How to use IRC (Internet Relay Chat)
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There are many different IRC networks to choose from Each network has many different channels. To get started you’ll need to know the server and channel that your community uses.
Basics of IRC - There are many other shortcuts that you can use on IRC, but the items below are basics of getting started.
- Download a chat client (XChat and IRSSI for Linux or Windows; Colloquy for Mac).
- Open the chat client and enter the network name and channel that the organization specifies on their homepage.
- Set up your IRC nick (your nickname, be sure not to use an offensive name) - it can be initials or numbers, anything you want it to be.
- "Hang out" on the channel — watch the conversations that folks are having and chime in when you want to add to a conversation or answer someone’s question. Learn by watching how others are "chatting" with one another. And of course feel free to ask questions.
- IRC is designed for short communications. Most messages are 20 words or less and communication is usually very quick and informal.
- When asking a question or responding to a specific person, start the line with their name and a colon. i.e. "gcigirl: when is the deadline?" That way the person is notified that you are directly addressing them. And likewise if someone uses your nick you will receive a notification that they are "talking" to you.
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Last updated 2024-07-23 UTC.
[[["Easy to understand","easyToUnderstand","thumb-up"],["Solved my problem","solvedMyProblem","thumb-up"],["Other","otherUp","thumb-up"]],[["Missing the information I need","missingTheInformationINeed","thumb-down"],["Too complicated / too many steps","tooComplicatedTooManySteps","thumb-down"],["Out of date","outOfDate","thumb-down"],["Samples / code issue","samplesCodeIssue","thumb-down"],["Other","otherDown","thumb-down"]],["Last updated 2024-07-23 UTC."],[[["Connect to your community by finding their specific IRC network and channel."],["Download an IRC client, set up a nickname, and join the channel to participate."],["Engage in short, informal conversations, using participant names for direct communication."],["Observe ongoing discussions to learn the community's communication style and feel free to ask questions."]]],["To start using IRC, download a chat client and connect to the specified network and channel. Choose a non-offensive nickname. Observe conversations, and chime in when desired. Keep messages brief, generally under 20 words. To address someone directly, start your message with their nickname followed by a colon, which will notify them. Similarly, if your nickname is used, you will be notified. IRC communication is typically quick and informal.\n"]]
