to choose
any nickname you like, up to 9 characters long. Do not use spaces and
avoid unusual ASCII characters in your nickname. It is also very common to
find people that use the same nickname and you may be asked or choose to
switch nicknames to avoid confusion.
(15) What is my IP Address?
Your IP Address is the address your PC uses on the Internet. It is
usually a set of 4 numbers or its equivalent IP Name. Some providers offer
you a unique IP Address (static IP) or they assign a different one every
time you connect (dynamic IP) to them. With Dynamic IP addresses you have
to make sure your client automatically looks up your current IP Address
and your Local Host name each time you connect to IRC.
(16) What is my Local Host name?
The Local Host name is the name you or your provider assigned to your
PC. It can be a single word or a name equivalent to your IP Address.
(17) I tried to connect to a server and received a "Connection
refused," "Connection timed out" or "Unknown host" message.
First of all, always try some other IRC servers when you are unable to
access your favorite one. The server, its machine or the route to the
server may just be down or broken. When using a new server name you should
make sure a server with the specified name actually exists. The server
name you specified could be wrong. If the server exists, you can then try
the numeric address of the server rather than its symbolic one (e.g
131.174.124.9 for irc.sci.kun.nl). This will solve problems if your Domain
Name Server is down, slow, does not understand the name you gave it or
cannot translate it into a numeric address.
(18) When I connect I get a "Not enough user parameters"
error?
A "Not enough user parameters" error will occur if you try to connect
to a server but you did not have the Local Host name filled in, or had it
filled in incorrectly. Check your entry in your client's setup menu. Also
check if you supplied your client with a valid E-Mail address.
(19) How do I solve the "You haven't registered" error?
This is a server message to you, it has nothing to do with registering
or paying for your IRC client. If you receive this message or if you get
disconnected very quickly, your Local Host name or IP Address may be
wrong, or not filled in at all. Look in your client's setup dialog and
check if the Local Host is correct and if the IP Address is filled in
correctly. An easy way to solve an incorrect IP Address is to set the 'On
connect, always get' "IP Address" and "Local Host" to "ON" and restart
your client. If this does not help you could be trying to connect to a
NON-public server. Try another server to be sure.
(20) I get disconnected at startup.... What does "*** Ghosts
are not allowed on IRC." mean? What does "*** You are not welcome on this
server." mean?
"Ghosts are not allowed on IRC" means that you are banned from using
that server. You cannot be completely banned from IRC. Banning exists only
on a per-server basis (being banned on one server does not mean you are
automatically banned from another). When you're banned you can not use a
server. Alternatively IRC servers can accept you under resticted access
only. Banning is in one of three forms:
* You are banned specifically, you yourself. Only you can be
responsible for this (if you are using a shared account or dynamic IP
addressing, this obviously does not apply). The responsibility lies
completely with you and you have no one to complain to. * Your machine
is banned. Chances are, you did committed no wrongdoing. Try using another
machine on the network if you have one and seeing if you can use that
particular irc server. * Your whole site is banned (where "site" is a
"school", "company", "country" or "provider"). This almost certainly is
not your fault. Chances of geting the server-ban lifted are slim. Try
using another server.
The most general answer is "use another server", but if it bothers you,
try writing to the irc administrator of that site (type /admin
servername). Be polite in explaining your case.
(21) What is K-lined? Why can't I connect to certain IRC
servers? Why do some servers disconnect me?
Some servers restrict access to local users and might therefore close
or not even accept a connection from you. Bad behavior by you or your
friends, customers from your provider or an entire country may also be
restrcited from using certain servers. In each case, an attempt to connect
will result in a response similar to the following:
*** Attempting to connect (irc.network.net) Local host: cheops
(131.69.136.12) Catch22 You are banned from this server Closing
Link: Catch22[irc.stud.uni.nl] (K-lined) *** Disconnected
Getting disconnected with the "No authorization" message occurs due to
a similar reason. The server does not give your site access. A server
administrator can choose which sites can connect to his server via
"I-lines" (called invitation lines). Many servers only I-line local sites
so you should try to use a server close to you.
(22) Can our firewall be blocking my IRC session?
Yup, that is very well possible.... I only know of mIRC as being a
Windows based IRC client being SOCKS compliant at the moment. No other IRC
Clients support firewalls. You need a SOCKS compliant IRC client to be
able to IRC over a firewall. Ask your internet provider or corporate
network managers if you are behind a firewall and, if so, if using mIRC
will allow you to use IRC.
(23) OK, I've got a client installed and I'm connected to a
server, but I got restricted access...
Servers can give you restricted access (usermode +r) if you're far away
from them or if you or somebody from your site (also read 20) messed up.
When you have restricted access you can not be channel operator, you can
not do mode changes and you can not change nickname but you can chat
normally! Read more on the servers info page. The
only way to get unrestricted IRC access is to find another (more nearby)
IRC server. Being restricted has nothing todo with what IRC client you use
or with paying (or not yet) for shareware IRC clients like mIRC.
(24) OK, I've got a client installed and I'm connected to a
server, now what?
It's probably best to take a look around and see what you want to do
first. All IRC commands start with a "/", and most are one word. Typing
/help will get you help information. /names will get you a list of all
nicknames, /list will give you a list of channels, etc. The output of
/list is typically something like this:
#hack 21 We are your worst nightmare ! #Nippon 53 Speak Japanese
here please ? #nicole 3 #hack 44 #hottub 76 Stay out! boiling
catfood. #mirc 27 mIRC Homepage http://www.mirc.com/ #irchelp 17
Ask all your IRC questions here.
(Note: There are sometimes thousands of channels, this is just a small
example.) In this example "hack" is a channel name. "#" is the prefix.
Follwing the channel name you will see the number of people on it as well
as its topic. All channel names start with a # or &.
(25) What exactly is a channel?
A channel is a 'place' on IRC where group conversations occur. People
can join the same channel and see each other. Depending on its topic and
time of the day a channel can be VERY crowded. Channels can alsobe quite
chaotic, or calm. Channels can be open to everyone but also closed and
private and only open to friends. On the large IRC networks (EFnet) as
many as 2000 channels can exist, on smaller networks (corporate or even
one-node-nets) there will be fewer channels. Channels on IRC are dynamic
in the sense that anyone can create a new channel, and a channel
disappears when the last person on it leaves. Once connected to an IRC
server, type /list to see all existing channels. All channel names start
with a # or a &. The # channels are globally available while the &
channels are restricted to users on your local IRC server. For this moment
you can forget about the & channels. If people speak of 'the IRC' they
refer to the use of the globally available channels with names starting
with a #. Whenever you want to refer to a channel's name, it should be
prefixed with a # or &. You also need to use the name, including the #
or &, to join a channel, to leave it, to set its parameters, etc. (see
below)
(26) Now that I've decided on a nice channel. How do I join
that channel? And what do I type once I get there? And when I'm done, how
do I leave a channel?
To join a channel, type /join #channelname. Try "/join #irchelp" or
"/join #mirc" to give it a try... That's it! Once you get to the channel,
you will see people talking. It will probably look like this:
{Avalon} AUUG is on at the same time as LISA this year and is
cheaper. {Barron} backhaul those DS3s to Virginia ;) {Barron} buy
a farm {FlashPYR} so is .us going to start charging $50/domain,
too? {Barron} or something {Tolim} oops
Note that you will often come in during the *middle* of a conversation.
Unless you're familiar with the channel you may want to sit and watch it
for a minute or two to see what the conversation is about. Often the
channel name (for instance, #Twilight_Zone) has nothing to do with what
conversation goes on on the channel (#Twilight_Zone does *not* have
discussion about the TV show "Twilight Zone"). So if you join #baseball,
don't be surprised if you hear about the SuperBowl picks or even the
Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame Museum! To start talking, just type! And when
you're done saying what you have to say, just hit the [return] key. You
can start with something simple like "hello!". You don't have to type
hello! because IRC will insert
before all of your
channel messages. In the channel window that opens once you join a channel
you'll see an alphabetical list of people that are on the channel on the
right side of the window. Some of them have a @ in front of their name to
point out they are the channel operators. A Channel Operator is someone
who has control over a specific channel. A Channel Operator can also
decide if control is shared or not. The first person to join the channel
automatically receives Channel Operator status. In the channel's title bar
you will see the channel's name and perhaps its topic. If you choose to
leave a channel, just type /part #channelname
(27) Ok, now what are the most basic commands?
With most windows IRC clients an extensive help file is included. Dont
hesitate to try the /help command.
IMPORTANT NOTE : ALL IRC COMMANDS START WITH A "/".
The forward slash is the default command character. Commands on IRC are
not case sensitive, and can be abbreviated to their first letters.
Anything that does not begin with "/" is assumed to be a message to
someone and will be sent to your current channel, or to a person you are
chatting with in a private chat (see below).
HELP shows general help or help on the given
command. LIST lists all current channels. JOIN to join
a channel PART to leave a channel (same as LEAVE) QUIT
exits your IRC session, (same as BYE and EXIT) NICK changes your
nickname AWAY leaves a message saying you're away or not paying
attention WHOIS displays information about
someone INVITE sends an invitation to another
user KICK gets rid of someone on a channel TOPIC
changes the topic of the channel ME sends anything about you to
a channel or QUERY
/HELP [command] Shows general help or help on the given command.
/LIST [[{flags}] {channel mask}] Lists all current channels. In the
list you will see all channels (see below), except for those that are
secret, with their number of users and the topic. The displayed list may
be quite long, so you can limit it using flags. "/LIST -MIN n" for
instance removes channels with less than 'n' users from the output.
/JOIN {#channel} Sets your current channel to the supplied
channel. Upon entering a channel, you are given useful details about
it: a list of users talking in that channel, channel mode settings and the
topic... Joining a channel does not cause you to leave your previous
channel and you can normally join as many channels as your connection can
handle or that the IRC server allows. /JOIN #windows *** Now talking
in #windows
/PART [#channel] Makes you leave a channel. (same as LEAVE) /PART
#windows *** You have left #windows
/QUIT [reason] Exits your IRC session. (Also BYE and EXIT.) If a
reason is supplied, it is displayed to other people on your
channels. /QUIT Lunch Time!
/NICK {nickname} Changes your nickname to whatever you
like. Everyone who wants to talk to you sees this name. Nicknames are
limited to 9 characters max. If your intended nickname clashes with
someone else's as you enter IRC, you will not be able to enter until you
change it to something else. Duplicate nicknames are not allowed; this is
enforced by the IRC servers. Under some circumstances, two individuals may
temporarily have the same nick but once discovered, both of them will be
killed; a nick collision kill. /NICK Guru *** Newbie is now known as
Guru
/AWAY [away message] Sets your status as away with some info. Sets a
message explaining that you are not currently paying attention to IRC.
Whenever someone sends you a MSG or does a WHOIS on you, they
automatically see whatever message you have set. Using AWAY with no
parameters marks you as no longer being away. /AWAY Gone to get a cup
of coffee. *** You have been marked as being away /AWAY *** You
are no longer marked as being away
/WHOIS {nickname} Shows information about someone. /WHOIS
Guru *** Guru is master@some.network.net (Nuclear free) *** on
channels: @#Windows @#Windows95 #mIRC *** on via server irc.server.net
(The best server) *** Guru is away (making dinner) /WHOIS
Newbie *** Newbie: No such nickname
/INVITE {nickname} {#channel} Invites another user to a channel you are
on. If you want a friend to join your channel you can invite him. He
will see a message such as ***Guru invites you to #channel. This is
required if your channel is 'invite only'. /INVITE Friend
#windows *** Inviting Friend to #windows If you receive an INVITE
message, you can type "/JOIN {#channel}".
/KICK {#channel} {nickname} Kicks a user off a given channel. Well,
you guessed it, if there is a way to invite someone on a channel, there is
also the ablility to KICK someone out of it. For example ,if a person is
behaving in an offensive manner by annoying people or flooding the channel
with unwanted information, they can be forced out of the channel. Only
'channel operators' are privileged to use this command. /KICK #windows
Lamer *** Lamer has been kicked off channel #windows by Guru
/TOPIC {#channel} {topic for channel} Changes the channel's
topic. Channels have topics, that indicate the current topic of
conversation. You can change this topic on a channel with the TOPIC
command. /TOPIC #windows Lets discuss OS/2 *** Guru has changed
topic to "Lets discuss OS/2"
/ME {action description} Tells people about what you are doing. At
times, you may want to send a description of what you are doing or how you
are feeling or just anything concerning you on the current channel or in a
query. /ME slaps Newbie with a large trout. * Guru slaps newbie with
a large trout.
The same goal can be achieved towards a specific nickname or channel
using: /DESCRIBE {nickname|#channel} {action description}
(28) Ok, Now I'm ready for some less basic commands.
MSG sends a private message QUERY starts a private
conversation NOTICE sends a private message NOTIFY
informs you when people logging in or out IRC IGNORE removes
output from specific people
/MSG {nickname|channel} {text} Sends a (private) message to specified
nickname or channel. Besides chatting on IRC Channels you can also have
private conversations or queries with other people on IRC. On most clients
these conversations will be handled by separate window. You can use the
/MSG command to send someone a message that only that person can read. If
somebody else sends you a message or that person replies to your message a
query window icon will pop up informing you somebody wants to talk to you
personally. /MSG Kreet This message can be read by you only. *Kreet*
This message can be read by you only.
In Kreet's screen an icon will pop up with the message you typed; "This
message can be read by you only."
If you cannot wait for a reply for someone to message you to open a
private window you can use the query command to force your client to open
a private conversation window.
/QUERY {nickname} [test] Starts a private conversation with {nickname}
and forces a separate window to open. This command differs from the MSG
command only by the fact that it is used to start a private conversation.
All text you type that would normally be sent to your chat partner if you
used MSG now displays in an immediately opened private window 'to your
chat partner' on your screen and is sent to the other person as well.
/NOTICE {nickname|#channel} {text} Sends a private message to the
specified {nickname}or {#channel}. The NOTICE command is just another
way to send messages to other people. But, unlike MSG's, NOTICEs will
never open a separate window 'to' the other person. It should be seen as a
sort of whispering. It is recommended that robots or other automatons on
IRC use notices (contrary to messages) to send information to people. You
should never automatically (as by remote events or commands) send a
message or notice in response to a notice sent to you.
/NOTIFY [nickname|on|off] Toggles the notify function or adds or
removes {nickname} to the notify list. As you start to meet people on
IRC, you will want to add certain nicknames to your notify list such that
you will be warned when they sign on or off IRC. /NOTIFY wug
marl *** Added wug to Notify list *** Added marl to Notify list
/NOTIFY *** wug is on IRC *** resi is on IRC *** marl is not
on IRC *** kreet is on IRC
/IGNORE [nickname|user@host] Ignore all contact from the specified
people. The day will come when you decide not (never?) to see or hear
a specific person on your screen. This can be achieved using the ignore
command. If people are flooding channels with useless text or they are
otherwise harassing you, a wise response is to ignore those person. Ignore
can be set to a nickname or by specifying a user@host format. You can use
all kind of wildcards. /IGNORE looser *** Added looser to Ignore
list /IGNORE *** Ignore is ON *** Ignoring: *.*@*.unicomp.net
*!*ap@159.148.109.88 *!*fishy@*.interaccess.com looser /IGNORE
looser *** Removed looser from Ignore list
(29) What language should I speak? How do I behave on
IRC?
The most widely understood and spoken language on IRC is English.
However, as IRC is used in many different countries, English is by no
means the only language. If you want to speak some language other than
English, (for example with your friends), go to a separate channel and set
the topic to indicate that. Similarly, you should check the topic when you
join a channel to see if there are any restrictions about language. On a
non-restricted channel, please speak a language everybody can understand.
If you want to do otherwise, change channels and set the topic
accordingly. It is not necessary to greet everybody on a channel
personally. Usually one "Hello!" or equivalent is enough. Also, don't
expect everybody to greet you back. On a channel with 20 people that would
mean one screenful of hellos. It makes sense not to greet everyone, in
order not to be rude to the rest of the channel. If you must say hello to
somebody you know, do it with a private message. The same applies to
goodbyes. Also note that using your client's facilities to automatically
say hello or goodbye to people is extremely poor etiquette. Nobody wants
to receive autogreets. They are not only obviously automatic, but while
you may think you are being polite, you are actually conveying yourself as
insincere. If somebody wants to be autogreeted when they join a channel,
they will autogreet themselves. Remember, people on IRC form their
opinions about you only by your actions, writings and comments, so think
before you type. If you use offensive words, you'll be frowned upon. Do
not "dump" (send large amounts of unwanted information) to a channel or
user. This is likely to get you kicked off the channel or killed off from
IRC. Dumping causes network "burps", causing connections to go down
because servers cannot handle the large amount of traffic. Other
prohibited actions include: * Harassing another user. Harassment is
defined as behavior towards another user with the purpose of annoying
them. * Annoying a channel with constant beeping. (Therefore most
clients cannot beep at all) * Any behavior reducing the functionality
of IRC as a CHAT medium.
(30) What is a channel operator? What is an IRC
operator?
A channel operator (ChanOp or Op) is someone with a "@" by their
nickname in a channel's names list, or a "@" before the channel name in a
/whois or /uwho output. Channel operators are the 'rulers' of a particluar
channel. This means they can kick you out of their channel for any reason.
If you don't like this, you complain to them or start your own channel and
become a channel operator there yourself. An IRC operator (IRCop) is
someone who maintains a server or part of the IRC network. They cannot fix
channel problems. They cannot kick someone out of a channel for you. They
also cannot /kill (disconnect a user from their IRC server temporarily)
someone just because you gave the offender channel operator privileges and
said offender kicked *you* off. IRCops have better things to do than
interfere in channel affairs.
(31) How do I create a new channel?
A channel is automatically created as soon as the first person joins
it. If you join a channel and you find your name as the only one there,
you just created that channel. Channels on IRC are dynamic in the sense
that anyone can create a new channel, and a channel disappears when the
last person leaves it.
(32) What are good channels to try while using IRC?
The famous channels #holland, #funfactory, #unix, #warez, #42,
#friendly, #chat and #riskybus are almost always filled with people. Just
join to find out what happens on these channels! Besides chat channels
there also exist channels specialized towards helping other users.
Examples are #help, #windows, #winsock, #irchelp, #ircnewbies and
#mirc. To get a list of all available channels with their names and
topics, type /list. To see only the most active channels type /list -min
20 which will show you channels with 20 or more members. You can also do
this for smaller numbers. Even very crowded channels can be silent, so if
you join a channel and don't hear much talking, it may be because you
joined, but just because the people on that channel are doing other
things.
(33) Someone is using my nickname, can anyone do anything about
it?
In the past on EFnet, NickServ registered nicknames. On smaller
networks some nickname registration still exists (see below). It is
important to understand that there are not always enough nicknames to have
nickname ownership. If someone takes your nickname while you are not on
IRC, you can ask for them to give it back, but you can not *demand* it,
nor will IRC operators /kill for nickname ownership normally.
(34) Someone is using my channel, can anyone do anything about
it?
There are, literally, millions of possible channel names, so if someone
is on your usual channel, just go to another. You can /msg them and ask
for them to leave, but you can't *force* them to leave.
(35) Help! Someone kicked/banned me from a channel. Whom do I
complain to?
The answer to this question is the current channel operators, and them
alone. Given the dynamic nature of channels, channel operators do not need
to have a *reason* to kick you off. They decide what goes on in the
channel. Complaining either to IRC operators or to the system
administrators about being kicked or banned from a channel is considered
extremely childish, and will not result action. IRC operators do not
meddle with channel politics - that's the job of channel operators. Proper
IRC netiquette is to keep IRC issues within IRC, because system admins
have little time to deal with IRC issues and many would rather shut it
down rather than deal with problems arising from it. If you should get
banned or kicked from a channel, you are always free to start your own
channel and decide what is appropriate content there. Imagine channels as
houses. The owner of the house can decide to share ownership with someone
else and can decide to prevent any individual from entering his house. In
your own house, *you* call the shots. :-) Feel free to create your own
channel, and set up your own rules for it.
(36) There aren't any channel operators on my channel, now
what?
(Channel operators are the owner(s) of their respective channels. Keep
this in mind when giving out channel operator powers. Do not give out
channel operator status to *everyone*. This causes the possibility of
mass-kicking or otherwise harassing by unknown ops and the channel be left
without any channel operators. However, always make sure to give ops to
enough people so that all of the channel operators don't unexpectedly
diappear and leave the channel without any operators. If no ops have
stayed on your channel you have one option. You can ask everyone to leave
and rejoin the channel. This is a good way to get channel operator status
back. This does not work on large channels or ones with bots, for obvious
reasons. On Dalnet ChanServ allows users to register and maintain absolute
control over channels as far as who gets channel operator status and how
that privelege is governed. Other channel modes are also optionally
maintained by this bot, with the only exception of bans.
(37) What is a "bot"?
A "bot" is short for "robot". It is normally a script run from a client
or a separate program (in perl, C, and sometimes more obscure languages).
Bots are normally not needed on IRC. A bot generally tries to "protect" a
channel from takeovers. It is important to know that many IRC servers
(especially in the USA) ban ALL bots. Some IRCOps ban domains if you run a
bot on their server (See the segment on K: lines). On IRC you will find a
lot of people with a love/hate attitude towards bots. Some bots do good
work as file- or info-servers. Some will even entertain you with funny or
brain teasing games. These bots can be useful and desireable. Contrary to
these bots, you will find lots and lots of bots performing useless
'carekeeping' of channels, harassing and boring people and sometimes
created with the sole purpose to produce garbage. You can imagine that
these bots are disliked by the IRC community. In this context it is good
to advise you to -never- -never- ever take bot code, .ini-files or strange
commands from someone and run it without exactly understanding what it
does. Blind trust is a common mistake among newbies. If you feel you just
-have- to run a bot, at least learn the programming. At this moment no
Windows based bot programs or script handling clients exist.
(38) What was NickServ? Is NickServ ever coming
back?
On EFnet NickServ was a nickname registration service run in Germany.
It was a bot that told people who used a registered nickname to stop using
that nickname. NickServ has been down since the Spring of 1994. It is not
likely that NickServ will be back. Remember, nicknames aren't owned on
most IRC networks. On the Dalnet IRC network a NickServ is still active.
Dalnet's NickServ allows users to register and effectively "own" nicks.
This version of the services is considerably more potent than it's EFnet
predecessor since it has the capability of killing anyone who claims a
nick registered by someone else. Therefore, it is not wise to simply
ignore this one :-)
(39) Help, I get disconnected after the LIST
command.
If you use the LIST command the server generates a list of all channels
(about 2000 on Efnet) and quickly sends that list to you. But, because the
data throughput is finite, the entire output of the LIST command is queued
in a buffer on the server. At some point that buffer is overrun, and the
server, detecting this ('reached maxsendq'), disconnects you. This
mechanism is designed to disconnect people who generate more characters
per second than any 'normal' person uses for normal conversations. It is a
server protection mechanism, but unfortunately the server does not
recognize that the data stream you caused is simply the result of your
harmless LIST command, and disconnects you. On most IRC clients you can
filter the channels list to show only channels with a minimum and a
maximum number of people. You can also specify a text string so that your
client will only list channels with that string in their name or topic.
However, for the problem described, this does not help at all. The server
always sends you the entire channels list and your client takes care of
the filtering. So, asking for a partial list to prevent you from
disconnecting won't make ANY difference. It is unfortunate, but there is
nothing you can do to prevent this from happening. It is just one of the
all-too-many IRC oddities. Try using some other server, as many are more
forgiving.
(40) I've done a /whois on myself and other people, and I
notice that my real name shows up in parentheses. I don't like this! It
doesn't show up in other people's parentheses. How can I change
it?
In the setup of your IRC client simply state a fake real name.
(41) What is a netsplit? Why does everybody keep signing on and
off? What does it mean when I see: ***NickName has quit IRC (*.bu.edu
eff.org)?
Netsplits are (unfortunately) a routine part of IRC life. The above
message means that NickName, who was on a channel with you, was on a
different server from you and this server split off from the part of the
net you are on.
A -------------- B ---- C
| |
D E
Lets assume a small IRC network where A, B, C, D and E are servers.
Let's say that you are on server D, and server A splits from server B. In
this case, you will see all users on the servers B, C and E, "sign off".
On large IRC networks and crowded channels you will see a huge amount of
people 'quiting IRC'. When A and B rejoin, you will see users from B, C
and E "rejoin" the channel you were on. Note that netsplits are all
from the point of view of the user. After a netsplit rejoins people might
ask where you went -- because from their perspective, *you* split off. The
only thing you can do during a netsplit is wait for the net to merge
itself. Changing your server during a netsplit is a Bad Idea, because you
are likely to have your nickname collided. A "split" often occurs due to
faults in the underlying *physical* network. It can also occur due to
other reasons, such as if the machine on which the IRC server runs
crashes, or if it is too overloaded to handle connections as happens on
bigger nets, or if an IRC operator willfully disrupts the connection
between two servers to achieve better routing (server - server
connections).
(42) What is a Nick Collision Kill?
After a netsplit, a net-join begins and on both halves of the merging
network, and people that existed with the same nicknames can be killed.
This can happen frequently with popular nicknames. This phenomena is
called a Nick Collision. As soon as a Nick Collision is detected (in
general) both persons involved will be disconnected (killed) from their
IRC servers. Nick Collisions can be caused on purpose by people who just
want to harrass others or try to take over their channel. In general, this
behavior is considered very abusive and can easily lead to a K-line!
(43) What is a Server-op? ***irc.server.net sets mode: +ooo
Nick1 Nick2 Nick3
After a netsplit, during the net-join process, servers on both sides of
the split try to update all kinds of information they may have missed. New
users, their nicknames, the channels they are on and most of the channel
settings are exchanged. The servers involved in the split will also make
sure on both sides of the split on all channels the same channel operators
are set. This process is called server-opping. Server-ops show like :
***irc.server.net sets mode: +ooo Nick1 Nick2 Nick3 Server-ops are
famous for its use in malicious behaviour. People can use net-splits to
get operator status on a channel on one side of the split and on the
moment of net-join de-op the rightfull channel operators. The Undernet has
an improved server-server protocol which prevents server-op abuse as well
as channel desynchs and intentional nick collides.
(44) What is an Ident server? Why am I unidentified and why
does it matter?
An ident server normally is maintained by the Unix machine of your
network provider. It is a kind of nameserver that guarantees your
Identity. Since most standalone windows machines are not correctly backed
up by an ident service, you sometimes have to run your own ident server.
Several windows based ident servers exist but some IRC clients also have
such a server built into their code to help you. Examples are WSIRC and
mIRC. IRC servers can do perform an Ident request to your Ident server and
then expect a standardized repsonse. More and more IRC servers require you
to be identified in some way, and they will disconnect you if you are not
identified! Also if you don't react, or do so in the wrong way, they can
decide to disconnect you. You can check if you're properly identified by
doing a /whois on yourself. The first line in the reply should NOT contain
a ~ (tilde) before your userid. If you have a ~ in it try activating the
Ident server built into your IRC client or use a separate Ident server and
restart your IRC client and see if it helps.
(45) What are Channel and User Modes?
Channels can have additional constraints, which can be set by the MODE
command. To understand this, recall that the first person that joined a
channel effectively creates it and is, at least initially, in charge of
the channel. He or she becomes a Channel Operator or chanop or 'op'. He
can set constraints to the channel and make other people chanops as his
wishes. The command that allows channel operators to change channel modes,
or any user to change their personal mode is :
/MODE {channel|nickname} [{+|-}{modechars} [{parameters}]] A + or -
sign determines whether the mode should be added or deleted.
Channels can be moderated, secret, private, with a limited number of
users, anonymous, invite-only, topic-limited, with a list of banned
users...
/mode {channel} +b {nick|address} ban somebody by nickname or
address mask (nick!account@host) /mode {channel} +i channel is
invite-only /mode {channel} +l {number} channel is limited, with
{number} users allowed maximal /mode {channel} +m channel is
moderated, only chanops and others with 'voice' can talk /mode
{channel} +n external /MSGs to channel are not allowed /mode
{channel} +p channel is private /mode {channel} +s channel
is secret /mode {channel} +t topic limited, only chanops may
change it
/mode {channel} +o {nick} makes {nick} a channel
operator /mode {channel} +v {nick} gives {nick} a voice
The MODE command also allows you to modify your personal parameters,
your "user mode". You can check your usermode with the command "/MODE
{yournick}". Note that user mode +i may be the default on some servers, in
order to protect privacy of users. This should not be seen as a problem,
since any user can change his/her personal mode from whatever defaults a
server may set.
/mode {yournick} +r sets your access to restricted. You cant do
a -r mode change !! /mode {yournick} +i makes yourself invisible
to anybody that does not know your nickname /mode {yournick} +o
gives IRC-Operator status, can only be set by IRC-ops with
OPER /mode {yournick} +s lets you receive server
notices /mode {yournick} +w makes you receive wallops; messages
to IRC-Ops (abused and deprecated)
(46) What do these Channel and User Modes mean?
A channel is PUBLIC by default. Anyone can notice a public channel, see
its users and join the conversation. In a list of channels you can see a
public channel's topic. When someone is on a public channel, he can be
easily found by all other users as long as his personal user mode is not
set to invisible (see below).
An INVITE-ONLY channel can only be joined if you are invited by one of
its channel operators.
PRIVATE channels turn up normally in the channels list. People can see
you are on a private channel somewhere, but they can never find out on
-which- private channel you are unless they search all (private) channels
by brute force. With the names command your nickname will not show up, but
it will with the /who {channel_name} command unless you hide by setting
your personal user mode to 'invisible'.
SECRET channels do not show up in a channels list and you cannot find
out its topic unless you join it. If you are on a secret channel, someone
who is not on the same channel can't see that you are there, regardless
what your personal user mode is set to. Your name does not show up in a
names list of people on IRC if you are on secret channels only.
Your user mode can be set to INVISIBLE meaning that other people cannot
find you by searching on IRC unless they know your exact nickname. No
(wildcarded) search on you by the /who command on your IP Address or real
name will deliver your current nickname or other likewise info to others.
When your user mode is restricted you do not have the power normal
channel operator have on channels (you cant use /mode, /kick, ..etc.) and
you can not change nickname (/nick). But you can chat normally.
(47) What server do you advise me to use?
Try to choose a server that is close to you. As a rule of thumb,
servers that are close geographically are also close network-wise (which
is what matters) but this rule of thumb is not always true. If in doubt
ask some people from the same neighbourhood what servers they use. The
larger the distance to the server the larger the chance it refuses you or
gives you only restricted access.
All people in need of a list of servers for EFNET, UNDERNET and DALNET
and more information follow the following URL's
Undernet Home page
Dalnet Home page
(48) In other IRC FAQ's and help files I see more and sometimes
totally diffferent commands and problems explained, how come?
This IRC INTRO file focuses on situations a typical user on a Windows
based IRC client may face. This restricion eliminates a lot of hassle (and
their solutions) the average IRC user on UNIX has to cope with. In this
file you will not find info on the UNIX command "set" (set NOVICE off, set
SCROLL_LINES 2) or similar commands since you don't need them in Windows.
I'm sure you dont want to be bothered by ' vt100 compatible terminals',
'How to scrollback using special key bindings' and 'UID PID PPID'. Also,
all references to .ircrc and similar files are filtered out or where
needed replaced by their Windows equivalent.
(49) Where can I get more info?
IRC RFC The Internet Relay Chat (IRC) Protocol is explained
and defined in the Request for Comments (RFC) number 1459 written by the
founder of IRC J. Oikarinen and D. Reed. This RFC is available by FTP from
cs-ftp.bu.edu.
Start of IRC Read how IRC was started by Jarkko Oikarinen and
what he does nowadays in
http://www.mirc.co.uk/help/jarkko1.html
and
http://www.user-com.undernet.org/promotions/logs/jarkko.html.
IRC FAQ The IRC Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) by Helen
Trillian Rose provides excellent information on a lot of IRC issues. The
IRC FAQ is available by FTP at
cs-ftp.bu.edu
Undernet FAQ The Undernet IRC FAQ consists of 2 parts. The
initial version was written by Paul Grant and later versions by Mandar M.
Mirashi. The latest version can always be found at :
http://www.nv.us.undernet.org/faq.html
WWW On the world wide web a lot of additional info can be
easily found. Do some simple searches on Yahoo, Altavista or Webcrawler to
find tons of info !! Some usefull links are :
IRChelp.org and
Yahoo
info. You can also visit some Windows IRC clients World Wide Web
pages to get more info :
WSIRC,
mIRC,
mIRC.
Usenet The Usenet alt.irc.* newsgroups provide a lot of
information to both newbies and experienced people on IRC. I can highly
recommend 'lurking' there for a while!
IRC On IRC you will find several channels intended to help
you with simple as well as more difficult problems. You could give
#irchelp, #ircnewbies, #new2irc, #newbies and #wasteland a try. Also most
of the popular Windows based IRC clients have their own IRC channel. Check
out #mirc, #virc or #pirch. Please don't demand help though; we are all
volunteers there.
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