An IRC client window consists usually of at least four distinct things: The nickname list, the text entry box, the channel list, and the main area where messages are shown. Now that you've connected, let's cover the basics of an IRC client. (Please note that, in general, web clients like KiwiIRC and webchat don't allow you to pick your username and realname, instead using predefined values.) IRC client basics Both can only be changed while disconnected from IRC, and despite the names, username doesn't have to be your username, and realname doesn't have to be your real name - they can be anything you want. Username and realname are shown in what's called your whois information (this will be discussed later) suffice it to say that this is information shown if a user requests more information about you. Try not to choose a vulgar or inappropriate nickname, as this can get you kicked from channels. Nickname is how you'll primarily be identified on IRC and is the name that will be shown to other users (it can be changed later). If you are given the option to use SSL (encryption) and wish to take advantage of it, use port 6697.īefore connecting, you'll also have to choose a nickname, username, and realname. Note that the in-browser clients listed above are preprogrammed for LizardIRC, so all you need to do is choose a nickname. In general, though, you just have to follow the prompts. Unfortunately, they all differ in how this is done, so check your IRC client's documentation for more information. To connect to LizardIRC, you need to enter these details into your IRC client.
To connect to LizardIRC (or any other IRC network), you'll need a piece of software called an IRC client. They also have channel operator powers in all channels. Note that staff are sometimes referred to as network operators or opers (note the "er" in "opers" opers shouldn't be confused with ops). They can force users to disconnect from the network ( kill), and ban users from connecting in the first place (usually called a g-line, but also referred to as z-lines and k-lines - the distinction is unimportant). Similar to channel operators, there are network staff, or simply staff, responsible for maintaining the integrity of the network. Each channel maintains its own list of ops, though a user can be an op in an unlimited number of channels. Ops can also ban users from channels, preventing them from joining it. Ops include the person who created the channel as well as any people he or she has chosen to also hold the position, and are usually identified by an at sign ( in front of their nickname, the (changeable) name users pick to identify themselves on the network. Users can also be forcibly removed from channels ( kicked) by the channel operators (or ops). To see the conversation happening in a channel and to send messages to it, a user must join a channel to stop participating in the channel and stop receiving messages sent to a channel, a user parts it. Users can send messages directly to other users (and in this case only the other user will see the message), or to channels (and everyone in the channel will see the message). On each network, there are channels which users can join. Users connect to these servers to join the network. The fundamental unit of IRC is the network, a group of servers that are linked together and send messages to each other. IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat, and is a text-based protocol allowing real-time communication between users, sometimes thousands of them.