What is IRC, and how does it work?
IRC (Internet Relay Chat) provides a way of communicating in real time with people from all over the world. It consists of various separate networks (or “nets”) of IRC servers, machines that allow users to connect to IRC. Generally, the user (such as you) runs a program (called a “client”) to connect to a server on one of the IRC nets. The server relays information to and from other servers on the same net. Recommended clients include: • UNIX/shell: ircII • Windows: mIRC, Pirch, vIRC • Macintosh: Ircle, Snak Be sure to read the documentation for your client! Once connected to an IRC server on an IRC network, you will usually join one or more “channels” and converse with others there. (On EFnet, there often are more than 12,000 channels, each devoted to a different topic.) Conversations may be public (where everyone in a channel can see what you type) or private (messages between only two people, who may or may not be on the same channel).
