som irc faq... please join us..
Unlike the World-Wide Web, which first-time users can pick up quickly, Internet Relay Chat may seem difficult the first time you log on. Once you've mastered a few basic commands, however, IRC becomes very easy to use.
Logging on. Just like you need a Web browser like Netscape or MS Internet Explorer to use the World Wide Web, you need an IRC client to connect to an IRC server. Once you have downloaded and installed an IRC client you can log on to some IRC server and talk away. The first thing you'll want to do is choose a nickname; everyone on IRC uses one. People will soon recognize you by your nick, or even search for your nickname on IRC. Choose your nick with care; it will be the virtual -you-.
Finding a channel. It is not uncommon for an IRC server to have dozens, hundreds or even thousands of chat channels open simultaneously. There are some more or less permanent channels, but others come and go. Although a channel's name usually reflects the general nature of the conversation within, each channel can also have a specific topic. Channel names tend to remain constant, while topics change continuously. For example, in a channel called "PC Users" the topic might be "Windows 95 Bug Fixes" one day and "How to Choose a High Speed Modem" the next day.
You'll notice that all channel names begin with #. One popular and longstanding channel, for instance, is #chat. If you decide to wade in, just type: '/JOIN #chat' and voila, you're in. Type in some greetings and you'll see them appear on screen, along with whatever everyone else types. You'll probably feel lost at first, since you're popping in on a conversation that's already in progress. In fact, several conversations may be going on at once.
It would be great if you could get a list of all those channels containing only the funny, witty and wise, but you can't. Instead, you have to use the '/LIST' command, which lists all public channels, the number of users on each and a topic description for those that provide it.
Channel topics are set by the person who creates or moderates the channel, called the channel operator or 'op'. Chat participants can exchange ideas about common interests, making chat sessions an ideal means to hold forums and group discussions. For example, many businesses now hold scheduled chat sessions, wherein customers can chat with company representatives about a new product, or exchange technical information and advice.
On IRC many people can simultaneously participate in discussions over a channel or even multiple channels. There are no limits to the number of people who can join a discussion and there is no limit to the number of channels that can be made. You are only limited by your typing speed. IRC can be fun and informative and is rapidly becoming one of the most popular areas of the Internet. And IRC will undoubtedly evolve over the next year or two with advancing technology...
Private Conversations. The conversations are not limited to whats is going on on channels. You can have private conversations at the same time! If, lets say, you want to speak to Speedy privately, you can send him a message, as follows: '/MSG Speedy What do you say we hide in privacy for awhile?'. The /MSG will open a private conversation to Speedy. Nobody can interfere in your private chitchat now ! In my view, private conversations are one of the handiest things about IRC.
Aside from meeting new people, then, IRC is also good for saving on phone bills, holding conferences or practicing a foreign language. If you're in New York and your former college roommates are in Boston, Dallas and Seattle, you can make an IRC date, set up your own IRC channel and even use /NOTIFY to be informed when they log onto IRC so you can /INVITE them into your private channel!
for more information visit http://www.newircusers.com/nfaq.html
