IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is a chat protocol used on the internet. It consists of many different channels (whose names always start with #) spread across many different servers throughout the internet. It is pretty old, so it is entirely text-based and doesn't have the same feature set as modern instant messaging clients. Nevertheless, it has a very solid user base, and millions of people using it around the world. This java-based IRC client is just one of many IRC client programs available. While it's sufficient for most of your needs, you'll probably want to download and install a standalone IRC client. Click here for a list of IRC clients.
Those who have their own IRC client installed can join #estudios on random.acidchat.net. Otherwise, you can use the java client by filling in the nickname you want to use on IRC (only digits, letters and underscores are permitted):
Remember that all the rules of the forum that are applicable also apply here, so read the rules carefully before joining!
IRC uses commands starting with / to control what happens. To help you out, here are a few of the most useful ones. Just type them out and press enter. The parts you need to type literally are in bold, things you fill in yourself are in normal font. Things between [ ] are optional.
| /me action | Makes your text appear as if you were performing an action. |
| /nick nickname | Changes your nickname. |
| /query nickname | Starts a private chat with someone. This will open a new window where you can talk to the other person, similar to MSN, AIM and such. Alternatively, instead of using this command, you can usually doubleclick on someone's name to start a private chat. |
| /mode #channel [mode] | Changes the mode of a channel. Channel modes do many different things, and are all denoted by a single letter. Some modes actually apply to a specific person rather than the channel as a whole, such as the ones that control user privileges (+b, +v, +o etc). Typing the command without a mode displays the current modes that apply to the whole channel. Only users with operator status (mode +h or +o) are able to change channel modes. To activate a particular channel mode, type a + before it, and a - to deactivate. +m means 'moderated mode', where only people who have voice (mode +v) or higher are able to talk. |
| /nickserv command | Control of the Nickname Services. NickServ is used to register your nickname and log in/identify, but also provides other options. What happens depends on the command entered, use the 'help' command for a list. NickServ will answer using 'notices', which appear in the status window (click the button marked 'Status' at the bottom, if you're using the java webclient). |
| /nickserv register password email | Registers your current nickname with NickServ. Once you've done this, you'll be the owner of that nickname and be able to access all options that require user identification. |
| /nickserv id password | Logs you in with your current nickname. This tells NickServ that you are really you and not someone else who took your nickname. |
| /chanserv command | Control of the Channel Services. ChanServ is used to activate channel-related options and control certain permissions. What happens depends on the command entered, use the 'help' command for a list. ChanServ will answer using 'notices', which appear in the status window (click the button marked 'Status' at the bottom, if you're using the java webclient). |
| /chanserv voice | If your nickname is registered and added to the channel's autovoice list, this will give you 'voice mode' (mode +v) in the channel. Voice mode lets you talk even when 'moderated mode' is on (mode +m). Users who have voice display a + before their nicknames in the list. |
| /join #channel | Join another channel. |
| /part [#channel] [message] | Exits the IRC channel you specified, displaying the message to everyone else in the channel when you leave. If you don't type a channel, it exits the current channel (the one you typed the command in). |
| /quit [message] | Exits the IRC server, displaying the message to everyone else in the channel when you leave. |
| /whois nickname | Gives you some information about a specific person. |