CD Actual 14/CDACTUAL.iso/cdactual/demobin/share/os2/GTIRC104/GTIRC.DOC

Text File | 1995-11-26 | 94.1 KB | 2,731 lines

              GammaTech Internet Relay Chat
              Version 1.01         07/13/95

                      Users Guide

 Copyright GammaTech, Inc. 1995  All rights reserved.


 Preface

 Congratulations on your purchase of the GammaTech Internet Relay Chat
 Client for OS/2 Warp. We believe you will find this feature rich
 product will help carry you into a new world of on-line electronic
 enjoyment.

 IRC stands for "Internet Relay Chat." It is a multi-user,
 multi-channel chat network which allows people all over the world to
 have real time conversations. Channels are virtual places where
 public discussions occur. Users talk in groups, or in private
 conversations using a user selected nickname.

 If you are new to IRC you will find the IRC Primer chapter a good
 place to begin your adventure.


 Installation and Corrective Service

 The following section explains how to install the GammaTech IRC
 Client base product as well as how to install corrective service
 files which may be released from time to time.


 Installing the Base Product

 You must use the GTINST program for installation of the GammaTech IRC
 Client. GTINST decompresses files from the installation diskette and
 places them on the hard disk. A standard copy will not decompress the
 files and will also copy files which you do not need.

 Complete and mail the registration card. Maintenance releases may be
 sent to registered customers from time to time without notice. Only
 registered customers will be notified of and eligible for upgrade
 opportunities. Unless you purchased this software directly from us,
 you should complete and return the registration card.

 To install the GammaTech IRC Client, switch to an OS/2 full screen or
 OS/2 window, place the installation disk in your A: drive, and type:
 A:GTINST. The install program will guide you through the installation
 process. If required, you may use your B: drive as well. Simply
 specify B:GTINST when you execute the program.


 Special Considerations on Time Zones

 Some messages displayed contain the time of day in them. If the time
 is a local time, meant for your location, it will be adjusted for
 Daylight Savings Time provided that you have the TZ environment
 variable set on your workstation.  If the TZ environment variable is
 not set, this adjustment is not made.

 To set the TZ variable, edit your config.sys file and add a line
 which reads: SET TZ=sssnddd - Where sss it the 3 character identifier
 for your standard time (EST, CST, etc.); n is the difference between
 your time zone and Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) (5,6,etc.) and;
 ddd is the 3 character identifier for your Daylight Savings Time
 (EST, CST, etc.). For example, to set your TZ environment variable
 for the Central Time Zone your config.sys statement would read:

    SET TZ=CST6CDT

 You must reboot your workstation for the change in config.sys to take
 affect.


 Installing Corrective Service

 Corrective service may be provided periodically, either on floppy
 diskettes or by electronic means such as by download from
 CompuServe or BBS's. You must use the GTINST installation program to
 install these corrective service updates. Use the following procedure
 to install corrective service.

 * Shutdown the GammaTech IRC Client if it is executing.
 * Switch to an OS/2 window or full screen.
 * Start the install program: GTINST d:\path\csdfile. (Specifying the
   full drive, path and file name of the corrective service file.)
 * Review the readme file, which will be displayed for you, for any
   special instructions.
 * Click on Install
 * Follow any directions given by the installation program.
 * Once installation of the CSD has completed, you may restart the
   GammaTech IRC Client.

 Note that the corrective service file name ends with ".CSD." This is
 a requirement. If you should rename the csd file, it must have an
 extension of ".CSD."

 The installation program stores information in the OS/2 INI files
 regarding the version and CSD level of the GammaTech IRC Client. This
 information is referenced when applying a CSD. If this INI
 information has been removed or corrupted since the installation of
 the base product you will not be able to apply the CSD files. If this
 occurs you will receive a message from the installation program
 indicating that the base level modules are inconsistent with the
 update being applied. To install a CSD, you must first reinstall the
 base product to correct this error condition.


 Recreating Folder and Icons

 In the event your GammaTech folder or program object icons should
 become damaged or "lost," you may recreate them without having to
 perform a complete reinstall of the product. To do this, follow the
 instructions below:

 * Insert the GammaTech installation disk into a drive.
 * Switch to an OS/2 window or full screen.
 * Enter GTINST A:
 * Click on Install
 * Click on Recreate Product Folder
 * Follow any directions given by the installation program.


 Using the GammaTech IRC Client

 The IRC Client Window

 The IRC Client Window is divided into 5 parts. The Title Bar, the
 Menu Bar, the Output Window, the Toolbar and the Input Window. In
 addition, you may access the popup menu by clicking mouse button 2 in
 the Output Window or the Input Window - the popup menu is specific
 for each window.


 The Title Bar

 The title bar of the primary window indicates your nickname, user
 mode and server name.

 The title bar of a Channel Window shows your nickname, user mode, the
 channel name and channel mode.

 The title bar for query Window shows your nickname, user mode and the
 nickname of the user being queried.


 The Menu Bar

 From the menu bar you may select any of the items below.

 File    Connect or terminate IRC.
 Options Configure IRC options.
 Help    Display help on using IRC, IRC Commands or Product Information.


 The Output Window

 The Output Window is where all messages are displayed. These messages
 may consist of various notification messages, responses from
 commands, text received from other IRC users and text you send to
 other IRC users. Its height can be changed by sizing up and down -
 only the Output Window's height will change.

 Notification messages are usually prefixed with three asterisks
 (***). Public messages from other users are prefixed with their
 nickname in < > such as <george>. Private messages from another user
 to you will be prefixed with their nickname in asterisks such as
 *george*.

 The Output Window contains a scroll bar and a scroll back buffer,
 which saves the last 256 lines of text sent to the window. Text that
 has been scrolled off of the screen can be viewed by using the scroll
 bar. Screen updating is disabled when the last line of text is not
 on the display. To enable screen updating, scroll to the bottom of
 the screen.  Messages received during the scrollback will be
 displayed at this time, and automatic updating of the screen will
 continue. Also, entering and sending standard text will cause the
 Output Window to scroll, while entering the IRC / commands will not.

 In addition, the Output Window supports copy to the clipboard only.
 To do this, select the desired text - swiping with the mouse from
 left to right, or top to bottom works best - then use the popup menu
 to copy.

 Be sure to read the section on Message Routing. Because IRC was
 originally developed for all input and output in a single window
 area, there are some peculiarities regarding message routing to
 multiple windows, as is done with the GammaTech IRC client.


 The Toolbar

 A toolbar is located below the Output Window and above the Input
 Window and has the following Icon controls:

 Join a Channel
 Leave the current channel
 Establish a Query session
 Update the Notify nickname list
 Recall previous commands (scrolls though last 5 executed commands)
 Embolden selected text in the Input Window
 Get help
 User defined action 1
 User defined action 2
 User defined action 3
 User defined action 4

 The last four icons represent actions that are user definable through
 the Toolbar Dialog. You can access the Toolbar Dialog through the
 Popup or Options menu.


 The Input Window

 The Input Window is where you enter text to be sent to the channel or
 query, or enter various IRC commands. Its height is fixed and
 dependent upon the font size you choose in setting the GammaTech IRC
 Options. The function and syntax of the available IRC commands is
 provided in a later chapter.

 The window supports the standard editing and functionality of the
 OS/2 MLE (Multi-Line Editor) control. The behavior of the MLE, when
 typing, depends on whether it is in  insert or overtype mode, and
 whether the selection is empty or not. The selection is defined to be
 empty when the cursor point is equal to the anchor point.

 When a character is typed, it replaces the current selection. If the
 selection is empty, the character is viewed as replacing nothing,
 so the character is effectively inserted into the text. If one or
 more characters are selected, those characters are deleted from the
 text and replaced by the typed character.

 If the MLE is in insert mode, the cursor and anchor points are moved
 to immediately follow the newly typed character.

 If the MLE is in overtype mode, the cursor is moved to immediately
 follow the newly typed character. If there is no character after the
 cursor (the new character is at the end of the text) or if the
 character after the cursor is a line-break character, the anchor is
 set to be equal to the cursor point. In any other case, the anchor is
 extended one character past the cursor point, defining the next
 character as the current selection.

 If the typing causes the cursor to go off the screen in any
 direction, the display is automatically scrolled. If word-wrap is on,
 text continues on a new line, otherwise, the screen is scrolled
 horizontally.

 Scrolling of the text in the window is independent of cursor
 movement. The cursor and selection remain unaltered at the same
 location within the text during all scrolling but the converse is not
 true. Any movement of the cursor causes auto-scrolling, if necessary,
 to ensure that the text location of the cursor is visible within the
 window.

 Return

 Return causes the text to be sent to IRC as a command and the Input
 Window is cleared in preparation for the next input operation.

 Keystroke commands

 For all the following keys, unless otherwise noted, the display is
 scrolled, if necessary, to keep the cursor point visible. Where
 noted, the cursor setting behaves differently in insert mode than in
 overtype mode. This is subject to the boundary conditions noted
 above.

 Del
     Causes the contents of the selection region to be deleted. If the
     selection region contains no text, it causes the character to the
     right of the cursor to be deleted.

 Shift+Del
     Causes the contents of the selection region to be cut to the
     clipboard.

 Insert
     Toggles between insert and overtype mode. The MLE ignores the
     Insert key when it occurs without a modifier.

 Shift+Ins
     Causes the contents of the clipboard to replace the selection
     region.

 Ctrl+Ins
     Causes the selection region to be copied to the clipboard. The
     selection region is not otherwise affected.

 Backspace
     Functions similar to Del. If the selection is not empty,
     Backspace deletes the selection. If the selection is empty,
     Backspace deletes the character to the left of the cursor point.
     If the MLE is in overtype mode, the anchor point is set, and the
     cursor point is moved to be one character previous in the text.
     If no such character exists (because the anchor is set to the
     beginning of the text) the cursor is set to the anchor point. If
     the MLE is in insert mode, the cursor and anchor points are set,
     as defined at the start of this chapter.

 Down Arrow
     Sets the cursor point to the closest insertion point on the
     following line, then sets the anchor point to the cursor point
     (insertion mode) or one character following (overtype mode).

 Shift+Down Arrow
     Causes the cursor point to be moved to the closest insertion
     point on the following line. The anchor point does not move.

 Up Arrow
     Sets the cursor point to the closest insertion point on the
     preceding line, then sets the anchor point to the cursor point
     (insert mode) or one character following (overtype mode).

 Shift+Up
     Sets the cursor point to the closest insertion point on the
     preceding line. The anchor point is not moved.

 Right Arrow
     Sets the cursor point to the insertion point one character
     following the cursor point. The anchor point is set to the cursor
     point (insert mode) or one character following (overtype mode).

 Shift+Right
     Causes the cursor point to be set to the insertion point
     immediately following the previous cursor point. The anchor point
     is not moved.

 Left and Shift+Left
     Work analogously.

 Ctrl+Right
     Moves the cursor point to the insertion point immediately
     preceding the next word in the text including trailing spaces,
     and sets the anchor point to be equal to (insert mode) or one
     character following (overtype mode) the cursor point. The EOL
     (hard line-break) and tab characters are treated as words.

 Ctrl+Shift+Right
     Moves only the cursor point in the same way as Ctrl+Right, but
     leaves the anchor point unmoved.

 Ctrl+Left
     Moves the cursor point to the preceding insertion point at the
     beginning of a word, and sets the anchor point to be equal to
     (insert mode) or one character following (overtype mode) the
     cursor point. The EOL (hard linebreak) and tab characters are
     treated as words.

 Ctrl+Shift+Left
     Moves only the cursor point in the same way as Ctrl+Left but
     leaves the anchor point unmoved.

 Pagedown and Pageup
     Cause the display to be scrolled one screen at a time in either
     direction. This behavior is the same as would be encountered
     during a page-down or page-up caused by the scroll-bar.

 Ctrl+Pagedown and Ctrl+Pageup
     Cause the display to be scrolled one screen at a time to the
     right or left respectively. This behavior is the same as would be
     encountered during a page-right or page-left caused by the
     scroll-bar.

 Home
     Sets the cursor point to the insertion point at the beginning of
     the line containing the cursor point, and sets the anchor point
     equal to (insert mode) or one character following (overtype
     mode).

 Shift+Home
     Moves the cursor point to the insertion point at the beginning of
     the line. The anchor point is not moved.

 End
     Sets the anchor point to the insertion point at the end of the
     line containing the cursor point. If the last character on the
     line is a line-break character, the anchor is positioned just
     before it. The cursor is set equal to (insert mode) or one
     character previous to (overtype mode) the anchor.

 Shift+End
     Moves the cursor point to the insertion point at the end of the
     line, as above. The anchor point is not moved.

 Ctrl+Home
     Moves the cursor point to the insertion point at the beginning of
     the document. The anchor point is set equal to (insert mode) or
     one character following it (overtype mode).

 Ctrl+End
     Moves the anchor point to the insertion point at the end of the
     document. The cursor point is set to be equal to the anchor point
     (insert mode) or one character preceding it (overtype mode).

 Ctrl+Shift+Home
     Moves the cursor point in the same way as Ctrl+Home, but leaves
     the anchor point unmoved.

 Ctrl+Shift+End
     Moves the cursor point in the same way as Ctrl+End, but leaves
     the anchor point unmoved.

 The user may enter special characters directly into the input area as
 follows: ^A for manually entered CTCP commands; ^B to add a Bold
 text marker; ^G to ring the bell on the destination machine.

 When a channel is joined or a query started, a new window is opened
 for that channel or query. When the channel is left or a query
 terminated, the associated window is closed.


 The Popup Menu

 The Popup Menu is accessed by clicking mouse button 2 within the
 output, input, names, list, and who windows, with the popup menu
 being tailored to each specific window. Through the popup the user
 has direct access to the following dialogs, described in detail
 elsewhere in this manual.

    Colors Dialog
    Connect Dialog
    Font Dialog
    Join Dialog
    Notify Dialog
    Query Dialog
    Settings Dialog


 Output Window

 The pop-up menu for the Output Window supports the following options:
 Copy; Connect; Settings; Toolbar.  Input Window

 The pop-up menu for the Input Window supports the following options:
 Command Help; Copy; Join; Notify; Paste; Query; Toolbar.


 Names Window

 The Names Window contains a pop-up menu with several useful functions
 for the nickname displayed. Double clicking on a nick name will
 initiate a query with the nickname. The pop-up menu options provide
 for automated Query, Kick and Notify commands.


 List Window

 The List Window contains a popup menu which performs several useful
 functions on the channel selected in the list.  Double clicking on an
 entry will initiate a join for that channel. The pop-up menu allows
 for automated Join and Names commands.


 Who Window

 The Who Window contains a pop-up menu with several useful functions.
 Double clicking on an entry in the Who Window will execute a Whois
 command for the user involved. The pop-up menu allows for automated
 Whois, Kick, Ban and Unban commands.


 Configuring The IRC Client

 The first time you start the GammaTech IRC Client, the Settings
 Dialog will be displayed. This dialog defines custom information for
 your client. There are only 3 required fields. The defaults may be
 taken for all others.

 You may always access and change the Settings Dialog through the
 Popup or Options menu.

 The fields in the Settings Dialog are described below:

 User Name - (required) is normally the section of your Internet
 address which appears to the left of the @ symbol.  For example, if
 your Internet address is [e-mail] then your User Name
 would be jsmith.

 Real Name - (required) is your real name such as John Q. Smith.

 Nickname - (required) is the nickname you wish to use on IRC. It can
 be anything you wish but the following limitations exist: It can be
 no more than 9 characters long; it must not be in use by another
 active IRC user.

 If a nickname is selected which is already in use at the time, a
 nickname collision occurs and your IRC session will be aborted by the
 server. If this occurs, select another nickname and try again.

 User Information - This field may be filled in with any text you
 desire, or left blank. Other IRC users may query this information by
 entering a /USERINFO command against your nickname.

 Auto Connect - If this checkbox is checked, upon starting IRC, you
 will be automatically connected to the last server used (if
 possible). The Connect Dialog contains the server list and the server
 which was last used.

 Novice Mode - If this checkbox is checked, only one channel may be
 joined at any one time. If a second channel is joined, the first
 channel is left before joining the new channel.

 Bells - Text directed to you, or a channel you are on, may contain
 special characters to sound a bell at your end. If the Bells checkbox
 is checked these characters will cause a bell to sound. If the
 checkbox is not selected, the bell will not be sounded.

 Tabs - Text directed to you may contain embedded tab characters. Tab
 characters encountered will be expanded according to this parameter.

 AutoJoin - By checking this checkbox and filling in the information
 to its right, the indicated channel(s) will be joined automatically
 once the initial connection to the server is made.

 The test area to the right must contain the parameter(s) for the Join
 command. Do not specify /JOIN here, only the parameters. See the
 Command Help for the Join command for additional information.

 Log Session - If you wish to keep a text log file of the IRC session,
 check the Log Session checkbox and place the name of the log file in
 the entry field to its right. If the log file exists, the new log
 information is appended to it.

 CTCP Notification - Other IRC users may query certain information
 from you while you are on IRC using the Client To Client Protocol
 (CTCP). Generally you will not be aware that these requests are being
 made, and answered by your client. These requests are generally
 harmless, but if you wish to be notified when one occurs, check this
 checkbox. Then, anytime a CTCP request is received, it will be
 posted to the main IRC client Output Window.

 No Domain Name Server Lookup - When this option is checked, the name
 server lookup is bypassed. Checking this option affects the Connect
 Dialog in that the IRC server entries used from the connection list
 must be specified as IP addresses instead of server names. The
 benefit of this option is that connections to an IRC server can be
 significantly faster if delays are a result of poor Domain Name
 Server performance.

 Disable DCC - When this option is checked, incoming Direct Client to
 Client offers are automatically refused. DCC offers made by you are
 still permitted. This option prevents unwanted DCC requests from
 becoming an annoyance.

 Default DCC File Path - This parameter specifies the default drive
 and path where files transmitted to you via DCC will be placed. You
 will have the option to change this path on a file at a time basis.
 If no value is provided, the incoming files will be placed in the
 directory where the GammaTech IRC software is installed.

 DCC Blocksize - This value is the requested transmission block size
 used when transfering files using DCC. The minimum size is 1 and the
 maximum size is 4096 bytes. The default size is 1024.

 For more on DCC see the comments in the IRC Primer section of this
 manual.

 Save - Press this push button to save the changes you have made to
 the settings for use in future IRC sessions.

 OK - Press this push button to place any changes into effect for this
 IRC session; however, the changes will not be saved for use in future
 IRC sessions.

 Cancel - Press this push button to terminate the Settings Dialog
 without saving or using any changes you may have made.

 Help - Press this push button to obtain help on using this Dialog.


 Starting Your IRC Session

 Unless you have selected the Auto Connect feature in the Settings
 Dialog, the Connect Dialog will be displayed each time you start IRC.
 In addition, you may always gain access to the Connect Dialog from
 the Popup menu or the Files menu item and then the Connect submenu
 item.

 This dialog is used to start a connection to an IRC server. Select
 the desired server from the list and press the OK button, or simply
 double click on the desired server entry. The Connect Dialog can
 contain up to 40 entries.

 You may connect to a server not shown in the list by entering the
 server name in the top line of the list box. Press OK to connect to
 that server. Note that the server name will not be added to the list.

 To add a server to the list, enter the server name in the top line of
 the list box and press the Add button.

 To delete a server from the list, select the server list entry and
 press the Delete button.

 The Cancel button terminates the dialog without attempting to connect
 to a server.

 The Help push button obtains help on using this Dialog.

 If you are already connected to a server when the OK button is
 pressed, a pop-up message will be displayed asking if you wish to
 change servers. If you reply Yes to that prompt, a normal QUIT is
 issued to the current server with a reason of "Changing Servers,"
 and the connection is closed. All Channel and Query Windows currently
 open are closed, and the connection with the new server is initiated.

 The default port for IRC server connections is 6667. If the server
 you are connecting with uses a different port, you may specify that
 port by entering :port immediately after the server name. i.e.,
 irc.server.edu:6665

 Save - Press this push button to save the changes you have made to
 the settings for use in future IRC sessions.

 OK - Press this push button to place any changes into effect for this
 IRC session; however, the changes will not be saved for use in future
 IRC sessions.

 Cancel - Press this push button to terminate the Settings Dialog
 without saving or using any changes you may have made.

 Help - Press this push button to obtain help on using this Dialog.

 Terminating Your IRC Session

 You may terminate your IRC session by entering the /QUIT command in
 any IRC Input Window. This command provides the ability to give a
 reason why you are leaving IRC. For additional information regarding
 the /QUIT command see the command reference later in this manual.

 Selecting the File-Signoff menu option sends a QUIT to the server
 with a reason of "Leaving," and closes the connection with the
 server. All windows are closed and the IRC program is terminated.

 Selecting the File-Exit menu option immediately terminates the IRC
 program. Normally, the Signoff option should be used instead to
 perform proper termination handshaking with the server. Using the
 Exit option can leave your nickname in use on the IRC network until
 the required cleanup can be performed by the servers. This will
 prevent you from accessing IRC with that nickname until the cleanup
 has completed.


 Configuring the Display Colors

 The Color Dialog configures the background and foreground colors for
 all IRC windows.

 To configure the colors, select the Area Type from the list box at
 the top left of the dialog. Then press the desired radio button for
 the desired color for that area. Note the change in the Sample
 Display Area.

 Repeat the procedure above for all of the Area Types and until you
 are satisfied with the color configuration.

 Set - Press the Set push button to save the color configuration for
 future IRC sessions, terminate the Color dialog, and immediately set
 the colors for all IRC windows.

 Default - Press this push button to reset the colors to their default
 settings.

 Cancel - Press this push button to terminate the Colors dialog
 without making any changes.

 Help - Press this push button to obtain help on using this Dialog.


 Configuring the Display Font

 Use the fonts dialog to set the point size of the text for all of the
 windows.

 Select the point size then press the "OK" button to put the changes
 into effect or the "Cancel" button to return to the original point
 size.

 When "OK" is pressed, all IRC windows are immediately changed to the
 new point size.


 Getting Help On-line

 From the Help Menu choice you may access on-line help information.
 The Help submenu options are:

 General Help   How to use the GammaTech IRC Client program.
 Command Help   Command descriptions and syntax for IRC commands.
 Product Info   Product information regarding the GammaTech IRC Client.

 Most all of the GammaTech IRC Dialogs contain a Help push button
 which, when pressed, will provide help for that specific dialog.


 Using the Toolbar Dialog

 The ToolBar dialog lets you define the commands which will be
 executed when you press the toolbar icons for User Defined actions 1,
 2, 3, or 4, in the Control, Channel, and Query Windows. The Toolbar
 dialog can be activated by using the Popup or Options menu.

 The commands that are executed from the Toolbar depend upon the
 window that is active when a Toolbar icon is pressed. For each
 control, enter the command or text you would like to enter in either
 the Control, Channel, or Query Window when the respective toolbar
 icon is clicked. The values entered should be exactly what would be
 entered at the command line if entering it manually. Note that the
 information bar to the right of the Toolbar will display the command
 that would be executed if the icon were pressed.

 If the character sequence %% is embedded in the text of the command,
 the command will not be immediately executed. Instead it will be
 displayed in the Input Window without the %% characters. In addition,
 if the %% sequence is not at the end of the text, insert mode will be
 activated.

 OK - Press the OK push button to save the definitions for present
 future IRC sessions and terminate the Toolbar dialog.

 Cancel - Press this push button to terminate the Toolbar dialog
 without making any changes.

 Help - Press this push button to obtain help on using this Dialog.


 Using the Notify Dialog

 The Notify Dialog is used to update the Notify nickname list and is
 invoked by pressing the Notify icon on the toolbar or via the Popup
 menu.

 To add a nickname to the list, enter the nickname in the top line of
 the list box and press "Add."

 To delete a nickname from the list, select the nickname entry and
 press "Delete."

 When you have finished updating the list, press the "OK" button.

 When a user in the notify lists signs on or off of IRC you will be
 notified. Keep in mind that if a user changes their nickname it will
 be treated as if the user signed off of IRC.


 Using the Join Dialog

 The Join Dialog is used to join a channel and is invoked by pressing
 the Join icon on the toolbar or via the Popup menu. A new window is
 created for each channel joined.

 To join a channel in the list, select the channel and press the "OK"
 button, or simply double click on the channel entry.

 Note that if you have the Novice checkbox selected in the Settings
 dialog, any channel you have previously joined will be left before
 joining the new channel.

 You may join a channel not listed by entering the name of the channel
 in the top line of the list box and pressing "OK."

 You may add a channel to the list by entering the name of the channel
 in the top line of the list box and pressing "Add." Up to 40 channel
 names can be saved.

 To delete a channel from the list, select the channel entry and press
 "Delete."

 The "Cancel" push button terminates the Join dialog without
 attempting to join a channel.


 Using the Query Dialog

 The Query Dialog is used to begin a query session with another
 nickname and is invoked by pressing the Query icon on the toolbar or
 via the Popup menu. A new window is created for each query initiated.

 To start a query, select the nickname from the list box and press the
 "OK" button, or simply double click on the nickname entry.

 You may query a nickname not listed by entering the nickname in the
 top line of the list box and pressing "OK."

 You may add a nickname to the list by entering the nickname in the
 top line of the list box and pressing "Add."

 To delete a nickname from the list, select the nickname entry and
 press "Delete."

 The "Cancel" push button terminates the Query dialog without
 initiating a query session.


 Setting Up Multiple Clients

 You may set up additional program objects for the GammaTech IRC
 Client which will use a different nickname or other settings.

 All of the settings information is kept in the gtirc.ini file by
 default. You may override the name of the ini file to be used. If an
 ini file does not exist on startup, it will be created for you.

 To create another program object for the purpose of using another
 nickname, follow the instructions below:

 * Drag a Program object from the OS/2 Templates folder to the
   desktop. This will open a notebook page.

 * On the Program page fill in the following:

    Path and file name: d:\GTIRC\GTIRC.EXE
    Parameters: /I=nick.INI
    Working directory: d:\GTIRC

    Note that d: should be replaced with your drive letter such as C:
    and that the string "nick" should be replaced with whatever name
    you wish the ini file to be called. The nickname is suggested.

 Go to the General tab on the notebook page and change the title to
 that desired. The nickname is suggested.  Close the notebook page and
 drag the new program object to the desired folder.


 General Reference Information


 Message Routing

 IRC was originally developed for all input and output in a single
 window area. Many IRC clients today still use a text mode interface.
 The GammaTech IRC client is a Presentation Manager GUI environment
 which allows separate windows for each channel and query.

 Therefore, there are special considerations when routing messages
 from the IRC server to the appropriate window in the GammaTech IRC
 client.

 Generally, unsolicited notification messages which do not belong to
 any channel or query will be sent to either the control window or the
 last window the user was using depending on the nature of the
 message. The control window is the window first opened when you start
 the GammaTech IRC client.

 Messages targeted to a channel will be directed to the Channel Window
 if one is open. This occurs even if the user action which generated
 the message was performed from a different window. In rare cases, an
 incoming message to a channel will be in transit when the Channel
 Window is being closed by the users request. These messages will be
 sent to the control window.

 Private messages from a user will be directed first to any Query
 Window which may be open. If no Query Window is open, the message is
 sent to the last window in use.

 Messages received as a result of a display command will be displayed
 in the current window. This can have some undesired effects. The
 command responses are frequently sent as a number of individual
 messages from the server. If you change the IRC window you are using
 while these messages are being transmitted to you, you will have some
 of the display in the original window and some in the new window.

 Finally, if the routing of a message cannot be appropriately
 determined, it will be sent to either the current window or the
 control window. So, if something is not working as expected, check
 the control window for messages.


 Special Nickname Identifiers

 The various display commands which display users will often times
 have special characters beside the nickname or channel name which
 indicate special attributes as follows:

 H  here
 G  gone - as in away set
 @  channel operator
 +  can send on moderated channel
 *  IRC Operator


 User Modes

 User modes are special attributes of a client, nickname or user.
 Those attributes are displayed next to the nickname in the title bar
 as (+x) where "x" is one or more of the characters shown below. If
 the character does not appear, then that attribute is not set.

 i  Nickname is invisible to anyone who does not know the exact
    spelling of the nickname.

 o  IRC Operator status. Can only be set by the /OPER  command.

 s  This client is to receive server notices.

 w  This client is to receive wallops messages. These are messages to
    all IRCops.


 Channel Modes

 Channel modes are special attributes assigned to channels by channel
 operators. The channel mode is displayed by (+x) after the channel
 name (where "x" is one or more mode characters shown below) in the
 Channel Window title bar. The absence of a character there indicates
 that the mode is set off. A list of mode characters is shown below.

 p  Channel is private
 s  Channel is secret.
 i  Channel is invite only. Users joining must be invited first.
 t  Channel topic may be set only by channel operators.
 n  No messages from outside the channel may be sent to this channel.
 m  Channel is moderated. Only chanops and those they designate may talk.
 ln Maximum users on the channel is set to "n"
 k  Channel has a required key (password) to join it.


 IRC Primer

 IRC stands for "Internet Relay Chat." It is a multi-user,
 multi-channel chat network which allows people all over the world to
 have real time conversations. It was originally written by Jarkko
 Oikarinen in 1988. The channels are virtual places with names
 indicating the type of conversations, many of which have specific
 topics for discussion. Users talk in groups, or in private
 conversations using a user selected nickname.

 IRC is based on the client-server model. A server is a system that
 transports messages from one client to one or more other clients. The
 client is the individual user who connects to a server for this
 service. The GammaTech IRC software is an IRC client. Clients and
 servers are available on many different platforms.


 Etiquette

 When you first join a channel, it is a good idea to just "listen" for
 awhile to get the drift of the conversation. The same way you would
 when walking up to a group of people having a discussion.

 It's not necessary to greet everyone personally when you first join a
 channel. Usually one hello is enough. The same goes for good-byes.
 Also, don't expect everyone to greet you back.

 Communications in most channels is with the English language.
 However, since IRC is an international network, some channels are in
 other languages. It is inappropriate to join a channel and speak a
 language different than that being used.

 Remember that other people on IRC form their opinions about you based
 only on your actions, writings and comments, so think before you
 type.

 Generally, offensive words, harassing other users, constant beeping
 or flooding the channel with undesired text are all considered
 inappropriate behavior.


 Privacy

 Keep in mind that every message you send on IRC goes through one, or
 possibly many servers to get to the intended user (even "private"
 messages). Each one of these points in the network has the capability
 of examining the content of your messages. IRC is NOT a secure way of
 communicating.


 Acronyms

 The use of acronyms in the text of messages from IRC users is common
 place. These acronyms save typing and are generally understood by IRC
 users. For instance, the acronym "ttyl" stands for "talk to you
 later." A list of the most common acronyms may be found in the
 glossary.


 Common Questions

 Which server should I connect to?

 The GammaTech IRC client has a default list of servers. You will find
 these in the Connect Dialog. You may add to and delete from this
 list. For starters, you should select one from the list which is
 geographically close to you.

 Today there are several IRC networks. The original and most common
 server network is EF Net. The Undernet is another popular network. In
 addition there are other smaller and more specific IRC networks from
 which to choose.  Keep in mind that a public channel is available on
 all servers of a given network. Channels do not cross network
 boundaries. You can identify Undernet network servers by the word
 "undernet" in their server names. Generally the other smaller and
 specific networks do not use the standard port of 6667.

 You should probably start with either the EF Net or Undernet
 networks. As a matter of use you will become familiar with other
 networks available.

 Once you have connected to one of these servers, you may obtain a
 rather lengthy list of active servers by entering the /LINKS command.
 You will also learn of servers others are using in the normal course
 of being an IRC participant.

 After having used IRC for awhile and tried different servers, you
 will develop a list of servers which best suit your needs. Some
 servers are heavier loaded than others and some have stability
 problems.


 How do I pick a channel to join?

 The GammaTech IRC client Join Dialog contains a list of several
 channels you may wish to start with. You can add and delete entries
 from this list. You can also get a list of all available channels by
 using the /LIST command.

 The channel list displayed from the /LIST command can be very
 lengthy. See the /LIST command in the Command Reference on ways to
 limit the listing.

 You may also wish to log your IRC session while getting the list so
 you will have a text file of the various channels for reference. The
 log file options are found in the Settings Dialog and may be accessed
 via the Popup or Options menu option.

 The channel names do not always accurately represent the nature of
 the conversations on the channel. After visiting several channels you
 will soon have a list of your favorites.

 Channel names always begin with either a POUND sign (#) or an AND
 sign (&). Channels beginning with a "#" are accessible by users
 connected to any server in the IRC network. Channels beginning with a
 "&" are limited to just those clients connected to the same server
 you to which you are attached.

 To join a channel, use either the Join Dialog, accessed by clicking
 on the Join icon on the toolbar, or use the /JOIN command. To user
 the /JOIN command, type /JOIN #channel in the input area and press
 Enter. In either case, a new "channel" window will be opened for the
 channel.


 I have joined a channel, now what?

 Now, in the Output Window of the new Channel Window, you should begin
 seeing messages from the other members of that channel. Each
 message will be prefixed with a <nickname> sequence designating the
 nickname of the person who typed the message.

 To send your own text to the channel, simply key the text in the
 input area and press Enter. The only restriction is that your text
 may not begin with a forward slash "/" because that character is used
 to designate an IRC command. Some of the more useful IRC commands are
 described a little later. A complete list of IRC commands are shown
 in the Command Reference section.

 You do not need to enter your nickname in the text you send to the
 channel. The IRC client does that for you automatically. However,
 if you are replying to a specific nickname on the channel, it is a
 good idea to place their nickname at the beginning or end of the
 message. For example:

    Nick: hi! How are you today?
    or
    Hi! How are you today nick?

 Some messages may appear in your output area with the senders
 nickname enclosed in asterisks (*) such as *nick* instead of the
 normal <nick> method. This indicates that the message was a private
 message sent to you alone using the /MSG command. The other members
 of the channel will not see that message.

 You can send a private message back to that nickname using the /MSG
 command or by starting a Query session with the nickname. You should
 review the /MSG and /QUERY commands in the command reference. For
 starters, use the /MSG command to send a private message to only the
 specified nickname.


 What is DCC all about?

 The GammaTech IRC Client supports both the DCC Chat and DCC Send
 commands. DCC  stands for "Direct Client-to-Client," and allows
 users on a channel to interact directly with one another, off of the
 channel. DCC Chat allows users to chat directly to each other, while
 DCC Send allows you to send a file directly to the person you are
 chatting with, via the DCC protocol. However, DCC can become a
 nuisance if you do not wish to be continually invited to a DCC chat,
 so the Settings Dialog allows you to refuse all incoming DCC chat
 offers, while allowing you to offer a DCC chat with others.  See the
 /DCC chat and /DCC send commands in the IRC Commands section below,
 and the DCC entries in the Settings Dialog explained above.


 How do I create my own channel?

 Simply pick a channel name not in use and join that channel. Being
 the first person on the channel gives you ownership of the channel
 and you become the channel operator for that channel. More about
 channel operators is discussed later.

 To remove the channel, all participants leave the channel and it is
 automatically removed.


 How do I leave a channel?

 To leave a channel enter the /LEAVE command or you may click on the
 Leave Channel icon on the toolbar. You may also close the Channel
 Window by double clicking on the system menu icon at the top left
 corner of the window.

 To leave IRC all together, use the /QUIT command or select the
 Files-Signoff menu item.


 What is a Query?

 A query is a method of sending messages to and receiving messages
 from a specific nickname. For simple, one time exchanges, the /MSG
 command can be used. For ongoing conversations it is easier to start
 a query.

 Starting a query opens a new window for the message traffic for just
 that nickname. You no longer have to use the /MSG command as all
 messages entered in the Input Window for the Query Window are sent as
 private messages.

 To start a query, use the /QUERY nickname command. Or, to bring up
 the Query Dialog, click on the Query icon on the toolbar. When using
 the Query Dialog a list of "favorite" nicknames can be maintained.

 Note that not all IRC clients have the advanced query capabilities of
 the GammaTech IRC client. Using query may cause an extra load on the
 persons which you are in query with. In some instances, it may be
 better to create a new channel for the two of you get together there
 for conversation.


 Some of the more useful IRC commands

 All IRC commands begin with a forward slash (/). A complete list of
 the available IRC commands is provided in the Command Reference
 section as well as the on-line help. You do not need to know all of
 these commands to use IRC.  The more prominent commands are listed
 below.

 You should be aware that not all options are shown for the commands
 in this section. For a complete list of options and functions refer
 to the Command Reference or the on-line help.


 Terminating IRC

 /BYE  [reason for leaving]
 /QUIT  [reason for leaving]
 /SIGNOFF  [reason for leaving]

 All of the above are equivalent. Optionally you may enter the reason
 you are leaving. The brackets ( [ ] ) indicate that the parameter is
 optional. You do not actually enter the bracket characters.

 It is not necessary to leave the channels you have joined before
 quitting.


 Channel or Query related commands

 /INVITE nickname - Invites another IRC user to join the current
 channel.

 /JOIN #channel - Joins a channel and opens a Channel Window. You may
 also join by using the Join Dialog accessed by clicking on the Join
 icon on the title bar.

 /KICK nickname reason text - Forcibly removes a nickname from
 membership in the current channel. The nickname can rejoin if they
 desire. This command is restricted to channel operators.

 /LEAVE - Leaves and closes a channel or Query Window.

 /ME text - This is a shortcut command which displays a message in the
 current channel describing something you are doing. For example, if
 your nickname is "nick and you enter /ME is happy, a message will be
 displayed in the channel such as: * nick is happy.

 /NAMES - Displays a list of the nicknames currently joined to the
 current channel.

 /QUERY nickname - Opens a Query Window. You may also start a query
 using the Query Dialog by clicking on the Query icon on the toolbar.

 /TOPIC - Displays the topic for the channel if one is set.


 Commands pertaining to other users

 /IGNORE nickname - If another IRC user is annoying you, you may
 ignore all messages from that nickname using this command. Any future
 messages from them will not be displayed on your screen.

 /NOTIFY nickname - This command causes you to be notified when a
 nickname signs on to or leaves IRC. If they change their nickname,
 you will be notified that the nickname has left. You may access the
 Notify Dialog to change the notify nickname list by clicking on the
 Notify icon on the toolbar.

 /WHOIS nickname - This command displays more detailed information
 regarding an IRC user.

 /WHOWAS nickname - The /WHOIS command will not find the nickname if
 the user changed their nickname or left IRC. In those cases the
 /WHOWAS command will search the servers history information to
 retrieve the information.  The history buffer is not very large so
 the information may not be available if you wait too long.


 Commands relating to IRC in general

 /ISON nickname [nickname ...] - This command searches the list of
 nicknames specified and returns a new list of just those who are
 currently on IRC.

 /LINKS - This command displays a list of all the IRC servers which
 are connected to your server. You can learn of other servers with
 this command, as well as the general layout of the IRC network.

 /LIST - This command displays a list of the current channels on IRC.
 The list can be very long. It might be a good idea to look at the
 /LIST command in the Command Reference or on-line help and use some
 of the parameters which limit the display.

 /MOTD - This command displays the Message Of The Day from the server
 you are connected with. Usually the MOTD is displayed when you first
 connect with a server.


 Other useful commands

 /AWAY [reason]   This command sets an away indicator and the reason
 you are away. Anyone sending you a private message will be notified
 that you are away and the reason. When you return, you can remove the
 away flag by entering the /AWAY command again without any
 parameters.

 /NICK newnick   This command is used to change your nickname on the
 fly while you are on IRC. A message will be sent to all of the
 channels you are joined with telling them you have changed your
 nickname and what the new nickname is.


 What do the special characters by a users nickname mean?

 Several of the displays regarding users on IRC have special
 characters in the display associated with the nickname.  Here is what
 they mean:

 H  here
 G  gone - as in away set
 @  channel operator
 +  can send on moderated channel
 *  IRC Operator


 What is a Channel Operator?

 The channel operator is the "king of the mountain" so to speak.
 Chanops, as they are sometimes called, have special privileges on the
 channel in that they can set the channel mode, kick users off the
 channel, ban users from joining the channel, etc. The first user
 joining a channel (creating a channel) is automatically given channel
 operator status. The channel operator can give chanop status to other
 users who have joined the channel. Channel operators are designated
 by an @ by their nicknames.


 What is an IRC Operator?

 An IRC operator is one who maintains the IRC network from a server
 standpoint. Although they are sometimes referred to as IRCops, they
 do not generally police for channel abuse. They may police for
 network or server abuse and ban individuals from their servers if
 misuse is found.

 IRC operators do not generally fix channel problems or get involved
 in channel related disputes. If you create a channel and give someone
 else channel operator status, and that person then kicks you off the
 channel, do not expect the IRC operators to give assistance. These
 situations occur from time to time and are referred to as channel
 takeovers.  The IRC operators do not know who is telling the truth in
 such matter, so they just let you duke it out for yourselves.


 What is a bot?

 A bot is short for "robot." It is a program that is joined to a
 channel in the same manner as any other user. It generally performs
 some action based on messages on the channel. For example, a bot may
 be given channel operator privileges and then watch for certain
 nicknames to join the channel. When those nicknames are detected, the
 bot will give them channel operator status.

 Many servers prohibit use of bots. Nonetheless they seem to be quite
 abundant. They are a primary tool in channel takeovers, reclaiming
 channels and protecting channels from takeovers. Some even provide
 useful services such as database lookups and the like.


 Someone is using my nickname, now what?

 Your nickname is yours as long as you are on IRC. Another user cannot
 get your nickname using the /NICK command if it is in use. There
 are some exceptions to this in the case of a netsplit. Someone may
 begin using your nickname while you are not on IRC. Nobody "owns" a
 given nickname. You can ask them to give up the nickname, but there
 is nothing that says they have to. One solution is to add a numeric
 at the end of your nickname and use that temporarily. For instance if
 you use "nick" as a nickname, and someone else is using it today, use
 "nick1".

 You may hear of a service called "NickServ". It has been shut down
 for awhile and is not expected to be placed back in service.


 Someone is using my channel, now what?

 If someone is using the channel name you usually use, the easiest
 thing is to just pick another channel name. For instance "#mychan1"
 instead of "#mychan".

 Don't expect the IRC operators to get involved in nickname or channel
 name disputes.

 There are no channel operators on my channel, now what?

 The best way is to have everyone leave the channel which will cause
 it to be removed. The first person thereafter to join the channel
 will then be given channel operator status.

 If this occurs due to a netsplit, wait for the split to rejoin. This
 normally only takes a few minutes.


 What is a netsplit?

 Remember that the IRC network is composed of many servers connected
 together. The individual users (or clients) are attached to one of
 these servers. If two servers break their connection, a network split
 or netsplit occurs. For a period of time, there are essentially two
 networks, one on each side of the split.

 This split condition can cause some interesting side effects when the
 split "heals." For instance if a user signs on to IRC on the other
 side of the split using the same nickname as you, then a nickname
 collision will occur when the split heals. One or both of you may be
 removed from IRC in hopes that only one of you comes back with that
 nickname.

 Another situation that can occur is that a channel can be left
 without a channel operator if all of the channel operators were on
 one side of the split.

 Then there is the case where nobody was on one side of the split so
 the channel on that isolated side is removed. Now a user on that side
 joins the channel, thereby recreating it and that user is given
 channel operator status. Then the split heals and this user has
 channel operator status where normally they would not have been
 granted such.

 Netsplits occur quite frequently. Whenever several users suddenly
 leave a channel at the same moment without warning, you have most
 likely experienced a netsplit. From their viewpoint it looks like you
 and the rest of the people on your side left the channel.

 Netsplits normally are healed within two to five minutes. You will
 see them suddenly join again all at once, or one at a time as they
 change servers to get back into the main stream.

 Where can I find additional information about IRC?

 Just about everything you could want to know about IRC on the OS/2
 platform can be found by anonymous FTP to cs-ftp.bu.edu or
 hobbes.nmsu.edu. There is even source code for some IRC clients as
 well as technical documentation.

 The best advice regarding IRC is to be willing to take the time to
 explore and learn to use it. You will be rewarded with many hours of
 enjoyment.


 IRC Commands

 ADMIN

 The ADMIN command displays information regarding the administration
 of an IRC server.

 Syntax:   /ADMIN [servername|nickname]

 If the server name is omitted, information for the server you are
 connected with will be displayed. If nickname is specified,
 information about the server on which that client is connected will
 be displayed.

 Examples:

    /ADMIN
    /ADMIN irc.texas.net
    /ADMIN george


 AWAY

 The AWAY command is used to notify other IRC users that you are away
 and will not be responding to messages.  When the Away status is set,
 and a IRC user sends you a private message, a response is returned to
 that user explaining that you are away and the reason.

 Syntax:   /AWAY [reason]

 When a reason is given, you are set as Away. When no reason is
 provided, you are set as not Away.

 Examples:

    /AWAY gone to eat
    /AWAY


 BYE

 The BYE command terminates your IRC session. A reason may be given
 which is broadcast to the participants of any channels you had
 joined.

 Syntax:   /BYE [reason]

 If a reason is not provided, a reason of "Leaving" is generated.

 This command is synonymous with "QUIT" and "SIGNOFF". You may also
 use the File - Signoff menu option to terminate your IRC session.


 CLIENTINFO

 The CLIENTINFO command sends a request to the specified IRC user
 client software asking what CTCP (Client To Client Protocol) commands
 are supported.

 Syntax:   /CLIENTINFO nickname

 Providing that the client software for "nickname" supports the
 CLIENTINFO command, a list of supported commands will be returned.
 Clients that do not support CLIENTINFO may return an error message,
 or nothing at all.  Some clients may return information other than
 that expected.

 Examples:

    /CLIENTINFO george

 Result:

    *** CLIENTINFO (george): VERSION CLIENTINFO PING FINGER


 DATE

 The DATE command queries the requested server of client for the
 current time at that location. The DATE command is synonymous with
 the TIME command.

 Syntax:   /DATE [servername] [nickname]

 If no server or client name is provided, the request is made to the
 server on which you are connected. If a nickname is provided, the
 request is sent to the client software used by the nickname as a CTCP
 command. Not all IRC clients support CTCP TIME requests so
 information returned may not be as expected or no response may be
 given at all.

 Examples:

    /DATE
    /DATE irc.texas.net
    /DATE george

 Result:

    *** irc.texas.net : Tuesday March 28 1995 -- 08:47 -06:00
    *** TIME (george): Tue Mar 28 08:47:15 1995


 DCC CHAT

 The DCC CHAT command is used to initiate a private DCC chat session
 with another user.

 Syntax: /DCC CHAT nickname

 When this command is entered, the user specified is notified that you
 wish to establish a DCC Chat session with them. They then have the
 option to accept the offer and establish the chat session or decline
 the offer. In any event, a new window is created where the chat
 session will take place if it is accepted.

 The DCC chat session is conducted as a direct client to client
 session and is therefore more secure since it does not use the IRC
 network for message traffic. The session is not affected by netsplits
 or server outages and you can change servers without impacting the
 DCC Chat session.

 Example:

    /DCC CHAT george

 See also the DCC entries in the Settings Dialog explained above.


 DCC SEND

 The DCC SEND command is used to transmit a file to another user.

 Syntax: /DCC SEND nickname file.name

 When this command is entered, the user specified is notified that you
 wish to send them a file. They then have the option to accept the
 offer and receive the file or decline the offer. In any event, a new
 window is created where the file transfer session will take place if
 it is accepted.

 The DCC SEND session is conducted as a direct client to client
 session and is therefore not affected by server performance
 netsplits or server outages. Changing servers will not impact the DCC
 file transfer.

 Example:

    /DCC SEND george myfile.dat

 See also the DCC entries in the Settings Dialog explained above.


 DEOP

 The DEOP command removes IRC operator status.

 Syntax:   /DEOP

 This command is used by a user with IRC operator privileges to remove
 IRC operator status from themselves.


 ECHO

 The ECHO command sends a string of text to the requested IRC users
 client software which in turn sends it back unchanged.

 Syntax:   /ECHO nickname text

 The ECHO command uses the CTCP protocol to send the request to the
 client. Not all IRC client software supports the CTCP ECHO command.
 For this reason, an error message may be returned, or text which is
 not expected, or no response at all.

 Examples:

    /ECHO george Hello world

 Result:

    *** ECHO (george): Hello world


 FINGER

 The FINGER command displays the real name and idle time of an IRC
 user.

 Syntax:   /FINGER nickname

 The FINGER command uses the CTCP protocol to send the request to the
 client. Not all IRC client software supports the CTCP FINGER command.
 For this reason, an error message may be returned, or text other than
 that expected, or no response at all.

 Examples:

    /FINGER george

 Result:

    ***FINGER (george): George D. Smith, Idle 15 seconds


 IGNORE

 The IGNORE command allows you to block messages from another user so
 that they are not displayed in your IRC windows.

 Syntax:   /IGNORE [nickname|user@host] [+|-type ...]

 If no parameters are specified, the ignore list is displayed.

 If only the nickname or user@host parameter is specified, all
 messages for that user will be ignored.

 Either the nickname or the user@host of the user may be specified. If
 the user@host is specified, you do not have to enter the entire host
 name, only as much as is required to identify the user. You can
 obtain the users user@hostname using the WHOIS command.

 You may specify the types of messages to be ignored. Specifying a "+"
 will cause the associated message type to be ignored. Specifying a
 "-" will allow those message types through if previously they were
 set to be ignored. If neither "+" or "-" are specified "+" is
 assumed. The allowable message types are shown below. If no type is
 provided, ALL is assumed.

    MSGS  Private messages to you
    CHAN  Messages to channels
    INV   Invites
    CTCP  CTCP command requests
    ALL   All messages

 The ignore list is not retained from IRC session to IRC session.

 Examples:

    /IGNORE george
    /IGNORE george MSGS CTCP
    /IGNORE george +MSGS +CTCP
    /IGNORE george -
    /IGNORE george -MSGS


 INFO

 The INFO command shows information regarding people related to the
 development of Internet Relay Chat.

 Syntax:   /INFO [server]

 If server is not provided, the server to which you are connected
 responds to the command. Otherwise it is sent to the requested server
 for processing.

 Examples:

    /INFO
    /INFO irc.texas.net


 INVITE

 Invite a user to join a channel.

 Syntax:   /INVITE nickname [channel]

 If channel is not specified, the current channel is used.

 This command sends a message to the specified nickname inviting them
 to join the channel specified or defaulted.  The channel does not
 have to exist.

 If the channel is invite only (+i) then the issuer of this command
 must be a channel operator.

 Examples:

    /INVITE george
    /INVITE george #chatter


 ISON

 The ISON command is used to determine if one or more nicknames are
 currently on IRC.

 Syntax:   /ISON nick1 [nick2 ...]

 The list of nicknames, separated by spaces, is analyzed and the list
 is returned with only those nicknames currently on IRC.

 Example:

    /ISON george linker jazzy wizard

 Result:

    ISON george wizard


 JOIN

 The JOIN command is used to join one or more channels. A new window
 is opened for each channel joined.

 Syntax:   /JOIN channel[,channel ...]  [key,key ...]

 When the Novice mode is checked in the Settings dialog, only one
 channel may be joined at any one time. Joining a second channel will
 automatically leave the current channel and the new channel joined.

 If Novice is not checked, a maximum of 10 channels may be joined.

 If the channel is protected by a key (password) then the appropriate
 key must be provided to join the channel. In the parameter list for
 the JOIN command, the first key listed goes with the first channel
 listed and so on.

 You may also join a channel by using the Join icon on the toolbar or
 via the Popup menu.

 The total number of channel plus Query Windows permitted is 10.

 Examples:

    /JOIN #chat
    /JOIN #chat,#os/2
    /JOIN #secret please


 KICK

 The KICK command is used to remove someone from a channel. It is a
 forced leave. This command is restricted to channel operators only.
 Note that a user removed by KICK can simply rejoin the channel.

 Syntax: /KICK [channel] nickname [reason for kick]

 If the KICK command is issued from the Channel Window of the channel
 where the nick is joined, the channel does not need to be specified.
 To kick from a different channel or window, specify the channel name.

 Since kicking is often times used as a warning, a reason for the kick
 is generally appropriate, but not required.

 Examples:

    /KICK #chat george for flooding the channel
    /KICK george for acting up


 KILL

 The KILL command is used to disconnect an IRC user (client) from a
 server.

 Syntax:   /KILL nickname reason

 The KILL command is restricted to IRC operators only. It is used
 primarily to get rid of ghost sessions. Servers may automatically
 generate KILL's when nickname collisions occur.

 Example:

    /KILL george Clean up ghost session


 LEAVE

 The LEAVE command is used to depart from a channel or terminate a
 query session.

 Syntax:   /LEAVE [channel,channel ...]

 If the LEAVE command is issued without parameters, the current
 channel/query will be terminated. If issued from a window, other than
 the channel/query you wish to leave, the channel and/or query names
 must be specified.

 You may leave multiple channels and/or query sessions by specifying
 multiple names separated by commas.

 Leaving a channel or query will automatically close the channel or
 Query Window.

 You may also leave by pressing the Leave Channel icon on the toolbar
 of the related window, or close the window by double clicking on the
 system menu icon at the top left corner of the window.

 When terminating IRC, it is not necessary to leave all channels and
 queries first.

 Examples:

    /LEAVE
    /LEAVE #chat
    /LEAVE george
    /LEAVE #chat,george


 LINKS

 The LINKS command displays a list of all servers connected to the
 server specified.

 Syntax:   /LINKS [server [wildcard]]

 If server is not specified, the server to which you are attached is
 used. Otherwise the information is requested from the specified
 server.

 If the wildcard is specified, information is returned only if it
 matches the wildcard expression. If wildcard is specified, the server
 must also be specified.

 The output of this command is directed to a new window created when
 the command is entered. The information shown in this display window
 is a snapshot at the time when the command was executed. To close
 this display window double click on the icon in the upper left
 corner of the window. Depending on the server response time, it may
 take several seconds for information to appear in the window.

 Examples:

    /LINKS
    /LINKS irc.texas.net
    /LINKS *.au coombs*

 In the last example above, the server with a name matching *.au will
 be queried for a list of attached servers matching coombs*.


 LIST

 The LIST command displays one or more active channels which includes
 the channel name, number of users and, if available, the topic for
 the channel.

 Syntax:   /LIST [mask]  [channel[,channel ...] ]

 If no parameters are specified, all channels are displayed. This list
 can be quite lengthy.

 The list can be limited by specifying a mask value of one or more of
 the following:

    -MIN n Display channels with at least n users.
    -MAX n Display channels with no more than n users.
    -PUB  Display only public channels.
    -PRI  Display only private channels.
    -TOP  Display only channels with a topic set.

 If one or more channel names are specified, only those channels are
 listed.

 The /LIST command also allows the use of wildcard characters in the
 channel name field. Valid characters are * and ?, and have the same
 meaning as when used with OS/2 file names. So, the channel operand of
 the /LIST command can have any one of the following three formats:

    channel,channel,...  Lists the specified channels only
    *    Lists the current channel, when executed from a Channel Window
    <wildcard expression> Lists all channels matching the expression

    Example of wildcard expressions:

          ?bible
          #bib*
          ?chat*

 Note that when using wildcard expressions it takes time to create the
 list since all channels must be retrieved and then filtered using the
 wildcard expressions input by the user.

 Secret channels are not listed unless you are joined to that channel.

 The output of this command is directed to a new window created when
 the command is entered. The information shown in this display window
 is a snapshot at the time when the command was executed. To close
 this display window double click on the icon in the upper left
 corner of the window. Depending on the server response time it may
 take several seconds for information to appear in the window.

 Examples:

    /LIST
    /LIST #chat,#os/2
    /LIST -min 3 -max 10
    /LIST *
    /LIST -pub
    /LIST -min3 #bib*


 LUSERS

 The LUSERS command lists a summary of visible users, servers and
 operators.

 Syntax:   /LUSERS [wildcard [server]]

 If the wildcard expression is provided, the summary is limited to
 those users and servers which match the wild card.

 If server is specified, the information is queried from that server.
 Otherwise it is obtained from the server to which you are connected.

 Examples:

    /LUSERS
    /LUSERS *.edu
    /LUSERS *.edu irc.texas.net


 ME

 The ME command describes an action on the current channel. The ME
 command is only valid when executed for a window joined to a channel.

 Syntax:   /ME text

 This command displays a message on the channel which indicates that
 you are doing something interesting.

 Examples:

    /ME is very happy
    /ME is rolling on the floor laughing

 Results:

    * mynick is very happy
    * mynick is rolling on the floor laughing


 MODE

 The MODE command displays or changes the user or channel modes. It is
 also used to ban users from a channel.

 To display or set the user mode use the following syntax:

 Syntax:   /MODE nickname [+|-][flags]

 Your nickname is required. If no other parameters are specified the
 current mode is displayed. Note that your user mode is automatically
 displayed to the right of your nickname in the title bar.

 The acceptable flags are shown below. The flags may be prefixed with
 a "+" to set the mode on, or a "-" to set the mode off. If neither
 "+" or "-" is specified then "+" is assumed. More than one flag
 character may be specified.

 i  Your nickname is invisible to anyone who does not know it's exact
    spelling.

 o  IRC Operator status. This flag can only be set off with the MODE
    command. To set it on use the /OPER command.

 s  This client is to receive server notices.

 w  This client is to receive wallops messages. These are messages to
    all IRCops.

 Examples:

    /MODE george
    /MODE george +iw
    /MODE george -w

 To display or change the channel mode use the following syntax:

 Syntax:   /MODE *|channel [+|-][flags [parameters]]

 To alter a mode the user must have channel operator status.

 The channel name or "*" is required. If a channel name of "*" is
 specified, the current channel name is used. If no other parameters
 are specified, the current mode is displayed. Note that the channel
 mode is automatically displayed to the right of the channel name in
 the title bar.

 The acceptable flags are shown below. The flags may be prefixed with
 a "+" to set the mode on, or a "-" to set the mode off. If neither
 "+" or "-" is specified, then "+" is assumed. More than one flag
 character may be specified.

 o  Gives or takes chanop status to another user. The nickname of the
    user must be specified in the parameters.

 v  Gives or takes the ability to talk on a moderated channel. The
    nickname of the user must be specified in the parameters. Chanops
    always have the ability to talk on a moderated channel. This gives
    them the ability to allow others to talk also without giving them
    ops.

 p  The channel is private

 s  The channel is secret.

 i  Channel is invite only. Users joining must be invited first.

 t  The channel topic may be set only by channel operators.

 n  No messages from outside the channel may be sent to this channel.

 m  The channel is moderated. Only chanops and those they designate may talk.

 l  Sets a channel limit. No more than the number of users specified
    will be permitted to join the channel. When setting a limit, the
    count must be specified in the parameters. When removing a limit,
    the count is not specified.

 k  Sets a channel key (password) which must be specified by users
    joining the channel. The key is provided in the parameters. The
    key must be specified whether adding or removing it. The key
    cannot be changed, only added and removed.

 b  Sets a ban mask. Users matching the ban mask will not be permitted
    to join the channel. The ban mask is specified in the parameters
    and has the format of [nick[!user[@host]]] and may contain wild
    card characters. The list of current bans may be obtained by /MODE
    channel b.

 Note that more than one flag and their respective parameters may be
 specified in the same command; however, a limit of three "o" or "b"
 flags may be specified.

 Examples:

    /MODE *
    /MODE * +im
    /MODE #mychan +o george
    /MODE #mychan -s
    /MODE * +l 30
    /MODE * +lk 30 please
    /MODE * +b george
    /MODE * -b *!*@texas.net
    /MODE * b


 MOTD

 The MOTD command displays the Message Of The Day from the specified
 server.

 Syntax:   /MOTD [servername|nickname]

 If the server name is omitted, information from the server you are
 connected with will be displayed. If a nickname is specified,
 information from the server on which that client is connected will be
 displayed.

 Examples:

    /MOTD irc.texas.net
    /MOTD george


 MSG

 The MSG command sends a "private" message to the specified
 nickname(s) or sends a message to a channel which you have not
 joined.

 Syntax:   /MSG nick1[,nick2 ...] | [channel] text

 If one or more nicknames are specified, the message is directed to
 only those clients. Therefore, membership in any forums to which you
 and they are participating will not see the message. Keep in mind
 that no message on IRC is truly private in that various
 administrative positions have the capability to see any message
 traffic.

 Two special characters may be used in place of a nickname. If "," is
 specified for a nickname, the message will be sent to the last
 nickname who sent you a message. If "." is specified for the
 nickname, the message is sent to the last nickname you sent a
 message. When using "," or "." only one nickname may be specified in
 the command.

 If a channel is specified, the message is sent to that channel,
 provided that the channel mode is not (+n) which prevents messages
 from the outside.

 Examples:

    /MSG george How are you today?
    /MSG #chat I will be joining in 5 minutes, sorry I'm late.
    /MSG george,pauline Talk to you folks later.

 Private messages you receive can be discerned from normal channel
 messages by the way in which the sending nickname is presented.
 Normal channel traffic shows the sending nickname as <nick> where
 private messages show them as *nick*.

 If several private messages are to be sent and received, it is more
 convenient to start a query with the nickname involved. See the QUERY
 command for more details on this option.


 NAMES

 The NAMES command will display the nicknames of users joined to the
 specified channel.

 Syntax:   /NAMES [channel,channel ...]

 If the channel name is omitted, the current channel is listed. If
 executed from a non-Channel Window and a channel is not provided, an
 error message is returned.

 The name information is displayed only for those channels which are
 visible. That is, channels which you have joined, or those which do
 not have a channel mode of (+p) or (+s) are displayed.

 The output of this command is directed to a new window created when
 the command is entered. The information shown in this display window
 is a snapshot at the time when the command was executed. To close
 this display window, double click on the icon in the upper left
 corner of the window. Depending on the server response time, it may
 take several seconds for information to appear in the window.

 Examples:

    /NAMES
    /NAMES #os/2
    /NAMES #chat,#os/2


 NICK

 The NICK command is used to change your nickname.

 Syntax:   /NICK newnickname

 The nickname may have a maximum length of 9 characters. If another
 IRC user is using the new nickname, and error will be returned.

 Example:

    /NICK george2


 NOTIFY

 The NOTIFY command is used to notify you when a specified nickname
 signs on or off IRC.

 Syntax:   /NOTIFY [[-]nickname] ... | [+]

 The Notify list can also be updated using the Notify Dialog which is
 accessed by clicking on the Notify icon on the toolbar or via the
 Popup menu.

 Specifying no parameters on the NOTIFY command will display the
 current status of each nickname in the notify list.

 Nicknames specified in the command list are added to the notify list.
 If the specified nickname is prefixed with a "-", it will be removed
 from the notify list.

 Specifying a "-" without any other parameters causes all nicknames in
 the notify list to be removed.

 Specifying a "+" without any other parameters will display those
 nicknames in the notify list which are currently on IRC.

 The Notify nickname list may contain up to 40 nicknames. The check
 for the nickname presence on IRC is performed once per minute.

 A user will be shown as signed off when they change their nickname
 too, so keep this in mind.

 Notification is performed by displaying a highlighted message in your
 current Output Window such as "*** Signon by nickname detected" or
 "***Signoff by nickname detected."

 The notify nickname list is retained across executions of the
 GammaTech IRC client.

 Examples:

    /NOTIFY
    /NOTIFY george pauly
    /NOTIFY -george
    /NOTIFY +
    /NOTIFY -


 OPER

 The OPER command is used by a normal user to acquire IRC operator
 privileges.

 Syntax:   /OPER userid password

 If the correct userid and password are supplied, the user will be
 given IRC operator privileges on the server to which they are
 connected.


 PING

 The PING command is used to determine the time it takes to send a
 message to another IRC user and back. It is used primarily to
 determine lag time.

 Syntax:   /PING nick[,nick ...]

 If and when a ping response is received from the remote client, the
 elapsed time will be displayed. PING uses the CTCP protocol. Not all
 IRC client software supports CTCP PING. For this reason, the expected
 response may not be received, or no response may be received at all.

 Examples:

    /PING george
    /PING george,lindap

 Results:

    *** PING (george): 3 seconds
    *** PING (lindap): 45 seconds


 QUERY

 The QUERY command starts a private chat session with the specified
 nickname. A new Query Window is opened.

 Syntax:   /QUERY nickname

 Issuing the query command opens a window for the private chat
 session, but does not notify the other user that such has taken
 place. Most IRC clients do not support separate windows for private
 chat sessions.

 All message traffic in Query Windows is performed as if you were
 executing /MSG commands to the related nickname.

 The Query Window can be closed at any time in the same way a Channel
 Window is closed. See /LEAVE.

 A query may also be initiated by clicking on the Query icon on the
 toolbar or via the Popup menu.

 The total number of channel plus Query Windows permitted at any point
 in time is 10.

 Example:

    /QUERY george


 QUIT

 The QUIT command terminates your IRC session. A reason may be given
 which is broadcast to the participants of any channels you had
 joined.

 Syntax:   /QUIT [reason]

 If a reason is not provided, a reason of "Leaving" is generated.

 This command is synonymous with "BYE" and "SIGNOFF".

 You may also use the File - Signoff menu option to terminate your IRC
 session.


 REHASH

 The REHASH command forces the server to reread and process its
 configuration file.

 Syntax:   /REHASH

 This command is restricted to IRC operators.


 RESTART

 The RESTART command forces a server to restart itself.

 Syntax:   /RESTART

 This command is restricted to IRC operators. Not all servers support
 this command.


 RUN

 The RUN command executes IRC commands from a previously created text
 file.

 Syntax:   /RUN filename

 Each line of the file is treated as a IRC command and is executed in
 the window where the RUN command was entered.

 The file name may contain a complete drive, path and file name. If
 the drive is omitted, the drive where the IRC software is installed
 is assumed. If the path is omitted, the path of the IRC software is
 assumed.

 Script files which flood a channel with unwanted messages can result
 in you being kicked, or even banned, from the channel or server. Do
 not abuse this feature.

 Examples:

    /RUN script.txt
    /RUN c:\scripts\myscript.txt


 SIGNOFF

 The SIGNOFF command terminates your IRC session. A reason may be
 given which is broadcast to the participants of any channels you had
 joined.

 Syntax:   /SIGNOFF [reason]

 If a reason is not provided, a reason of "Leaving" is generated.

 This command is synonymous with "BYE" and "QUIT".

 You may also use the File - Signoff menu option to terminate your IRC
 session.


 SOURCE

 The SOURCE command sends a request to the specified IRC user client
 software asking where that software can be acquired.

 Syntax:   /SOURCE nickname

 Providing the client software for "nickname" supports the SOURCE
 command, a description of where the software may be obtained will be
 returned. Clients that do not support SOURCE may return an error
 message, or nothing at all.  Some clients may return information
 other than that expected. SOURCE uses the CTCP protocol.

 Example:

    /SOURCE george

 Result:

    *** SOURCE (george): SofTouch Systems : [phone]


 SQUIT

 The SQUIT command is used to force a server to disconnect from the
 IRC network.

 Syntax:   /SQUIT [server] [comment]

 This command is restricted to IRC operators.

 If a comment is specified, the server name must also be specified.

 Example:

    /SQUIT irc.server.edu Disconnecting due to bad connection


 STATS

 The STATS command is used to query statistics from a server.

 Syntax:   /STATS query [server]

 The query field is one of the following characters:

 c  Returns a list of servers to which the server may connect or allow connections from.
 h  Returns a list of servers which are either forced to be treated as leaves or allowed to act as hubs.
 i  Returns a list of hosts from which the server allows a client to connect.
 k  Returns a list of banned username/hostname combinations for the server.
 l  Returns a list of the server's connections, showing how long each connection has been established and the traffic
    over that connection in bytes and messages for each direction.
 m  Returns a list of commands supported by the server and the usage count for each if the usage count is non-zero.
 o  Returns a list of hosts from which normal clients may become operators.
 y  Show Y class lines from server's configuration file.
 u  Returns a string showing how long the server has been up.

 If the server parameter is not provided, the server you are connected
 with is assumed.

 The implementation of this command on any given server is highly
 dependent.

 Examples:

    /STATS c
    /STATS i irc.texas.net


 SUMMON

 Invite a user to join IRC.

 Syntax:   /SUMMON user [server]

 For this command to function the following conditions must apply: The
 user must be logged into a host running an IRC server; the server
 must have SUMMON enabled; the server must be able to write to the
 users tty terminal.

 Most servers do not support SUMMON, so don't expect it to work.

 Examples:

    /SUMMON george
    /SUMMON george irc.texas.net


 TIME

 The TIME command queries the requested server of client for the
 current time at that location. The TIME command is synonymous with
 the DATE command.

 Syntax:   /TIME [servername] [nickname]

 If no server or client name is provided, the request is made to the
 server on which you are connected. If a nickname is provided, the
 request is sent to the client software used by the nickname as a CTCP
 command. Not all IRC clients support CTCP TIME requests so
 information returned may not be that which is expected or no response
 may be given at all.

 Examples:

    /TIME
    /TIME irc.texas.net
    /TIME george



 Result:

    *** irc.texas.net : Tuesday March 28 1995 -- 08:47 -06:00
    *** TIME (george): Tue Mar 28 08:47:15 1995


 TOPIC

 The TOPIC command is used to display or set a channel topic.

 Syntax:   /TOPIC [channel] [topic text]

 The channel name may be omitted provided the command is entered from
 a window joined to a channel.

 You must be joined to the channel before you can set the topic. In
 addition, if the channel mode is +t, only channel operators may set
 the channels topic.

 Examples:

    /TOPIC
    /TOPIC #chat
    /TOPIC #chat IRC is fun
    /TOPIC IRC is fun


 USERHOST

 The USERHOST command takes a list of up to 5 nicknames and returns
 information about each one.

 Syntax:   /USERHOST nick1 [nick2 ...]

 Note that the nicknames are separated by spaces rather than commas,
 as in most commands.

 Example:

    /USERHOST george pauline


 USERINFO

 The USERINFO command sends a request to the specified IRC user client
 software asking for user information.

 Syntax:   /USERINFO nickname

 Providing the client software for "nickname" supports the CTCP
 USERINFO command, and that the remote user has set this information,
 the text set by the remote user will be returned. Clients that do not
 support CTCP USERINFO may return an error message, or nothing at all.
 Some clients may return information other than that expected.

 Each user sets the text that is to be returned by this command. For
 the GammaTech IRC Client, this information may be set in the "User
 Information" field of the Settings dialog.

 Examples:

    /USERINFO george

 Result:

    *** USERINFO (george): I am a happy camper


 USERS

 The USERS command shows the users logged in to the specified server.

 Syntax:   /USERS [server]

 If the server is not specified, the server with which you are
 connected is used.

 Many servers have this command disabled for security reasons.

 Examples:

    /USERS
    /USERS irc.texas.net


 VERSION

 The VERSION command sends a request to the specified IRC user client
 software asking the name, version and platform of the IRC client
 software.

 Syntax:   /VERSION nickname

 Providing the client software for "nickname" supports the VERSION
 command, a description of the name, version and platform will be
 returned. Clients that do not support CTCP VERSION may return an
 error message, or nothing at all. Some clients may return information
 other than that expected.

 Example:

    /VERSION george

 Result:

    *** VERSION (george): GammaTech IRC : Version 1.00 : OS/2 Warp


 WHO

 The WHO command lists users on IRC.

 Syntax:   /WHO [channel | name | 0] [o]

 If no parameters are supplied, the current channel name is used.

 If a channel name is supplied, or provided by default, the members of
 that channel are listed.

 If a name is provided, which is anything that is not a channel name,
 then it may be a wildcard expression and the users will be searched
 by examining their host, server, real name and nickname fields.

 If a name of 0 (zero) is specified, all IRC users are listed. This
 will be a very lengthy list.

 If the o (oh) operand is provided, only IRC operators matching the
 name mask are displayed. The o operand may only be supplied when a
 name is provided.

 Users which are invisible by having a mode of (+i) are listed only if
 they are on a common channel with you.

 If the output of the WHO command displays an asterisk (*) in place of
 the channel name, it indicates that the user is either not joined to
 any channels, or that the channels they are joined to are private or
 secret.

 The output of this command is directed to a new window created when
 the command is entered. The information shown in this display window
 is a snapshot at the time when the command was executed. To close
 this display window, double click on the icon in the upper left
 corner of the window. Depending on the server response time, it may
 take several seconds for information to appear in the window.

 Examples:

    /WHO
    /WHO #os/2
    /WHO *george*
    /WHO 0 o


 WHOIS

 The WHOIS command displays detailed information about a nickname.

 Syntax:   /WHOIS [server] nickname[,nickname ...]

 If server is specified for a user connected to a distant server,
 additional information will be provided on how long the user has been
 idle. There is no other good reason to supply a server name.

 Information displayed consists of the users name, host, server, real
 name, away status and idle time information.

 Examples:

    /WHOIS george
    /WHOIS george,philly
    /WHOIS irc.texas.net george
    /WHOIS george george

 The last example is a special case where the server name is acquired
 from the nickname. The server used for the query is the server to
 which "george" is connected.


 WHOWAS

 The WHOWAS command displays information about who used the specified
 nickname last, even if it is not currently in use.

 Syntax:   /WHOWAS nickname [count]

 The servers history file is searched for the past usages of the
 nickname and the associated information displayed.

 If count is specified, then only the last "count" items are
 displayed.

 The server history information is not retained very long, so
 information may not be available.

 Examples:

    /WHOWAS george
    /WHOWAS george 3


 Glossary and Acronyms

 bbl - Be Back Later

 bot - Bot is short for robot. It is an automation, such as a script
 or program, which connects to IRC like any ordinary user but provides
 some service for channel participants.

 brb - Be Right Back

 btw - By The Way

 CTCP - Client To Client Protocol. An extended IRC protocol used for
 direct client to client communications.

 channel - The channel is the forum on which discussions occur between
 like minded participants. Channels have a name associated with them
 such as #chat. The first character of the name will be either # or &.
 Channels which begin with # are visible throughout the entire IRC
 network. Those beginning with & are visible only on the server where
 they were created.

 Channel Operator - Chanops, as they are sometimes called, have
 special privileges on the channel in that they can set the channel
 mode, kick users off the channel, ban users from joining the channel,
 etc. The first user joining a channel (creating a channel) is
 automatically given channel operator status. Channel operators are
 designated by an @ by their nicknames.

 chanop - See Channel Operator.

 c u l8r - See you later.

 faq - Frequently Asked Questions. There are FAQ's for almost any area
 of interest on the Internet.

 flooding - Flooding is the term used for sending voluminous amounts
 of text onto a channel. This is generally considered poor manners.
 It will often times get you kicked from the channel. In addition,
 many servers monitor the amount of traffic from its clients and may
 initiate a throttle control on a given client. From a servers
 viewpoint, one message every two seconds is the maximum acceptable
 rate of messages from a client.

 focl - Falling Off Chair Laughing

 imho - In My Humble Opinion

 imo - In My Opinion

 IRC Operator - An IRC operator is one who maintains the IRC network
 from a server standpoint. Although they are sometimes referred to as
 IRCops, they do not generally police for channel abuse. They may
 police for network or server abuse.

 lag - The term "lag" is related to the response time of the network.
 It is the time it takes for other users to see a message entered by
 another user. Under good conditions the lag will be 1 to 5 seconds.
 Under poor conditions it can be several minutes. Lag can be a result
 of band width exhaustion on one or more segments of the network, or
 poor performance of a given server. It is not uncommon for users on
 one server to be lagged while other users are not. See the PING
 command for testing lag.

 netsplit - The event when two servers break their connections with
 one another thereby splitting the IRC network into two separate
 networks temporarily. This is an error condition. The rejoining of
 the networks occurs when the connection is reestablished and is
 referred to as healing.

 oic - Oh, I See

 ops - Having or obtaining channel operator status.

 otoh - On the other hand

 ppl - People

 server (IRC) - The IRC network is composed of many servers
 interconnected which communicate with each other regarding network
 health issues and routing of user messages throughout the network.
 User messages are transmitted to the other appropriate servers and to
 the appropriate clients attached to a given server.

 rofl - Rolling On Floor Laughing

 rotfl - Rolling On The Floor Laughing

 ttyl - Talk To You Later

 :) or :-)    Smiling

 :( or :-(    Frowning