RE 503 Internet for Teachers

Internet Relay Chat (IRC)

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a multi-user chat system written by Jarkko Oikarinen, in 1988. IRC allow people to gather in groups, called "channels," to talk about specific subjects. Private conversations are also possible.

The organization of IRC is rather arbitrary. Users can become "channel operators" by creating a new channel or by being "opened" by another operator. An operator can lock a channel, invite a user to or kick him off the channel, as well as other administrative functions. Although certain channels are owned by a small group of operators, any user can create a new channel and become its operator.

One can access IRC via Telnet or through client programs such as Homer and ircle (Macintosh), or Global Chat (Windows).

All IRC commands begin with a "/" character. Anything that does not begin with a / is assumed to be a message that is sent to everyone on your channel. Here is a list of basic IRC commands:

/list (Lists all current IRC channels, number of users, and topic).
/names (Shows the nicknames of all users on each channel).
/join (Join the named chanel. All non-commands you type will now go to everyone on that channel).
/msg (Sends a private message to the specified person).
/nick (Change your nickname).
/quit (Exits IRC).
/help (Gets help on all IRC commands).
/who (Shows who is on a given channel including nickname, user name and host, and real name).
/whois (Shows the "true" identity of someone).

If you want to try the above IRC commands, click on the below Telnet address and login as a "guest"

telnet telnet.wfire.net

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IRC- Related Sites

Internet Relay Chat FAQ

In this site, one can find clear and concise answers to

frequently asked questions about IRC. .

Internet Relay Chat. World Networks

An annotated list of IRC networks by James T Lowe.

A large collection of IRC resources including help documents, channels,

and users with Web pages.

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