--Your First Steps on IRC--

--------------------------------------------------------------
Contents:
1 - Methods of connecting to the HackThisSite IRC server.
1.1 - Java Applet
1.2 - XChat
1.3 - mIRC
2 - Communicating with services
2.1 - NickServ - Registering your nick and applying settings
2.2 - HostServ - Requesting a vhost
2.3 - MemoServ - Sending and Receiving Messages
2.4 - ChanServ - Registering a channel
3 - Other important commands
--------------------------------------------------------------


1 - Methods of connecting to the HackThisSite IRC server.

So, you'd like to find out what's being discussed on IRC (Internet Relay Chat). Well, I'll walk you through some of the most commonly asked questions and steps that people seem to have the most difficulty with. First, you will need a client to connect to the IRC server. In this article, I will discuss three very common IRC clients: jIRC, XChat, and mIRC.

1.1 - The Java Applet

The Java Applet, also known more specifically as the jIRC or jPilot Applet, is an IRC client coded right onto the webpage, located here: http://www.hackthissite.org/pages/irc/irc.php
When you load up the page, the applet's box will appear where you will select a Nickname for yourself, a channel to join (#help is the only one accessible at the moment), and the port which to connect on (keep it as 6667). When using the Java client, the most common settings are the defaults, other than a custom nick.
Once you have entered the desired settings, click "Connect Now!" and you should be connected to irc.hackthissite.org, and joined #help. You may now begin chatting away.
Joining #hacthissite on the java client is not possible. #hackthissite requires SSL. Continue reading about the other clients and visit http://www.hackthissite.org/irc/ssl for more SSL information.

1.2 - XChat

XChat is another IRC client, however it must be downloaded. Downloading an IRC client will allow you to save your settings and join and control multiple networks and channels.
XChat is available for windows and linux systems. XChat can be downloaded here: http://www.xchat.org/download/ or XChat 2 for windows can be downloaded here: http://silverex.org/download/
Follow documentation on those websites for specifics on setting up the client.
Jump to section 3 - Other important commands for basic commands once XChat is installed and operational.

1.3 - mIRC

mIRC is another IRC client, however it must be downloaded. Downloading an IRC client will allow you to save your settings and join and control multiple networks and channels.
mIRC is designed to be used on windows systems, and requires registration after a free trial. It can be downloaded here: http://www.mirc.com/get.html
Follow documentation on those websites for specifics on setting up the client. Jump to section 3 - Other important commands for basic commands once mIRC is installed and operational.

2 - Communicating with services

Services on an IRC network allow you to control your own account and channels. The services I will discuss here will be NickServ, HostServ, and ChanServ. There names will be obvious once I define them for you.

2.1 - NickServ - Registering your nick and applying settings

NickServ allows you to manage your nickname and keep it reserved for your own use. NickServ can be communicated to in various ways, using the /PRIVMSG NickServ, /MSG NickServ, /NOTICE NickServ, or /NS commands. These commands are typed right into the text input box where you type your other messages while chatting. I will use the /NS command shortcut in this article.

First, select the nick you would like to use with: CODE :

For help, use the following command: CODE :

To register your current nick: CODE :

To register other nick with the same settings: CODE :

To make sure you are automatically given Operator status on a channel you have access to: CODE :


Every time you connect to the network and use your registered nick, you need to login: CODE :


2.2 - HostServ - Requesting a VHost

On IRC, you are identified with an 'address'. The format for this identification is: Nick!Ident@host.host.host
The host part of this may give away information about you, such as your ISP and general location. If you wish to hide that information, or just want something more fun there, you can use HostServ to set a VHost (Virtual Host). HostServ is access the same way as NickServ, by using: /PRIVMSG HostServ, /MSG HostServ, /NOTICE HostServ, or /HS. I will use the /HS shortcut command for simplicity purposes.

For HostServ help: CODE :

To request a VHost: CODE :

Once you receive a memo (from memoserv (see section 2.3) or an Oper tells you that your VHost is activated, use the following to activate your VHost: CODE :


2.3 - MemoServ - Sending and receiving messagesp

MemoServ is another service. It allows you to send and receive messages to/from other registered users, even if they are not online (Similar to email). MemoServ is access just like the other services, with the commands /PRIVMSG MemoServ, /MSG MemoServ, /NOTICE MemoServ, or /MS. I will use the /MS shortcut command for simplicity purposes.

For MemoServ help: CODE :

To send a message: CODE :

To list received messages: CODE :

To read a message: CODE :

Delete a memo: CODE :


2.4 - ChanServ - Registering a channel

So, you have registered your NickName, set up your preferences, and are now wondering how you can get your very own channel? Do you think you can have anything you want?!? Just kidding, registering a channel is as easy as registering your nick! ChanServ is access just like the other services, with the commands /PRIVMSG ChanServ, /MSG ChanServ, /NOTICE ChanServ, or /CS. I will use the /CS shortcut command for simplicity purposes.

First, join the channel you want to create (See section 3).
For ChanServ help: CODE :

To register the channel: CODE :

Consult ChanServ's HELP command to add settings to your channel and customize who gets op (/CS ACCESS).

3 - Other Important Commands

Here are a few other important commands I think you should know.

Connect to a server: CODE :

Connect to a server with SSL: CODE :

Join a channel: CODE :

Change your nick: CODE :

Change channel modes: CODE :

Set a user as op in a channel: CODE :


FOR OTHER COMMANDS, USE HELPOP: CODE :



Now that you know the basics, read the help files and start experimenting with new commands. Have Fun!

Be sure to check out the IRC Command Reference on HTS! here: http://www.hackthissite.org/pages/irc/reference.php

© 2007 AR. ☻☺