Introduction

This document explains the basics of using IRC (Internet Relay Chat) protocol to communicate one-one, one-many or many-many. IRC is used for lot of purposes such as development coordination, meeting and also for chatting. First revision - v0.1 16 December, 2006 Bikal K.C

Minor edits - v0.2 14 January, 2007 Bikal K.C

Audience

The audience of this document would be users who are generally new to IRC network. It assumes at least some basic knowledge in computing. I have prepared this document to the best of my knowledge. Hope it helps people to get started using IRC.

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to give users head start in using Internet Relay Chat. It should also provide users with directions as to what the limitations of IRC are. A brief history of IRC can be read at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Relay_Chat and detailed introduction of IRC in "Linux IRC mini-HOWTO", http://www.tldp.org/HOWTO/IRC/. Recommended reading is top to bottom.

Using IRC clients

First of all, little bit of theory. All IRC networks work on the principle of client-server computing. The IRC servers such as "asimov.freenode.net" run a server program and clients (our chat programs) simply connect to that server at specified port number (example, port number 8001). There are several chat client program available that users can use to connect to IRC networks. Some of the most popular chat clients are listed below -

More clients are available @ [3]. Get a IRC client that's faily stable, active in development and which supports your distribution. You can read about the comparisons of IRC client @ [4].

Also, note that most GNU/Linux distribution come with package management utility (example, Debian's apt or slackware's Swaret). So, if your distro supports package management, *use* it first before moving on to compiling source (the basic assumption holds especially true for beginners starting with GNU/Linux distros). [edit] Using IRC networks

Now, that you have set up IRC chat client of your liking, start it up.

Or use xterm/gnome-terminal/rxvt whatever likes you.

To join ##nepal at irc.freenode.net, follow these steps -

To do the same with irssi chat client, type "/window new" (create a new window). Then repeat step 1.

This will register your nick name in Freenode so that no one else can use the same nick name. If the nick name is *already in use*, then repeat step 3 and 4 with different nick name.

You're done! Congratulations!. Greet people in the channel and welcome to the world of IRC. Have Phun! =) [edit]

IMPORTANT

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE never login to IRC network as root/super-user. The reason is this: If you login to IRC network using your root account, any vulnerability in your chat program if known by the attacker might use it to gain root access in your system. It's always a wise idea to create a seperate account to use IRC or use non-privileged account. The step are very simple to create an account. Just issue command "adduser" and then fire up your favorite chat client using that user account.

References

Modifications

Suggestion to improve this document are always welcomed as this will generally improve the quality of document and important features that are needed by users.

See you on the #ubuntu-np! :)

MiniIRCGuide (last edited 2008-04-18 10:46:15 by HimanshuChhetri)