Table of Contents

1. Basic Concepts of IRC
   1. IRC
   2. Networks
   3. Servers
   4. Channels
   5. Operators
   6. Operator Ranks
   7. Private Messages
   8. IRC Operators
2. IRC Basics
   1. How to connect to Caelestia.net
   2. What is IRC?
   3. I was unjustly banned and want to appeal. How do I file for one?
   4. IRC Commands
   5. Basic IRC Terms
   6. Common channel modes
   7. Common channel modes placed on a user
   8. Common user modes
3. Services
   1. Botserv
4. The Basics
   1. What do I need to chat on Caelestia IRC Network?
   2. I don't want to download an IRC client. Is there still a way to chat on IRC?
   3. How do I start chatting?
   4. I'm too lazy to read the rules. Will I still get into trouble?
   5. Caelestia.net IRC Network Rules and Acceptable Use Policy Summary
   6. I'm having problems with a channel op. How do I contact a network oper?
   7. What are Services, NickServ, ChanServ, BotServ, and MemoServ?
   8. I have a suggestion. Who do I tell?
   9. I have a complaint. Who do I tell?
   10. I want to be an IRC Operator. How do I become one?
5. Commands
   1. Basic Commands

I. Basic Concepts of IRC

Internet Relay Chat, or IRC, is a system for realtime text-based conversation over the internet.

One of the first, most fundamental concepts of IRC is the idea of networks. Unlike many forms of online chat, IRC does not have a single, central group or organisation operating it; instead, there are many independent IRC networks which one can connect to to talk to others connected to it, with differing rules and features.

Each network is made up of a series of servers linked together, so that someone on one server can communicate with someone on another, in same way they can communicate with people on the same server. There can either be many servers, or just one on smaller networks. You can connect to any server on a network, but it is generally best to connect to one close to you to reduce lag.

Once you have connected to a network, you may begin talking with other people connected. The main method of doing so is by joining a channel with other users in.

A channel is a central place for talking between all users in one. When anyone in it says something, everyone else there sees it and can reply.

Different channels have different topics and different rules. Some are private and some are public. You can find channels to join by listing them using the /list command, described in more detail under Basic IRC Commands.

Operators, chanops, or simply ops, are the people in a channel who have the power to kick other people out, and ban people from the channel.

They enforce the rules for the channel and as a general rule should be listened to.

There are a number of different levels of operator with different powers, from half-op, to op, to protected op, to owner, in increasing order of power.

Each level of operator is represented by a specific symbol:

• Half-Op: %
• Op: @
• Protected Op: &
• Owner: ~

The general difference is one of authority and rank, as all ops can kick and ban non-ops.

Private Messages, or PMs, are a second method of communicating with other users. They enable you to have a private conversation with another user, outside of a public channel.

IRC Operators, IRCops, or Opers, are the staff of the network. Their job is in keeping the network running as it should be, improving the network, and enforcing the rules. They have the power to disconnect you, and ban you from connecting to the network.

A list of this network's staff can be seen on the Network Staff page.

II. IRC Basics

You must first find an IRC client to use. You can download mIRC or use the Java Web client.

IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat. It is a way for people around the world to communicate!

Please read Network Appeals Process.

Remember to check the help documents available for your chosen IRC program. Many sites on the Internet also provide a vast amount of information. Don't be afraid to experiment; you'll often learn more that way than by asking. Key: Underlined text will denote that you need to replace that section with whatever is there. e.g. /nick new_nick (means that you select a nickname other than the one currently in use, more about /nick later)

- nick: nickname, what each user is known by on IRC
- IRC Op: network wide powers, takes care of the network, enforces network rules, here to help
- channel: also chan, "rooms" where people gather to chat
- switch bar: the place all of the channels you're currently in is displayed
- tab: icons used to denote the Status window, channels, and PMs on the switch bar
- ban: (+b on channels) restricts users from certain actions and/or joining a channel/server/network depending on the ban
- password: also pass, use it to log in
- msg: short for message, text sent across the Internet
- PM: private message, similar to instant messaging, conversation between two people
- net split: servers become disconnected from each other, users on the other server seems to quit (usually looks like: Quit (server you're connected to the other person with server other person is on), real example: Quit (Aurora.Caelestia.net PoleKat.Caelestia.net) )
- highlight: will notify the user when certain things are said (usually used for a nick) by displaying the text in a different color, beeping, and/or flashing the window
- channel ops: powers limited to the channel, enforces channel rules, etc.
- Status window: This window is not a channel and will display information non-chat information like the messages that you receive after connecting.
- host: Internet Service Provider (ISP) designated alias - client: program used to connect to IRC
- ping: time in seconds it takes the other user to receive information
- version: displays client and version of the client
- access: controls what a user can control on the channel/permission to join an invite-only channel
- protected: an access level just below founder on channels
- modes: used to restrict/denote certain things on a channel or for a user
- To add channel/user mode(s): /mode user or #chan +mode(s)
- To remove channel/user mode(s): /mode user or #chan -mode(s)
- To add/remove +k: /mode user or #chan +/-k key
- To add user mode(s) on a channel: /mode #chan +mode(s) nick
- To remove user mode(s) on a channel: /mode #chan -mode(s) nick

n: no external messages, user must be in the channel to chat in it
r: means that the channel has been registered
t: only ops can change the topic
m: moderated, must have special access (+v on the channel or higher)
k: sets a key (password), user must know the case-sensitive (capitalization matters) key to join
i: invite only, user must receive an invite or have access to join the channel
p: channel will not appear in a /whois to users who are not also in the channel
s: channel will not be displayed in a /list to users not already in the channel
C: restricts user from sending CTCPs (Ping, Time, Version) to all users on the channel
S: strips color from text, so that other users will not see the color
c: like S but will block the sent text and display a message: #chan Color is not permitted in this channel (#chan)

Defaults (assuming nothing dealing with the channel was modified):
q: (~) founder/owner, all of +a and pretty much anything applying to the channel other than those requiring network powers
a: (&) admin, all of +o with access to bots and access list, can only be kicked by +q's
o: (@) op, all of +h, use a (lists protected users), and +/-cpsCDGS
h: (%) halfop, kick, and set +/-bikmnt
v: (+) voice, only has a use if the channel is moderated, user with it can talk regardless of what mode is set on him/her

i: invisible, user will not show up on /who searches, unless you know their full name
w: user receives wallops (messages sent by IRC Ops to all who have +w)
x: hides the user's host, all users not using a vhost (replaces hostname with a new "address" like Operator.caelestia.net) with a resolved address will have a Caelestia- as prefix to their address

III. Services

BotServ is a service that allows you to change setting on a channel bot on your channel. However this only applies to bots ran by the services. To find out more info on BotServ while on IRC, type /bs help

IV. The Basics

The most important thing you need is respect for others, common sense, and knowledge of the rules. After you have all of that, you need a program (IRC client) for it. mIRC is preferred by many people for its ease of use, customization, and popularity (making it easier to find others experienced with its use). You do not need to register for it after the thirty days expire. Other programs for PCs include X-Chat, IceChat, and Trillian (not very IRC-friendly past the extreme basics). Ircle is the most popular program for Mac users. Check IRC Client List for lists of many IRC clients or do a search, if you are not interested in any of the ones mentioned above.

Try this PJIRC Java-based webchat client hosted by Raoine. Note: You will need to download Java to use it, if you do not already have it on you computer.

Since the types of IRC clients and commands for those clients tend to vary from one to another, it is recommended that you become familiar with the basic operation of the client which you will be using. The majority of IRC clients come with either a help or readme file, or like mIRC, come with a detailed integrated help system. For mIRC: After starting the program (click through the register now pop up), input what you want for Full Name, e-mail address, Nickname, and Alternate. Click 'OK'. Type /server irc.caelestia.net, which will join you to a random server on the Caelestia network. After you have connected, type /join #Caelestia to join the official Caelestia channel. Read the rest of this page for more detail.

Yes, all users are responsible for knowing and abiding by the rules. There is an extremely abridged version below. It is strongly suggested that you still read the rules in their entirety, which are located in the side bar to the left.

- Feel free to contact a staff member with serious issues or problems. Keep in mind that these rules are for the entire network; channel and server rules may only add onto network rules.
- As a user connected to this network, you accept all responsibility for any data transmitted to and from your computer.
- Discussing and engaging in criminal or illegal activities is strictly prohibited. The laws of the United States of America, the primary location for Caelestia.net servers, will be the ultimate arbiter.
- Harassment WILL be dealt with. Any sort of sexual harassment or harassment that is viewed as "hate speech" can and will be dealt with in a severe fashion, even if it is a first offense.
- Racial slurs or other kind of racism will not be tolerated in any form, joke, or not joke.
- The Caelestia.net Network has a ZERO tolerance policy regarding the harassment of network staff. Harassing any IRC operator may earn the harasser a permanent ban with no warning.
- Channels that meet or exceed the ESRB rating of "Adult Only" have a specific set of guidelines to follow. (See the full rules for more detail.)
- Bots must be registered with the Bot Admin and have the permission of the Server Administrator or Server Co-Administrator before being connected to the network.
- The abuse of bots and scripts may result in a permanent ban.
- Advertising sites in violation of the network rules are prohibited, along with the advertisement of other networks and channels not present on Caelestia.net.
- For the appeals process, please read Network Appeals Process.
- English is the default language in the official Caelestia channels.
- Posting a link to any site within bounds of the Caelestia Network Rules is allowed only once in any of the official channels.

Network operator policy expressly forbids IRC operators from interfering with any channel-specific related issue, except for when that issue also is a violation of network rules and acceptable use, or when the channel owner or channel operators request assistance from network staff. Anything that takes place within the channel, including kicks, bans, etc., are to be dealt with through appeals to the channel opers only. Any issues with a channel op or ban/kick etc should be dealt with via the channel owner. If the founder/owner of the channel does not wish to take care of it, there is nothing you can do. Complaints sent to an IRC Op who is not on the channel staff may be considered harassment.

Services: bots with automated scripts to help users
The primary commands for the services below will be covered in Basic IRC Commands.
NickServ: register a nickname (only you or someone who knows the password can use it)
ChanServ: register a channel/change channel settings
BotServ: assign and control channel services
MemoServ: send memos (great for when the person is offline) to registered nicknames

If it is a new rule or alteration of a rule, it must be presented through the recommendation of a Legislator. It should be suggested to a Legislator. For suggestions that do not involve rules, tell an oper willing to read about it. Be forewarned that constant whining and/or suggestions with little to no thought (as determined by the oper) may get you into trouble. The same applies to constantly bothering an oper with suggestions, especially if they have stated disinterest in the matter.

If the complaint is about server/technical issues, those in the Operations department should be contacted. If it is about network staff, a formal document regarding the problem with details should be sent to the Network Relations Director, who will pass it onto the Staff Administrator if the concern cannot be resolved without action.

First of all, asking is probably one of the worst ways to start and will greatly decrease the chances of it, since power in the hands of someone who is power-hungry is never a good thing. People who make good ops will be earnestly helpful, meaning that they do not expect a reward for helping others. Other good qualities are good people skills, consistent behavior and maturity, and an ability to cope well under stress.

V. Commands

Commands allow you to do things other than chat. The basic ones that most people will need to know after they are connected to the Caelestia IRC Network are the following:

• /msg [name or channel] [message] - This is the basic command to send a message to another user or channel that you're on. For example, '/msg #Help How do I change my nick?' would send the message "How do I change my nick?" to the channel #Help. If you put someone else's Nick instead of a channel, it will send that message to only one person rather than an entire channel of users.
• /me [message] - This does an emote in the channel you are talking in. For example, using the command '/me runs.' would appear as '* YourNick runs.'
• /nick [name] - This command changes your displayed name on the network. For example, '/nick 1337N3W8' would change your name to 1337N3W8. This is what other people see your name as being.
• /ns [command] - This command is the same as typing /msg NickServ on most Caelestia servers (Currently, Aurora.Caelestia.Net does not support /ns). For a full list of commands and what they do, type '/ns help'. The command most users need at first is the Register command. This registers your Nick so that no one else can use it. To register your nickname, type '/ns Register [password] [email address]'. If you use more than one nickname, then using the Group command is advised. Please type '/ns Help' or join #help while connected to the Caelestia IRC Network if you have trouble using these commands.
• /join #channel1 - This command joins you to a specific channel or channels. Typing '/join #Help' will have you join the channel #Help, where you can get help with using the Caelestia IRC Network. Typing '/join #Help,#BoogsTavern' will have you join both the #Help and #BoogsTavern channels at the same time. You can join many channels at once using this method by placing a comma (,) between the channel names. All channel names are preceded by the hash symbol (#).
• /away [away message] - This command sets your status as "away" similar to most modern IM clients. For example '/away I'm at school' will let people that message you or use the whois command on you that you are at school.