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IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is a protocol for real-time text messaging between internet-connected computers created in 1988. It is mainly used for group discussion in chat rooms called “channels” although it supports private messages between two users, data transfer, and various server-side and client-side commands.
How does an IRC client work?
An IRC network consists of a set of interconnected servers. Once users are connected to an IRC server, they can converse with other users connected to any server in the IRC network. IRC provides for group communication, via named channels, as well as personal communication through “private” messages.
Are IRC clients safe?
IRC, by default, does not use encryption [1]. You can, however, use SSL on top of TCP if both the client and server support it [2]. Be careful, most networks have multiple servers and they might not communicate in a secure way. Also, DCC connections (direct connections to other IRC users) might not be encrypted.
What programs use IRC?
Popular IRC clients include mIRC for Windows, IRCle for Mac OS, and irc2 (the original client) for UNIX-base operating systems. The IRC protocol uses Transmission Control Protocol (you can IRC via a Telnet client), usually on port 6667.
How do I setup an IRC client?
How to Set Up and Use Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
- Step 1 Download & Install XChat. GNU/Linux users, download XChat from here.
- Step 2 Configure XChat and Connect to a Channel.
- Step 3 Register a Nickname.
What is an IRC client and what does it do?
An IRC ( Internet Relay Chat) client is a program that a user can install on their computer and it sends and receives messages to and from an IRC server. It simply connects you to a global network of IRC servers and enables one-on-one and group communication.
How do you join a channel in IRC?
User actions are called IRC commands, and begin with a forward slash. To join a channel, you’d type /join #channelname in your IRC client. Most networks allow you to participate without an account. Since IRC chats are just plain textual messages, the whole experience is lightweight and equally fast on desktop and mobile devices.
What does IRC stand for in Internet Relay Chat?
IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is one such revolutionary communication technology that has sustained its place well enough in the current technology sphere. It’s a nexus of chatrooms and each one of these chatrooms are known as channels. These channels are hosted on servers, which then individually manage their own set of channel networks.
Which is the largest IRC network for Linux?
It’s currently the largest IRC network, with the majority of channels dedicated to free and open source software. Every major Linux distribution has an IRC channel, so IRC provides a great way to get help or meet fellow Linux users.