Privacy on IRC Staying Safe When Using IRC Client Programs

03/07/2013 by Leave a Comment

Internet relay chat rooms are fun but can be very dangerous at the same time. Without proper precaution, IRC users put themselves at risk in more ways than one. Here are some of the risks posed by client programs and some tips on the best way to go about privacy on IRC.

First thing you need to take note is that dangers with internet relay chat are not inherent with your connection to it nor are they inherent in IRC itself. These dangers depend on:

1. What you are using your chat for.

2. How much of your personal information you are revealing to others, and

3. The people you are chatting with.

When it comes to hardware security, file sharing is probably the most dangerous. Most of these files contain spyware, adware and virus that will not only destroy your computer’s software and hardware, but might lead to illegal transfer of your sensitive information. Most IRC client programs make it possible for users to disable file sharing features which minimizes the risk. If this feature is not available, avoid sharing files even with people you know.

Another way to stay safe when using IRC client programs is to avoid sharing too much information. Do not use your real name in chat rooms. This helps you remain anonymous and no one will ever follow up on your activities. Do not provide sensitive information such as street addresses and phone numbers. If you’ve been watching the news lately, you might have noticed the many harmful things people go through simply because they shared too much information with the wrong person.

Finally, be careful not to be tricked into entering commands that are not known to you. Some users are well versed in matters concerning IRC and can easily trick you into sharing information with them or worse, destroy your computer. Maintaining privacy on IRC is of paramount importance and should not be taken lightly.

For more information on how to go about privacy on IRC, click on this URL http://www.privacy.gov.au/topics/technologies/privacy.

Filed Under: IRC Tutorials Tagged With:

IRC and Internet Slang

03/07/2013 by Leave a Comment

IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat. It is a rule used for something called, real time internet text messaging. It is mainly used for conferences of large businesses and is designed for group discussion forums called channels but can also include one-to-one communication using private messages as well as data transfer and file sharing.

The first IRC was invented in 1988. Client software is available for any major system that supports internet access. It was recorded that in 2011 some of the top 100 IRC networks had more than half a million users at any given time, that is hundreds and thousands of channels operating on an immense 1500 servers.

What you need for IRC is three things; a mouse, an internet connection, and a program that allows you to run IRC. Most people have the first and the second, but the third is something you will need to acquire. There are many clients available, the most widely known is called mIRC.

Once connected you will invariably see people with the @ symbol in front of their name. This indicates that they are the operator for this particular channel. They help control the chaos that can come with IRC chat and also if asked can provide tips and pointers for beginners to the servers. They also have the ability to kick a person from the server at any given point due to unruly behaviour or inappropriate comments and sometimes just because the person hasn’t said anything for a long period of time. Typing all in capital letters is also seen as shouting and should never be used to get a point across as the operator of server will undoubtedly kick you out.

IRC servers can also come in groups. The structure of a group of IRC servers is set out in the form of a tree. Some messages are routed along necessary branches, others can be seen by everyone and the network state can constantly be seen.

IRC and internet slang goes hand in hand. There are many ways in which people using these servers communicate in short hand for the simple reason that it is faster and easier. Some of the abbreviations used are ‘bbl’ which is shorthand for saying ‘be back later’ or ‘brb’, another shortened term for ‘be right back.’ There are literally hundreds of these slang words and to list them all on here would be exhaustive. Many websites can be found online with lists of abbreviations.

A person can get to know another very well through the use of IRC and can grow accustomed to how one types and what kind of responses are going to come up. All in all it is a very useful tool for getting to know someone without having to see them first. The pitfalls of this system are of course the false posers out there but that is one of the risks of using IRC and talking to people online without seeing them face to face. It is in a way a tool to liberate freedom. A person using IRC can invariably be whoever they want, whenever they want and it is that appeal that has drawn people to its use as a main tool for socializing.

Useful website for beginners:

http://www.ircbeginner.com/ircinfo/ircc-tips.html

Filed Under: IRC General Tagged With:

What IRC Has Paved The Path For Today

01/21/2013 by Leave a Comment

Before Internet Relay Chat has made its revolutionary appearance in the world of internet, the idea of the possibility of live discussions was out of reach of imagination. Before IRC was invented in 1988 by Jarkko Oikarinen, the relay chat system that was done with the help of bulletin board system (BBS) accessed with a phone-line was in use. BBS enabled users to upload and download data and software, allowed them to read news and made possible the exchange of messages through emails or public message boards and occasionally through direct chatting. This was mainly accessed by a phone line by making use of a modem. The real time discussions on given issues were made possible only with the invention of IRC. This enabled people from across the world to stay connected and exchange their views.

Check Out This Awesomely “Aged” Look At The Cutting Edge In BBS Sytems! Love it

 

 

With the advent of IRC, internet has become widely popular as the important means of communication.

IRC Networks

The idea of live discussion with a number of people appeared quite innovative and novel to the world community and in no time it has spread across the length and breadth of the world. This turned the world into a global village where views and opinions on various issues can be conveyed to people in different parts of the world via text messaging. This being the first instant messaging system in the world holds the honorable position as the mother of various instant messaging systems, protocols and services that emerged down the line.

Due to user-friendly IRC, internet has experienced the increase in the number of users by leaps and bounds. The proliferation in the number of internet users in 1991 after IRC was implemented in 1988 to get the updates of Gulf war is a right example to prove the validity of the above made statement.

The Internet Relay Chat besides widely increasing the usage of internet by the people brought a lot of changes in their life too. They were no longer the once proverbial frogs in the well and got interacted with people of various cultures, languages, countries etc. This helped them to shed their narrow views and helped them to cease being ethnocentric. The knowledge about the living patterns, customs and traditions of others taught the people to develop an acceptance for them too. Besides, the live discussions on real time issues helped in knowledge sharing. This brought people into contact with the different perspectives on the same issue.

As these differences of opinion stand as the indication of how sociopolitical and cultural variations can influence the thought process of a person, IRC has made people realize it. This has also taught people to be civil while participating in the discussions.
Though internet has witnessed many developments, IRC still manages to retain its position because of its capability of allowing hundreds of people to participate in the discussion at a time. This being a virtual impossibility by relying on other systems of instant messaging is encouraging internet users to make use of this instant messaging system that was originated two decades ago.

Filed Under: IRC General Tagged With: , ,

IRC and The Internet Before WWW

01/21/2013 by Leave a Comment

IRC, also known as Internet Relay Chat, is a protocol that enables Internet messaging.

IRC provides Internet users with a conference facility to communicate with many people at the same time. It is the place for common discussions. There are several channels where people who want to discuss the same matter can come together and have access to each other’s points of view. The only thing that is required in order to access IRC is proper software that is suitable for one’s operating system.

IRC was created in 1988, and since then, it has been the best interface for people all over the world to connect with each other. Moreover, it is the oldest procedure for making connections with people via the Internet. The chat room facilities provided by Internet Relay Chat are far better implemented than the other chat rooms. Being one of the oldest processes of communication, Internet Relay Chat has never disappointed its users.

There are several commands which make the Internet Relay Chat system work properly.

Engaging oneself in the chatting procedure of Internet Relay Chat is the best option. There are several technicalities that must be maintained in order to make the system work properly. There are more than a hundred channels on Internet Relay Chat. There is even more software that is appropriate for the respective operating system. There are several sites from where suitable software can be downloaded to use. The best thing is that there are several options which can be changed manually and which can be made the way one wants them to be.

Now, about the Internet before the World Wide Web.

It must be said that the Internet was discovered very many years before the World Wide Web. Thus, the Internet is much more than just the World Wide Web, or, as we call it, “www.” The development of computer systems became more and more advanced and then came the idea of accessing the Internet, and thereafter, came the idea of the World Wide Web. The World Wide Web is just a system of interlinked documents. These can only be accessed through the medium of the Internet. Once someone is able to access the Internet and the World Wide Web, that person is then able to access several items; from text to images… every possible thing would be at their hands.

Once the Internet had been discovered, there came the existence of several channels and mediums through which people referred or experimented to communicate and wanted to tale the essence of accessing the Internet. But after the discovery of the world-wide Internet, accessibility to the Internet had become as easy as it could possibly be. Now people can’t even imagine life without the Intenet, and, to be more specific, life without the World Wide Web. Starting with the accomplishment of the simple tasks, like surfing the web, getting information from the web, chatting with people or accessing social networking sites, the World Wide Web is one of the most essentials.

 

SPECIAL THANK YOU TO “Stephen” for His Generous Corrections To Article !

Filed Under: IRC General Tagged With: , ,

Setting Up IRC Proxies

01/20/2013 by Leave a Comment

IRC or Internet Relay Chats are platforms set up for chatting. These channels enable users to chat on one to one basis or to a number of people. You can also transfer files and data through the same channels. This communication set up works two ways on a proxy. The chat is easy to set up and use. A computer is normally exposed to alot of harmful materials when connected to the internet.

Proxies are used to evade this problem.

This does not mean that the problem of viruses and worms is completely eliminated. The main cause for this being that firewalls need to be turned off for these servers to have proper access to the IRC networks. The IP address or the proxy address is set up so as to avoid hacking to a user account. The individual is connected to a server with an IP address to allow chatting in this instant. You can use one IRC server to connect to another IRC network to expand a network. The users can be connected to with a simple nickname for registrations. One does not have to register to the server as a whole address so as to use the network.

There are other platforms that have been designed with IRC.

One of the major developments is mIRC. mIRC is a platform made from IRC with a need to speed up IRC configuration and use. It is easily usable and anyone can set it up following simple instructions. Its introduction has seen the growth of chat and personalization of the same platforms. Users will join a chat through channels. There are hundreds of channels a user can choose from.

These are commonly known as chatrooms.

The user clicks on the JOIN button to access the channel and chat with users on the channel. The command will connect the users server to the ones being used by other users anywhere in the world. The IRC servers connect to other IRC servers to make a worldwide connection possible. Chats are controlled by IRC operators. They have more control over the chat channel. They can ban and even kick out a user. They have direct access to every user. They also have the ability to change chat topics, headings and the mode locks.

irc-icon-square
Every IRC Client has a slot to input their information or chat message.

The host name are prefixed with a ‘#’ to enable modes to be used. Modes are used to identify users and operators with one letter. The modes also identify the status of the channel users.The replies and the ‘sends’ will be posted in different colors.

There are prerequisites that are set to avoid nicknames clashing. These also prevent clients from seeing other users information. The confidentiality is kept by use of proper modes and host name configurations. If a user inputs an already existing name, the server notifies the user and gives them a chance to input a different one. Unused suggestions can also be given.

Anyone can read the messages on the chat and reply. The users can see when a user logs in and logs out. The host name is not to be confused with an email address it carries the suffix ‘@’. IRC uses have seen chats develop into more interactive forms. Conference calls and chats use the same technology.

Filed Under: IRC Tutorials Tagged With: , , ,

IRC’s Golden Era – When a New Communications Medium Is Let Loose

01/20/2013 by Leave a Comment

IRC is an acronym for internet relay chat. This is an open protocol for real time internet text messaging developed in the summer of 1988 by a Finnish called Jarkko Oikarinen at the University of Oulu where he was employed in the department of information process science and mainly used for synchronized conferencing and instant messaging. It was specifically designed for channels in discussion groups or forums. It also allows one-one messaging vide private message and encompasses file sharing in its capabilities.

Internet Relay Chat – How it works

 

  • IRC mainly uses TCP protocol though at times it does use TLS. An IRC server can connect to other IRC servers to increase number of users and thus expand the network.
  • Unlike other protocols it does not require one to open an account before using. All one needs to do is to set up a nickname.

The standard structure of IRC server networks is a tree.
Messages are routed through required branches but network state is provided to every server. Due to this a rogue server can cause a lot of damage on the network. Any change on the tree structure will require net-split and net-join. This tremendously increases the traffic flow and hampers communication between users and servers.

On the up side this ensures that each message when sent goes to everyone but is sent only once. It is thus multi cast.
The main means of communicating to users in an IRC session is through channels. Using the LIST command one can see the number of channels available. The JOIN command enables one to join a channel of choice. Remember to start all commands with the backslash( /).
How it has grown
Its golden era was in the late 80s till late 90s. It was during this period that major technological advancements and improvements were made on the system. It was first used at the entire Finnish network – funnet which was later connected to the entire Scandinavian network Norduct. By 1988 November IRC was on the internet. By 1989 there were over 40 servers worldwide and Michael Sandroff had released IRC2.

A disagreement led to the development of EFnet which did not have a wild card server line and thus offered some level of control on who was where doing what, where and when. It later reverted its name to IRC. In 1991 during the gulf war and also during the Soviet Union Coup de tat IRC was used to relay live feed to many concurrent users though there was a media blackout.
In 1992 October the ‘Wildthang’ group in the US developed Undernet which presented timestamps and new routing. It also offered channel registration.

As of 2002 lots of other networks had come up offering their own customized versions of IRC. As the internet grows so does IRC. Currently there are numerous independent IRC based networks. They include GR-Net, ChatNet, ZAnet and SuperChat .
Challenges
Just like any other growing technology IRC has also faced some challenges. This includes;

  • Lack of scalability
  • Lack of encryption
  • Platform abuse due to protocol weaknesses
  • No protection from net-splits and net-joins
Filed Under: IRC General Tagged With: , , ,

IRC Scripts, An efficient strategy!

11/27/2012 by Leave a Comment

IRC scripts are a method of shortening IRC commands and initiating automatic responses to certain events on an active IRC network. Many different types of scripting languages are used depending on each IRC client. Some of them such as BitchX, Visual IRC, mIRC, ircll, Xchat etc. have their own specific scripting languages. There is some amount of portability between different platforms as these scripting languages share some features and syntax.

 

Many of the IRC scripts contain aliases.

Aliases help bind a short command to a group of commands, or give it some parameters. This helps save time in typing commands which are used repeatedly. Aliases can replace built in commands, add new commands or provide short forms for long command sequences. They can also be used like functions to generate values found in other areas of the script.

Konversation (IRC Chat) Scripts

Konversation (IRC Chat) Image Src

Event based scripting allows the client to generate automatic responses when certain messages are received from the server. These responses may also be initiated in reply to some action performed by the IRC client user, such as a mouse click. Pop ups are another interactive feature to make IRC services more attractive. Many of the popular IRC scripts support pop ups, though you may need an IRC client with graphics support.
There may be security concerns when dealing with IRC scripts as they are used to interact with a public network. This makes them an easy target for malicious attacks. Poorly coded IRC scripts may render the user helpless against attackers, giving free access to personal details like passwords, private files and conversations. Also users must be careful while downloading scripts off the internet as these may contain backdoors. These backdoors are written into the script to provide easier access to your personal information.

 

IRC scripts use concepts similar to many other programming languages, such as event based programming, variables, function etc.

For further information refer :  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Relay_Chat_script

 

 

Filed Under: IRC General Tagged With:

Essential Facts & IRC Help Resources

11/17/2012 by Leave a Comment

IRC or Internet Relay Chat enables people from most parts of the world to communicate with each other in real time. When you connect to an IRC server on any IRC network, you will find channels where you might want to join and converse with people in these. The different types of conversation may be private (one-to-one) or public, where everyone in the channel can view the messages that you send.

The channels are devoted to a particular topic, and you have the option to choose where you wish to join depending on your preferred community or conversation topic. Users should keep in mind that proper conduct is necessary whenever they join an IRC channel. Serious consequences are likely to occur when members break certain guidelines in chatting.


IRC Help Resources

 
IRChelp.org is one important help resource where members can find out more about the tips on how to get started and how to behave in any IRC channel. This resource also includes information on servers and clients, as well as privacy on the IRC. You will also find details about keyboard and screen activity when you check out this help resource.

The mIRC home page includes relevant details about how you can start joining any mIRC channel. You can also read about the step by step guide in downloading mIRC, as well as tips on how to send channel messages. The help file and FAQs include everything you need to know in avoiding problems or issues while chatting.

IRC security covers details about the responsible use of IRC and several chat rooms. Among the relevant topics included are Trojan Horse attacks, exploit news and ways on how to prevent harmful consequences when these issues occur while you chat in a certain channel.

Source:

What IRC Is and Tips on Connecting to a Channel -

 

What IRC is and how to connect to a channel (a Drupal how-to)

This is one of over videos in a -hour series on buildamodule.com called “Appendix”. This is a collection of videos that don’t quite fit elsewhere or may be useful for multiple collections.You can watch over 7 hours of FREE focused Drupal video tutori…

Filed Under: IRC Basics Tagged With: , , ,

Getting Started With IRC

11/17/2012 by Leave a Comment

We discuss a few simple steps that can help you getting started with IRC. Internet Relay Chat (IRC) provides people with a real time text based environment to communicate with others. First of all you need to download and install an IRC client on your system. This is basically software that helps you connect with the text environment. Some popular clients are Mibbit, Chatzilla, and internet-chat-relaychat-icon-bubbles etc.

Getting Started With IRC!! A Few Simple Steps!!

It is normally advised to go through the guide provided with the software, to help you utilize all its features. Next you need to choose a name that will be used while chatting. It is better not to use your own name and to refrain from revealing personal information online. Then try to look around and find a server you would like to connect to. Normally certain IRC servers are hubs for people with similar interests. You can start off with some popular ones and then move on to others more specific to your interests.

IRC Basics [The Beginners Guide]

powercastmedia.co.cc – This is part one in the Beginner’s Guide. This edition we discuseed a few of the basic commands of Internet Realy Chat (IRC) – http

IRC Basics 1 – Choices

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is still used in many places around the net and in this video I’m going to show you two chat clients you can use to get the best out of the chat rooms. I show you Xchat 2 and mIRC in this video. mIRC: www.mirc.com X-Chat 2: …

IRC Basics 2 – Getting Started (mIRC)

In this video tutorial, I walk you though getting started with mIRC, a popular IRC client. We set this up with the ever popular SocialBlade chat room found in the link below. Socialblade Chat: socialblade.com — David Stroz – SonicOrbStudios www.you…

When you connect to a server you will receive a stream of information. These may include the terms of use of the server, any important updates or information related to certain trending channels. Certain channels or rooms exist in each server. These are like basic chat rooms and cater to a unique conversation taking place on the server. Some may be password protected to discourage strangers. The client software can list all the channels available on the server and you can take your pick.
When you have decided on a room or channel to join, simply type a command into the input module and get connected. There is a special help channel normally available on most servers to provide assistance if encounter any problems. Also it is better to be friendly and to avoid confrontation on IRC servers. People are generally nice, but be beware of certain annoying people. Be careful not to divulge personal details to strangers.

Recommended Resources For further information:

Getting started on IRC | sabreuse.com

sabreuse.com11/6/12

PyLadies PDX has a great resource for getting started on IRC: Getting Started on IRC – PyLadies PDX Portland, OR – Meetup. IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is one of those tools that's essential to many open-source (and other!) …

Filed Under: IRC Basics Tagged With: , , , , ,

Files Handled By Internet Relay Chat Service

11/13/2012 by 1 Comment
These files could be folders, documents or photos. In additional to this, it is compatible with various operating systems like Windows and Linux. This compatibility is made possible due to new versions have been released to respond to changes in technology.
The fact that it’s easy of use and adaptable makes it much more superior than other chatting applications. This ease of use is due to its user friendly user interface.There are several IRC servers that work independently and have their own chat capabilities.

Examples of these IRC servers are the EFnet, DALnet and the IRCnet.

However, these servers also link and work in harmony with each other. They give the users a chance to access superior virtual chat rooms and exchange messages across the board. They are designed to give the users a feeling that they are accessing one server despite the fact the fact they could be dealing with multiple servers to pass a message to other users from all parts of the world.

Changes in technology have prompted for revisions of IRC and subsequent improvements. These reviews and improvements have prompted for new versions that make it possible to access Internet relay chat directly from WebPages. This is unlike in the recent past where this was not possible. In addition to that, you can now use the services of webcams. Webcams give chat a whole new experience due to the fact that you are now able to see who you are chatting with.

More advances have led to some websites having their own inbuilt cam chat services, thus making it more convenient for you. You can also chat with stand alone chat services. However, when using this service, you must make sure that your JavaScript is enabled.

Filed Under: IRC Features
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