A Brief Tutorial on IRC

To a new user, IRC can be both a daunting experience, and a confusing place. The purpose of this tutorial is to explain some of the basic technical aspects of IRC, as well as some of the basics of etiquitte and social interaction.

IRC stands for 'Internet Relay Chat'. It is a system of interconnected servers that communicate with each other to provide a large network devoted to various discussions in real-time channels. It is somewhat like CB radio, in that everyone can speak into a public channel and have it be visible to everyone else in the channel. This differentiates IRC from Instant Messaging, in which you typically speak to only one person at a time. As well, since IRC is a public forum, generally anyone can join an IRC channel, and so you do not need to know someone and have them added to a 'Friends' list to speak with them, as you would if you were using an IM client.
There are many kinds of IRC channels out on the Internet. They can range from general chat on any topic, to the very specialised (for example, there are often IRC channels devoted to specific types of computers, such as the Apple Macintosh, or specific programs, like Linkinus). Generally, it is good to have an idea of what you'd like to talk about when you go on IRC, so that you know what channels to join. There are even search engines devoted to IRC (such as searchirc.com) that exist soley for the purpose of helping you find a channel that matches your interest.

Warning: Not all IRC channels are 'family friendly'. IRC is typically an uncensored medium, and as such you need to exercise prudence and discretion in choosing which channels and networks to visit. This is not stated to dissuade you from using IRC, but (like the rest of the Internet) IRC has places with content that some people may not agree with. So be sure to use good judgement in choosing which IRC networks and channels to visit.
That being said, most of IRC is generally friendly and pleasant. With some patience and help (like this tutorial!), IRC can be a rather enjoyable activity, and lend a new dimension to your Internet experience.

The primary rule of good behaviour on IRC is to treat it as if you are actually in a physical room talking to the people you are chatting with. You wouldn't be rude or mean to people in polite conversation in person, and so you shouldn't do so on IRC either. As well, there are a few behaviours particular to IRC to avoid. These are:

• Typing all in capital letters. This is seen as yelling (ex. “HELLO HOW ARE YOU I LIKE PIZZA KPLSTHX!”)
• Needlessly shortening words. You are not texting on a cellphone, you have a keyboard. (ex. “u”, “w8”, “l8r”)
• Asking for people's Age/Sex/Location (By saying A/S/L). People say it on chats like AOL, but it is considered rude on IRC.
• Trolling, which is saying things just for the express purpose of annoying people or provoking a reaction
• Repeating Yourself. Repeating Yourself. Repeating Yourself. Repeating Yourself. Repeating Yourself. Repeating Yourself.
• Being an Internet Tough Guy. You may actually be a Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu, but threatening people online is silly.
• Do not accept files from random people you don't know. These could be malicious, or be viruses.
• Don't swear. Many channels have rules against it. It is best to be polite and use clean language by default.

As well, there are good behaviours to follow on IRC, such as:

• Guard your privacy. You don't really know who anyone is online, and it is prudent to not give out personal information.
• Use a firewall/monitoring program such as Little Snitch. This will help keep your system safe from potential intruders.
• Watch/Lurk a bit in a new channel to get a feeling for how that channel operates, and what behaviour is acceptable.
• Don't ask to ask, just ask – this applies mostly to technical channels. If you want help, ask, and be patient.

Follow these suggestions, and you will have a more productive and enjoyable IRC experience. Remember, in many ways it is like speaking to people IRL (In Real Life), so treat them as you would want to be treated!