What is Internet Relay Chat???
"well, for the boring parts, I'll quote Wikipedia to save time",
the IRC Protocol (IRCP) is an application layer protocol that facilitates communication in the form of text. The chat process works on a client/server networking model. IRC clients are computer programs that a user can install on their system.
These clients communicate with chat servers to transfer messages to other clients. IRC is mainly designed for group communication in discussion forums, called channels, but also allows one-on-one communication via private messages as well as chat and data transfer, including file sharing
Yeah, so in other words you can chat up the world, constructed only by your language skills and reference book's own table of contents.
though if your haven't already ever been an irc user, chances are it's making your head hurt, giving second thoughts or for you curious cats, it's kicking in that catnip u took a while ago thank my stars! lol I'm just joking gotta be a loon when your living in a loonie land! nough bout that
so for starter, your gonna wanna attempt to communicate so download a pdf of irc commands or check out the next section...
Here are some of the more common IRC commands that we use often. For a far more complete list, please visit our mIRC Commands page.
/join
Type /join #channelname -- to join a channel of your choice
Example: /join #bossmom
What it looks like:
[18:44] *** Now talking in #beginner
--Op-- bossmom has joined the channel
[18:44] *** Topic is 'Beginner's Help/Chat Channel....All Are Welcome Here!! ®© [ENGLISH]'
[18:44] *** Set by X on Sun Jul 23 16:10:34
/me
The /me is an action message.
Type /me 'does anything'
Example: /me waves hello
What it looks like:
* bossmom waves hello
/msg
Type /msg nickname (message) to start a private chat.
Example: /msg puddytat Hey tat, how are you?
What it looks like:
-> *puddytat* Hey tat, how are you?
/nick
/nick changes your nickname
Example: type /nick newnickname (limit 9 characters)
What it looks like: I typed /nick luv2quilt
*** bossmom is now known as luv2quilt
/notice
A notice is used to send a short message to another person without opening up a private window.
Type /notice nickname (message)
Example: /notice badnick Please change your nickname for this family channel.
What it looks like:
-> -badnick- Please change your nickname for this family channel.
/part
Type /part -- to leave one channel
Type /partall -- to leave all the channels you are in
/ping
Type /ping nickname. What this command does is give you the ping time, or lag time, between you and the person you pinged. Lag can be explained as the amount of time it takes for you to type your message and for others to read your messages. Unfortunately, lag is always a part of IRC, although most times it's not a problem, just a nuisance.
Example: /ping luv2quilt
What it looks like:
[19:04] -> [luv2quilt] PING
[19:04] [luv2quilt PING reply]: 0secs
/query
Similar to the /msg, except it forces a window to pop open.
Type /query nickname (message)
Example: /query Sofaspud^ Sooo....what's new?
What it looks like:
<luv2quilt> soooo....what's new?
/quit
Type /quit to leave IRC altogether. This disconnects mirc from the server.
Example: /quit Going out for dinner...nite all
What it looks like:
*** Quits: saca (Leaving)
/ignore
Unfortunately, there will be times when you don't want to talk to someone, or else someone may be harassing you.
By typing /ignore nickname 3, you will not receive anymore messages from that person.
Example: /ignore luv2quilt 3
To Unignore them, type /ignore -r luv2quilt 3
What it looks like:
*** Added *!*bossmom@*.dialup.netins.net to ignore list
*** Removed *!*bossmom@*.dialup.netins.net from ignore list
/whois
Type /whois nickname to see a bit more information about another user. You'll see what server another person is using, or what their ISP is. Pretty helpful when you don't recognize a nickname that wants to chat. You may recognize the IP, (Internet Protocol) and then feel more comfortable carrying on a conversation. You'll also be able to see what other channels a person is in, which might be a good indicator if you really want to talk with them or not.
Example: /whois bossmom
What it looks like:
luv2quilt is bossmom@elwo-01-094.dialup.netins.net * Enjoy the Journey........
luv2quilt on @#bossmom
luv2quilt using Seattle.WA.US.Undernet.org the time for school is during a recession.
luv2quilt has been idle 18secs, signed on Sun Jul 23 18:47:26
luv2quilt End of /WHOIS list.
/chat
This opens up a DCC/CHAT window to another user. What's nice about these is that you can continue to chat even if you get disconnected from your server.
Word of Caution: Do NOT accept dcc/chats nor dcc/gets from anyone that you don't know.
Type /chat nickname.
Example: /chat oddjob^
What it looks like:
Chat with oddjob^
Waiting for acknowledgement...
/help
There's one more very helpful command, and probably the one you'll use a lot when first starting out. In fact, I still use it quite a lot, and that's the built-in help menu of mIRC.
Type /help, you'll see the the mIRC Help Menu open up. You can do a search from there, or you can type /help topic. Either way, a TON of information at your fingertips.
Example: /help Basic IRC Commands
With that info under the belt, you are ready to setup your IRC client.
<a href="http://www.ircbeginner.com/ircinfo/mirc.html">all about mirc client for windows</a><br>
Nows a Good idea to brush up on and to test out your proficiency and ability on where and how to locate other users of irc networks, web groups, irc channels-Channel names appear in text as such, #channel
just try a search on Google for
intext:#***
or irc channels freenode mirc ect
And if that's not enough,
here are some tips
and tricks to help out.
<HR>
The @ in Front of a Person's Nick
When you join a channel and see folks with the @ in front of their nickname, this means that they are an Op, or Operator of the channel. These folks help maintain order, and in #Beginner, we also are the helpers/teachers that welcome the newcomers to the wild and wacky world of IRC. Ops have the abilities to kick, and/or ban out a user that's misbehaving. Every channel has it's own rules, and the Undernet Administrators generally do not interfere with channel politics. You can check here for more information about being an Op in #Beginner.
Abbreviations used on IRC
If you spend anytime on IRC at all, you'll begin to notice letters strung together and not making any sense. As folks spend more time typing, they find ways to shortcut certain phrases, or sentences. For instance: bbl = be back later, brb = be right back, btw = by the way, np = no problem, lol = laugh out loud, rofl = rolling on the floor laughing, wb = welcome back, gmta = great minds think alike, focl = falling off chair laughing, j/k = just kidding, ttyl = talk to you later, ltns = long time no see...etc, etc. Check here for an Abbreviation Chart.
Channels
Channels are places that people go to for chat, help, to report problems, etc. There are many available, and once you find a group of people that you strike common bonds with, it's fun to keep up with them, and their lives. Channels operate much like a company. For every registered channel, channels with an X bot, there is a Channel Manager, Assistant Managers, Senior Ops, Operators and those with Voice. Note: a Bot = a program that helps to maintain order in the channel, and gives the channel operators the @. You can create your own channel by typing /join #channelname. If the channel is not registered or being used already, then you will have the @ (Operator) there.
We have put together a List of Helpful Channels. You may find something along your interest level there.
Emoticons
Sometimes as you're typing, you'll see folks use :), or ;), or ;-), or =^;^=, or maybe even :P. All of these signify a facial expression. For instance, the first few are smiley faces, this one: =^;^= is used by a person who's nickname is puddytat. The :P is someone sticking out the tongue. :( would be a frown, :0 would be "Oh my gosh!".....well, I think you get the idea. ;) Worth the click -- tons more Emoticon Listing.
Netiquette
There are certain rules of etiquette for chatting on IRC, usually called 'Netiquette', and if you'll follow a few rules of common courtesy, you'll find your stay quite enjoyable. TYPING IN ALL CAPS is usually viewed as shouting, and not recommended if you wish to continue to participate in a channel. Using foul language, or being rude to others is also discouraged on most channels. If you join a channel and find it offensive, simply leave, there are thousands of others to choose from. You can check here for a more complete listing of Netiquette Do's and Don'ts.
Ping? Pong!
Now, once you're logged on, and ready to chat, you might notice some strange looking things in your status window (the window you are in when you logon). The Ping? Pong! is simply your server sending a command (Ping?) to your client, and when your client automatically answers with a Pong!, it's just saying, "Yes, I'm here, don't disconnect me". :) When a server is unable to get a PONG! response, you will be disconnected since the server thinks you are not there. When servers are unable to keep alive the communiations with the other servers, then it will 'split', eventually rejoining the group again. This is technically called a netsplit, and is an all-too-common occurance on the Undernet.
Pictures
I've been IRC'ing for almost four years (YOW!), and one of the things that I like best about it is that we can become friends with someone based totally on the written word. Over time, quite a bit can be discovered by watching how someone types, what their responses are, what kind of mood they are in, etc. After becoming friends with folks, it's a neat thing to then be able to see what they look like. Most of you have probalby heard of the term 'scanning' a picture. This means to have a computer scanner copy(scan) a picture onto a disk. These are typically called either a .jpg or a .gif file, and can be transferred from one computer to another computer with only the click of a mouse. Sending or receving a file through IRC uses the DCC option found on more IRC clients.
Sounds
Chatting isn't the only thing we can do while using IRC. Folks can PLAY sounds that are in their computers already, or can GET sounds from someone else by requesting them. To play a sound, the command is /sound wavename.wav. There are literally thousands of wavs available, which is the term used to describe a sound file. Not all channels allow wavs to be played, so just hang out, or ask one of the ops what their policy is on the playing of wavs. You can find a Sounds Tutorial here.
"well, for the boring parts, I'll quote Wikipedia to save time",
the IRC Protocol (IRCP) is an application layer protocol that facilitates communication in the form of text. The chat process works on a client/server networking model. IRC clients are computer programs that a user can install on their system.
These clients communicate with chat servers to transfer messages to other clients. IRC is mainly designed for group communication in discussion forums, called channels, but also allows one-on-one communication via private messages as well as chat and data transfer, including file sharing
Yeah, so in other words you can chat up the world, constructed only by your language skills and reference book's own table of contents.
though if your haven't already ever been an irc user, chances are it's making your head hurt, giving second thoughts or for you curious cats, it's kicking in that catnip u took a while ago thank my stars! lol I'm just joking gotta be a loon when your living in a loonie land! nough bout that
so for starter, your gonna wanna attempt to communicate so download a pdf of irc commands or check out the next section...
Here are some of the more common IRC commands that we use often. For a far more complete list, please visit our mIRC Commands page.
/join
Type /join #channelname -- to join a channel of your choice
Example: /join #bossmom
What it looks like:
[18:44] *** Now talking in #beginner
--Op-- bossmom has joined the channel
[18:44] *** Topic is 'Beginner's Help/Chat Channel....All Are Welcome Here!! ®© [ENGLISH]'
[18:44] *** Set by X on Sun Jul 23 16:10:34
/me
The /me is an action message.
Type /me 'does anything'
Example: /me waves hello
What it looks like:
* bossmom waves hello
/msg
Type /msg nickname (message) to start a private chat.
Example: /msg puddytat Hey tat, how are you?
What it looks like:
-> *puddytat* Hey tat, how are you?
/nick
/nick changes your nickname
Example: type /nick newnickname (limit 9 characters)
What it looks like: I typed /nick luv2quilt
*** bossmom is now known as luv2quilt
/notice
A notice is used to send a short message to another person without opening up a private window.
Type /notice nickname (message)
Example: /notice badnick Please change your nickname for this family channel.
What it looks like:
-> -badnick- Please change your nickname for this family channel.
/part
Type /part -- to leave one channel
Type /partall -- to leave all the channels you are in
/ping
Type /ping nickname. What this command does is give you the ping time, or lag time, between you and the person you pinged. Lag can be explained as the amount of time it takes for you to type your message and for others to read your messages. Unfortunately, lag is always a part of IRC, although most times it's not a problem, just a nuisance.
Example: /ping luv2quilt
What it looks like:
[19:04] -> [luv2quilt] PING
[19:04] [luv2quilt PING reply]: 0secs
/query
Similar to the /msg, except it forces a window to pop open.
Type /query nickname (message)
Example: /query Sofaspud^ Sooo....what's new?
What it looks like:
<luv2quilt> soooo....what's new?
/quit
Type /quit to leave IRC altogether. This disconnects mirc from the server.
Example: /quit Going out for dinner...nite all
What it looks like:
*** Quits: saca (Leaving)
/ignore
Unfortunately, there will be times when you don't want to talk to someone, or else someone may be harassing you.
By typing /ignore nickname 3, you will not receive anymore messages from that person.
Example: /ignore luv2quilt 3
To Unignore them, type /ignore -r luv2quilt 3
What it looks like:
*** Added *!*bossmom@*.dialup.netins.net to ignore list
*** Removed *!*bossmom@*.dialup.netins.net from ignore list
/whois
Type /whois nickname to see a bit more information about another user. You'll see what server another person is using, or what their ISP is. Pretty helpful when you don't recognize a nickname that wants to chat. You may recognize the IP, (Internet Protocol) and then feel more comfortable carrying on a conversation. You'll also be able to see what other channels a person is in, which might be a good indicator if you really want to talk with them or not.
Example: /whois bossmom
What it looks like:
luv2quilt is bossmom@elwo-01-094.dialup.netins.net * Enjoy the Journey........
luv2quilt on @#bossmom
luv2quilt using Seattle.WA.US.Undernet.org the time for school is during a recession.
luv2quilt has been idle 18secs, signed on Sun Jul 23 18:47:26
luv2quilt End of /WHOIS list.
/chat
This opens up a DCC/CHAT window to another user. What's nice about these is that you can continue to chat even if you get disconnected from your server.
Word of Caution: Do NOT accept dcc/chats nor dcc/gets from anyone that you don't know.
Type /chat nickname.
Example: /chat oddjob^
What it looks like:
Chat with oddjob^
Waiting for acknowledgement...
/help
There's one more very helpful command, and probably the one you'll use a lot when first starting out. In fact, I still use it quite a lot, and that's the built-in help menu of mIRC.
Type /help, you'll see the the mIRC Help Menu open up. You can do a search from there, or you can type /help topic. Either way, a TON of information at your fingertips.
Example: /help Basic IRC Commands
With that info under the belt, you are ready to setup your IRC client.
<a href="http://www.ircbeginner.com/ircinfo/mirc.html">all about mirc client for windows</a><br>
Nows a Good idea to brush up on and to test out your proficiency and ability on where and how to locate other users of irc networks, web groups, irc channels-Channel names appear in text as such, #channel
just try a search on Google for
intext:#***
or irc channels freenode mirc ect
And if that's not enough,
here are some tips
and tricks to help out.
<HR>
The @ in Front of a Person's Nick
When you join a channel and see folks with the @ in front of their nickname, this means that they are an Op, or Operator of the channel. These folks help maintain order, and in #Beginner, we also are the helpers/teachers that welcome the newcomers to the wild and wacky world of IRC. Ops have the abilities to kick, and/or ban out a user that's misbehaving. Every channel has it's own rules, and the Undernet Administrators generally do not interfere with channel politics. You can check here for more information about being an Op in #Beginner.
Abbreviations used on IRC
If you spend anytime on IRC at all, you'll begin to notice letters strung together and not making any sense. As folks spend more time typing, they find ways to shortcut certain phrases, or sentences. For instance: bbl = be back later, brb = be right back, btw = by the way, np = no problem, lol = laugh out loud, rofl = rolling on the floor laughing, wb = welcome back, gmta = great minds think alike, focl = falling off chair laughing, j/k = just kidding, ttyl = talk to you later, ltns = long time no see...etc, etc. Check here for an Abbreviation Chart.
Channels
Channels are places that people go to for chat, help, to report problems, etc. There are many available, and once you find a group of people that you strike common bonds with, it's fun to keep up with them, and their lives. Channels operate much like a company. For every registered channel, channels with an X bot, there is a Channel Manager, Assistant Managers, Senior Ops, Operators and those with Voice. Note: a Bot = a program that helps to maintain order in the channel, and gives the channel operators the @. You can create your own channel by typing /join #channelname. If the channel is not registered or being used already, then you will have the @ (Operator) there.
We have put together a List of Helpful Channels. You may find something along your interest level there.
Emoticons
Sometimes as you're typing, you'll see folks use :), or ;), or ;-), or =^;^=, or maybe even :P. All of these signify a facial expression. For instance, the first few are smiley faces, this one: =^;^= is used by a person who's nickname is puddytat. The :P is someone sticking out the tongue. :( would be a frown, :0 would be "Oh my gosh!".....well, I think you get the idea. ;) Worth the click -- tons more Emoticon Listing.
Netiquette
There are certain rules of etiquette for chatting on IRC, usually called 'Netiquette', and if you'll follow a few rules of common courtesy, you'll find your stay quite enjoyable. TYPING IN ALL CAPS is usually viewed as shouting, and not recommended if you wish to continue to participate in a channel. Using foul language, or being rude to others is also discouraged on most channels. If you join a channel and find it offensive, simply leave, there are thousands of others to choose from. You can check here for a more complete listing of Netiquette Do's and Don'ts.
Ping? Pong!
Now, once you're logged on, and ready to chat, you might notice some strange looking things in your status window (the window you are in when you logon). The Ping? Pong! is simply your server sending a command (Ping?) to your client, and when your client automatically answers with a Pong!, it's just saying, "Yes, I'm here, don't disconnect me". :) When a server is unable to get a PONG! response, you will be disconnected since the server thinks you are not there. When servers are unable to keep alive the communiations with the other servers, then it will 'split', eventually rejoining the group again. This is technically called a netsplit, and is an all-too-common occurance on the Undernet.
Pictures
I've been IRC'ing for almost four years (YOW!), and one of the things that I like best about it is that we can become friends with someone based totally on the written word. Over time, quite a bit can be discovered by watching how someone types, what their responses are, what kind of mood they are in, etc. After becoming friends with folks, it's a neat thing to then be able to see what they look like. Most of you have probalby heard of the term 'scanning' a picture. This means to have a computer scanner copy(scan) a picture onto a disk. These are typically called either a .jpg or a .gif file, and can be transferred from one computer to another computer with only the click of a mouse. Sending or receving a file through IRC uses the DCC option found on more IRC clients.
Sounds
Chatting isn't the only thing we can do while using IRC. Folks can PLAY sounds that are in their computers already, or can GET sounds from someone else by requesting them. To play a sound, the command is /sound wavename.wav. There are literally thousands of wavs available, which is the term used to describe a sound file. Not all channels allow wavs to be played, so just hang out, or ask one of the ops what their policy is on the playing of wavs. You can find a Sounds Tutorial here.
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