IRC Explained

OK, so you may have heard the term IRC (that's pronounced I-R-C, not "irk") or mIRC (which is basically the same thing). Here's what it's about...

IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat Internet Relay Chat - Chat Rooms. To connect to these chat rooms, you must either use a web-based Java interface (web application through your browser), like the one on this site, here. OR, you must download and install an IRC client program, such as the most common one: mIRC.

To connect, you must choose first a server on a network. For this, simply type /server irc.JetIRC.net and you'll be connected to the JetIRC Network.

Once connected, you must choose (or have already chosen) a "nick." This is short for Nickname. It is the screen name you will be known as while you chat. I do NOT recommend using your real name. You can use whatever you like, as long as it's not already in use. You may not use spaces, but you can use underscores (_) dashes (-) slashes (/) and other characters. You cannot use + or @ or % in your name. These have other meanings.

So now you're connected. Next you must join a channel. This is basically a room where others are talking. Consult the help files for your IRC program at this point for specific instructions. If using the web-based interface, it will automatically connect you into the #help room (unless you specify otherwise). Channel names all start with #. Typically, to join a channel, you type /join #channelname.

In the room, the right column in your chat window shows who's in there with you. If their name starts with @, then they have OP (Operator) status. They are the administrators of the channel, and can do things like kick people out, ban them, give them OPs, give them Voice, change the channel topic, etc etc. Don't piss these people off, or you're likely to get banned from the channel. Remember: it's kind of like you're all chatting in THEIR house, so they make the rules. Some channels allow swearing, some don't. Some don't care if you enter the channel and never say anything, others hate it, and may ban you...

If a nick starts with +, that means they have a Voice. In most channels this is a designation of respect from an OP. They're kind of "deputies" for the channel. They do not have the ability to kick or ban or anything, but they usually have the ear of an OP. Consider them as the "respected members" of the channel. In channels with File Servers, usually the server nicks get Voiced. This just sets them apart.

In certain channels, they have turned on the "Moderated" flag. This means you cannot type anything into the channel unless you have a Voice or OP. This is usually only in VERY busy channels (100+ users) to keep the traffic down. Or in other types of channels, where the Moderator wants to limit discussions to only those who "deserve" the privilege, according to whatever rules they have set.

For more info, or if you have other questions, ask! Most people are happy to help. If you can't get an answer, try joining the #Help channel. For issues like lost passwords, etc, join the #JetIRC channel.

Visit http://www.mirc.com for additional info.

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