ALL ABOUT IRC
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ALL ABOUT IRC
back to NFO Page
Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a multi-channel, multi-user means of communication
that is available
on the Internet. In order to participate you will need the name of
an IRC server and a software application (client) that supports IRC. IRC
is NOT related to some of the popular messenger applications which include
applications like ICQ, IChat Pager, AOL Instant Messenger, etc. These applications
are relatively simple to learn and rely on a service.
Our service does not provide a dedicated IRC server, but IRC is hosted on many different servers around the world. The client you select should have a listing of available servers. Some "open" use servers include:
USA- csa.bu.edu -or- ucsu.coloradu.edu -or- irc.caltech.edu
Canada- ug.cs.dal.ca
Finland- nic.funet.fi
France- poly.polytechnique.fr
Germany- noc.belwue.de
Sweden- irc.nada.kth.se
Australia- munagin.ee.mu.oz.a
Once you are logged onto the server of your choice, you will need to execute commands in order to interact with the other users in that channel. Below are some of the more basic commands needed to help you begin. Preface the commands with / (a forward slash):
!- Recalls previous commands for re-editing.
ADMIN- Displays information about a server.
AWAY- Leaves a message saying you are not paying attention.
CLEAR- Clears the text from the screen.
DATE- Shows server current date and time.
DESCRIBE- Sends anything about you to a person or channel.
IGNORE- Removes output from specific people off your screen.
INVITE- Sends an invitation to another user.
JOIN- Sets your current channel.
LASTLOG- Lists the most recent messages.
LEAVE- Leaves a channel.
LINKS- Shows servers on the IRC network.
LIST- Lists channels, number of users and topic.
LUSERS- Gives a listing of users, servers and operators.
ME- Sends anything about you to a channel or QUERY.
MODE- Changes channel mode.
MSG- Sends a private message.
NAMES- Shows the nicknames of users on each channel.
NICK- Changes your nickname.
NOTICE- Sends a private message.
NOTIFY- Alerts you to people logging in or out the channel.
QUERY- Starts a private conversation.
QUIT- Exits your IRC session.
SERVER- Switches your primary server.
TIME- Shows server current date and time.
TOPIC- Changes the topic of the channel.
TRACE- Shows the server connections of the given machine.
USERS- Prints users logged on the server machine.
VERSION- Shows client and server version number.
WHO- Gives a listing of users.
WHOIS- Displays information about someone.
WHOWAS- Displays information about someone who just left.
Below is a listing of some popular IRC clients (this is by no means a complete listing). Consult your favorite search engine to gather a larger sampling of available clients. Many of these clients can be found at download sites like:
http://www.download.com -or- http://www.tucows.com
1. mIRC.....This application is by far the most popular and widely used IRC client. mIRC supports all of the IRC standards for communication as well as script building and other useful features. It is available in both Win 3.x and Win 95/NT versions. mIRC does not, however, come with a tutorial. It assumes you have some knowledge of how to use IRC.
2. Ircle..... Ircle is a very popular client among Mac users. It is extremely small, very updated, powerful and stable. Ircle is easy to use and supports pretty much all standard IRC commands. It also offers some non-standard features as well (such as colors, faces, extensive scripting). It allows you to simultaneously connect to different networks like Undernet and EFnet. The Ircle homepage is located at: http://www.xs4all.nl/~ircle/
3. pIRCh..... pIRCh is another client for the Windows environment with many non- standard features. Among these is support for streaming video and Socks "proxy" support. All standard IRC commands are also supported.
Our Server does not host IRC servers, nor do we maintain them. If you have been a victim of abuse on an IRC server, please contact the IRC administrator of the IRC server you are experiencing the problem on. The system administrator is ultimately responsible for activities on that server. If the administrator requires our intervention fordpub@2fords.net can be notified. We require connection logs associated with the abuse reported. These connection logs should include a complete IP address, date, time and time zone associated with the abusive action. Only with this information can we identify the responsible individual.
Some IRC servers may ban or restrict users from certain domains. If the 2 Fords Network domain is blocked, we can only take action once the server administrator has sent us pertinent information regarding the abusive matter. Once the logs have been received, we will do everything in our power to work with the administrator so the matter may be resolved. Please be responsible and courteous when using IRC. Your actions can adversely affect you and/or the service as a whole. We will NOT tolerate abuse of the service or Internet in general.
If you are using an IRC client version written for Windows 95 verify you are using the Windows 95 Dialer or Dial-Up Networking. There is also extensive IRC help information available on the Internet. You can perform searches to find many web sites devoted to IRC help, for example http://www.irchelp.org is a good place to start. The help desk does not provide support for IRC but once you log in to IRC, you have the best resource available: Other IRC Users. Simply ask for help. Odds are someone will be able to assist. Software support is provided by the appropriate vendor. If you still have problems using IRC it may be best to try a messenger application (as listed in the Introduction).
