A user with operator status has additional options to control users and channel features. When you create a new channel, you are automatically its operator. When an existing channel is joined, it is up to the channel operators in that channel to grant you operator status.
Some channels are created and managed by the IRC server's administration. In these channels, operators are not always present. In addition, these channels exist on the IRC server no matter if users are in them or not.
Channels created by regular users are not controlled by anyone but the channel operators currently present. These channels disappear as soon as the last user leaves. It is discouraged to give another user operator status unless that user is known by you or someone you trust. Once a user receives channel operator status, the user has the ability to kick other users out of the channel (including you and other operators) and ban users.
Often a user who is the only operator in the channel has to leave. If this operator fails to make another user an operator before leaving, there is no way for anyone to ever obtain channel operator status in that channel again. If you are an operator and have to leave the channel, make sure there is at least one operator remaining.
ﾂ Note: An @ character appears to the left of an operator窶冱 nickname.
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ﾂ Mode Button
If you have operator status on a channel, the Mode button is available to set or change the modes for the channel. When the mode button is clicked, a Modes window for the channel is displayed.
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Private Channel
When Private Channel is enabled, the channel mode is set to private and no one outside the channel can enter without being invited. However, the name and topic of the channel appears when others request a list of channels.
Secret Channel
When Secret Channel is enabled, the channel is invisible to users who are not in the channel. If a user outside of the channel requests a list of channels, a secret channel does not appear in the list. The secret mode does not prevent other users from entering the channel if they know the name of the channel.
ﾂ Note: Private and Secret cannot both be set at the same time.
Invite-Only Channel
When Invite-Only Channel is enabled, the channel mode is set to prevent users from entering the channel unless they have received an invitation from a channel operator. Invite-only is commonly used with the secret mode to prevent users from entering a secret channel.
Locked Topic
When Locked Topic is enabled, the channel mode is set to prevent users who are not channel operators from changing the topic. Channel operators can still change the topic.
No Outside Messages
When No Outside Messages is enabled, the channel mode is set to prevent users outside of the channel from sending messages to the channel.
Moderated Channel
When Moderated Channel is enabled, the channel mode is set to allow you to control who can and cannot talk in the channel. Moderated mode pertains only to users who are in the channel, not to outside users.
User Limit
You can limit the number of people you want in a channel by enabling the User Limit mode. If the limit is set to 20 and 20 users are in the channel, no one else is allowed to join until someone leaves.
Password
A Password can be set for the channel that restricts anyone from entering unless they know the password.
Channel Operator Controls
You are automatically the operator of a channel you create. If you join an existing channel, it is up to the channel operators in that channel to grant you operator status. A channel operator has a @ symbol next to their nickname. Channel operators control all mode settings of a channel and can kick or ban any user from that channel.
Operator ON/OFF Buttons
Operator on/off buttons set the highlighted user to the operator status (on) or remove a user's operator status (off).
Kick Button
The Kick button removes a user from the channel but does not prevent them from rejoining. If a user is engaging in inappropriate behavior, it is IRC etiquette to first verbally ask the user to stop whatever he or she is doing. If the user does not stop, kicking them out of the channel serves as a warning. Again, the user may rejoin. If the user rejoins and continues the misbehavior, it is recommended to ban the user. When the kick button is clicked, a box appears for you send a message to the user.
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Ban Button
The Ban button prevents a user from joining the channel. If a user is banned while they are in the channel, the user is unable to rejoin the channel after they leave. If you want to remove a user who is in the channel and then prevent him or her from entering, first use the ban option and then the kick option. When a user is banned and attempts to join the channel, the user receives a ban message. If you ban a user by banning their nickname, the user can change their nickname and rejoin. This is effective if a user is using a nickname you do not want used. However, if you do not want that user in the channel under any circumstances, ban the user using the server and host name (user@host) obtained from initiating a Whois.
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Speak On/Off Buttons
When the channel mode has been set to Moderated, an additional set of Operator buttons are displayed allowing the operator to turn on or off moderator status by highlighting a user and clicking the on/off button next to Speak. On a moderated channel, only users with Speak on can enter information for others to see.
ﾂ Note: A plus (+) character appears to the left of users with permission
to speak.
Private Message
Private messages can be sent to the nickname or channel typed in the Send Private window or to a highlighted user. Only you and the target user can see the private messages. However, if a private message is sent to a channel, your nickname and message appears in the channel for all to see.
Most channel operators set their channel mode so that outside messages are not accepted. Furthermore, it is disruptive to send outside messages to channels unless you are acquainted with the users in the channel. If the nickname or channel you select is not on the IRC server, a message is displayed in the Console window that there is no such nick or channel.
ﾂ Note: To send an outside message to a channel, the channel name
must be preceded by a # character.
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ﾂ File Button
The File button allows a file to be sent to another user. Files can be text or binary. Many users exchange text files, photos (.gifs, .jpgs), and scripts while chatting.
ﾂ Whois Button
The Whois button obtains information about a user such as user info, channels joined, server connection, etc. Click on the user窶冱 name in the user list box at the right side of the Channel window then click Whois.
ﾂ Finger Button
The Finger button is used to access information similar to that reported by Whois but more detailed. Some users do not like being fingered. Use this option with discretion.
ﾂ Version Button
The Version button is used to access the client software name and version.
ﾂ Ping Button
The Ping button is used to determine the time delay, in seconds, of sending and receiving messages with this user.
ﾂ Ignore Button
The Ignore button ignores this user. When you ignore the user, messages are no longer received from that user. Ignored is displayed under the Ignore button showing that user is currently being ignored. Click the Ignore button again to un-ignore the user.
Logging Off
Selecting Logoff (竚-L) from the File menu exits all channels, closes all windows, and disconnects you from the IRC server.
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A message can be entered that is displayed to all channels joined saying you have logged off. Type your logoff mesage or leave it blank and click OK.
