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Undernet IRC FAQ [Part II] (updated 9th July 1994) - Weekly Repost
Version 1 By Paul Grant (Grant)
Version 2-3 - written by Mandar Mirashi (Mmmm)
mmmirash@mailhost.ecn.uoknor.edu
The FAQ consists of answers to several frequently asked questions on the
IRC newsgroups. Please don't ask these questions again, they've been
answered plenty of times already - and please don't flame someone just
because they may not have read this particular posting. Thank you.
The FAQ consists of the following sections.
I) IRC for the newcomer
II) The Undernet (for the newcomer)
III) The Undernet (for the EFnetter)
IV) The Undernet (how can you participate?)
V) Acknowledgements/References
VI) Undernet IRC server list
This article covers sections II - VI, and includes answers to:
Section II: The Undernet (for the irc newcomer)
-----------------------------------------------
2-1) Well, I understand what a server is. Now what's a net?
2-2) So far, so good. Now, why's this net called the "Undernet"?
2-3) How do I find the closest Undernet server to me?
2-4) Whom do I approach if I have questions?
2-5) What are some good channels to try?
2-6) Say...can I join some mailing list which helps with IRC questions,
or discusses IRC in general?
2-7) Are there any Undernet ftp/www/gopher sites?
Section III : The Undernet (for the EFnetter)
-----------------------------------------------
3-1) What is the Undernet? Where does the term EFnet come from?
3-2) Why does the Undernet exist? Do we need another IRC?
3-3) How is the Undernet IRC protocol different from/better than the
EFnet?
3-4) So, can you summarise the advantages of the Undernet?
3-5) Cool! Do I need to make any changes to my .ircrc file?
3-6) How do I get to the Undernet from the EFnet?
3-7) Hmm..someone was foolish enough to hand out ops to an untrustworthy
person on our channel, who proceeded to do a mass deop, and left.
Can something be done?
3-8) Can I move my channel to the Undernet? What are the advantages of
doing so?
3-9) Can I communicate with someone on the EFnet once I'm on the Undernet?
(or vice-versa)
3-10) Hmm..can you help dispel some of the aspersions that I have heard
about the Undernet from EFnet opers?
3-11) Who are the Undernet programmers?
3-12) What does the future hold for the Undernet?
Section IV: The Undernet (How can I participate?)
-------------------------------------------------
4-1) So, how do I get to be an "IRC op"? Why can't I be one?
4-2) How do I apply for a link for my server to the Undernet? What are the
requirements?
4-3) How do I volunteer to do some work for the Undernet? No, I'm not
looking for an O line. I just like being nice and helpful to people.
How do I participate?
4-4) I have some ideas for the future design of ircd. I may also be
interested in doing some programming for the Undernet. Whom do I
approach?
If you're looking for the answer to, say, question 2-5, and want to skip
everything else, you can search ahead for the regular expression "^2-5".
(/2-5 in case you use vi).
While I have tried my best to keep the FAQ updated, there may be
inadvertent mistakes or omissions. Is there a question that you find
frequently asked, but not mentioned? Please send all suggested additions/
corrections/deletions/comments/etc. to mmmirash@mailhost.ecn.uoknor.edu
This FAQ (both parts) can be obtained via anonymous ftp from ftp.undernet.org
or ftp2.undernet.org under /irc/docs, or from rtfm.mit.edu under
/pub/usenet/alt.irc/ If ftp does not work from your site, then try
the mail server: send email to mail-server@rtfm.mit.edu with
send usenet/news.answers/irc/undernet-faq/part1
send usenet/news.answers/irc/undernet-faq/part2
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section II: The Undernet (for the irc newcomer)
================================================
2-1) Well, I understand what a server is. Now what's a net?
IRC servers are connected together in a 'tree' like fashion
(an undirected acyclic graph to be precise). A collection of
IRC servers is called an IRC net. The command /links will
display all servers on a net. The command /lusers will display
the number of users, servers, and channels on a given net.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-2) So far, so good. Now, why's this net called the "Undernet"?
The term "Undernet" was suggested in jest by some of the original
operators (dl, Wildthang and Whizzard) who started it. As time
went by, the name stuck. :-) Upon hearing the name people often
think that it's a net where something illegal goes on - which isn't
quite the case. On the other hand, the name also imparts a mysterious
angle to the IRC net. On the whole, it's a very friendly net with
an easy going atmosphere. Most people are nice and helpful to
newcomers.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-3) How do I find the closest Undernet server to me?
Luckily for you, all Undernet servers follow names of the format:
city.state.country.undernet.org or,
city.country.continent.undernet.org
Thus, you can easily locate the closest server to you. In most
cases, this also turns out to be closest netwise as well. The
command /links lists all servers. Choose one which is closest
to you, and simply type /server servername. Also, the following
aliases are set up, country/continent wise:
us.undernet.org - USA
eu.undernet.org - Europe
au.undernet.org - Australia
ca.undernet.org - Canada
You can try a /server countrycode.undernet.org and see if that works
for you.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-4) Whom do I approach if I have questions?
You are always welcome on #wasteland - the help channel. Please
remember that depending upon the time, #wasteland volunteers may be
slow in responding since most peek into the window once in a while.
However, someone or the other is sure to help you out!
Another avenue is the ircnet@undernet.org (general irc help) and
wastelanders@undernet.org (irc oper mailing list)mailing lists - try
mailing your question to these. You may even mail your server admin
for more information (/admin will return information on the admin
for that server and his/her email address).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-5) What are some good channels to try?
New channels are starting up on the Undernet almost everyday. Given
the dynamic nature of channels, the channel names can vary, but a few
are fairly stable.
General chat: #chatzone, #chat, #friendly, #hotsex, #popcorn,
#ark, #gayteen
Help: #wasteland, #help, #irchelp
Games: #jeopardy, #balderdash
Countries: #canada, #dutch, #india, #slovenija, #ireland,
#england, #korea, #russian
Religion: #christian, #wicca
Technical: #unix, #hack, #appleiigs
Languages: #espanol, #francais
Fantasy/Role-playing: #waste
Feel free to try any of these. New channels are created each day.
you can check out these with a /names or a /list command.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-6) Say...can I join some mailing list which helps with IRC questions,
or discusses IRC in general?
The list ircnet@undernet.org has been set up for people requesting
general help regarding irc questions. The list
wastelanders@undernet.org has been set up as a medium for IRC opers
to communicate, and discuss ideas, amongst other things. To join
either of these, send mail to listserv@undernet.org with the word
"help" in the body which will send you back further information.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2-7) Are there any Undernet ftp/www/gopher sites?
Undernet FTP sites -> ftp.undernet.org (aka rush.cc.edu)
ftp2.undernet.org (aka sci.dixie.edu)
Undernet WWW URLs ->
http://sci.dixie.edu/~agifford/IRC.html
http://esquilino.enserb.u-bordeaux.fr:8001/TOP/irc/index.html
http://http2.brunel.ac.uk:8080/~cs93jtl/Undernet.html
http://http2.brunel.ac.uk:8080/~cs93jtl/IRC.html
www.undernet.org is an alias for sci.dixie.edu
www2.undernet.org is an alias for http2.brunel.ac.uk
Undernet gopher site -> gopher.undernet.org (aka sci.dixie.edu)
To get to the Undernet gopher site, follow these directions:
Main menu
-> Other Gopher and Information Servers/
-> North America/
-> USA/
-> Utah/
-> Dixie College Science Gopher (St. George, Utah)/
-> IRC (Internet Relay Chat)/
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section III : The Undernet (for the EFnetter)
=============================================
3-1) What is the Undernet? Where does the term EFnet come from?
The Undernet is a separate collection of IRC servers on a different
network. The servers follow a much better server-server protocol,
while maintaining the same server-client protocol. It's much smaller
than its counterpart the EFnet, and was designed to supplement the
EFnet. The term EFnet stands for eris-free net. (eris.berkeley.edu
was a server on the net which is now no longer there) The small size
of the Undernet also works to advantage and is often considered by
many as a good thing. On the Undernet all the operators know one
another, people are more friendly and there are (as yet) no unsavoury
characters.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-2) Why does the Undernet exist? Do we need another IRC?
Why not? At the moment the EFnet IRC is overloaded with users. There
are frequent netsplits involving not just the odd servers, but in
increasing cases a significant number of servers. Too much pressure
is put onto the EFnet IRC due to the (unforeseen) explosion of users
it has gained. Many people don't ask _if_ the EFnet irc will survive,
but when will it go...
For this reason the Undernet stands out as a Good Thing (tm). It can
help take the load off of the EFnet IRC and prolong its day of
judgement, hopefully for long enough that a solution to its problems
can be found. The Undernet consists of some very highly motivated and
dedicated people enthusiastic to make a success of their venture.
There is another reason why the Undernet is here. EFnet IRC is becoming
more and more politicized, day by day. With various EFnet IRC admins
forming groups against one another, the amount of co-operation between
them has become almost nil. The time which they could spend in serving
you, the user, is instead spent in endless bickering.
Undernet is a net where the operators are friendly easy going folks, and
are always happy to help the users as far as possible. Abusing users is
*highly* frowned upon, and opers follow a certain "Undernetiquette".
Feel free to ask any questions that you may have, and though you may
not always be guaranteed of an answer, we will surely do our best to
help you in any way whenever possible, and in making your stay more
comfortable.
Yet another goal of the Undernet is to provide a better environment
for users to communicate in, with protection against malicious users
who try to work *against* IRC and its principles. The Undernet has an
improved server-server protocol which disallows netsplit op riders,
with no channel desynchs, or intentional nick collides possible.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-3) How is the Undernet IRC protocol different from/better than the
EFnet?
As time has gone by, Undernet IRC programmers have come forward with
innovative solutions to stem some of the problems plaguing the
current EFnet. A lot of creative solutions have been coded by our
major ircd programmer - Run (carlo@sg.tn.tudelft.nl), and implemented
on the Undernet servers. These include:
* TSpre8 - This patch makes it impossible for anyone to abuse
netsplits and ride ops and do mass deops on your channel or lock it
up. Mode changes are followed with a channel creation TS (timestamp)
which is used to then reverse invalid mode changes. TS pre8 also
includes code which makes it difficult for even irc admins to hack
their server to do fake mode changes without HACK notices being
sent to all opers. TSpre8 also enables oper wallops.
* bquiet - This patch prevents someone banned on the channel to send
to it or change nicks. Extremely useful since /kick is almost never
needed, and counters annoying nick changing automatons with a
single ban until they flood themselves out.
* silence - This patch cuts off flooding at the *local* server. Thus,
unlike /ignore where your client continues to receive floods (even
though you don't see them) and gets ping timed out, silence enables
you to completely get rid of intentional flooders. To use silence,
the syntax is: /silence +user@host or /silence nick.
* ANC - The anti-nick collide patch foils intentional nick colliders
who try changing servers during netsplits on the EFnet and obtain
the same nick in order to collide you when the net rejoins. With
the anc patch, this is no longer possible, and the person who
signs on *later* is rejected from the server.
In addition to the above obligatory patches for all Undernet servers
(all developed by Run), many Undernet servers also run the foll.
optional patches:
* ban - Developed FIRST on the Undernet by SIO, it was soon adopted
by some servers on the EFnet. This patch allows you to see who
set bans and when on a channel.
* To - topic info - Also developed first on the Undernet by SIO, this
patch allows you to see who set the topic on a channel and the time
that it was set.
* S - Signon time - Another Undernet first, coded by SIO, this patch
allows you to see when another person on the same server as
yourself, signed on.
The foll. patches which are also optionally installed, are more of
interest to IRC admins:
* KL - Kill line comments - Developed by Mmmm. Allow you to specify
a comment on the K line instead of the plain stupid error message
of "ghosts are not allowed". You may even choose to have a file
output to a K lines client.
* TT - Trace times - Developed by Tonto. Appends a number indicating
in milliseconds, the amount of time lapse since the server last heard
from the server/ client. Depending upon your Y lines setup, you can
use this as a judge to determine ping timeouts.
* Cl - Client connect - Developed by Twilight1. Notifies you of local
client connects/disconnects. Useful for spotting clone bots.
* sw - /stats w - Developed on the EFnet by mlv. Lets you gather
statistics on average client connects per hour, day, etc. and keeps
track on maxconnections on the server so far.
* MC - mixed case - Developed by Jon2/mlv. Helpful patch to disallow
users with mixed case userids (usually fake) from connecting.
* OF - oper fail - Developed by Jon2/bry. Notifies local opers when
a local user tried to /oper and failed.
For more information on these patches and how they work, you can
ftp to ftp2.undernet.org and fetch /irc/servers/README.patches
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-4) So, can you summarise the advantages of the Undernet?
The Undernet offers users the following advantages:
* Lesser lag due to more intelligent routing based solely on ping
times and traceroutes.
* Fewer netsplits (these too are attended to by an automatic
routing service which reconnects on splits).
* No netsplit op riders to harass channels.
* No channel desynchs and servers telling you that you aren't opped.
* No nick colliders.
* All the useful patches discussed in the earlier answer are
implemented on most servers.
* User friendly operators willing to help you.
* Innovative new services such as MURC (check out channel #waste)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-5) Cool! Do I need to make any changes to my .ircrc file?
Yes, you will need to add the following lines to your .ircrc if you
use ircII, and would like to take full advantage of all the patches.
# Ban patch
on ^367 * if ([$4] != []) {echo *** $1 \($3 - $stime($4)) $2} {echo *** $1-}
# Topic info patch
on ^333 * echo *** Topic for $1 set by $2 on $stime($3)
# Signon time patch
on ^317 * if (index(012345679 $3) != -1) {echo *** $1 has been idle for $2 seconds. Signon at $stime($3)} {echo *** $1 has been idle for $2 seconds.}
# TSpre8 - channel creation time
On ^329 "*" echo *** $1 : created $stime($2)
# handy aliases for the silence command and a required on raw_irc
alias silence quote silence
alias sile quote silence
on ^raw_irc "% SILENCE %" echo *** $*
# If you use Daveman's toolbox or any auto rejoin line, remove the old
# on raw_irc for KICK, and use the foll. one instead: (Run)
# [Remove the # symbol at the beginning to uncomment the lines of course]
#
#on ^raw_irc "% KICK % % *" {
# if ([$3]==[$N])
# {
# //quote join $2
# echo $mid(11 5 $stime($time())) * You have been kicked off channel $2 by $left($index(! $0) $0) \($mid(1 256 $4-)\)
# }
# {
# echo $mid(11 5 $stime($time())) * $3 has been kicked off channel $2 by $left($index(! $0) $0) \($mid(1 256 $4-)\)
# }
# }
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-6) How do I get to the Undernet from the EFnet?
It is very easy to switch to the Undernet if you're currently on the
EFnet. Simply use the command,
/server servername
or if a port is specified (all European Undernet servers run on
port 7000)
/server servername port#
Sometimes, the "symbolic" name for the server may not work, and you
may need the "numeric" address (a string of numbers) instead. Listed
in the Appendix is a list of Undernet servers along with their
numeric addresses and ports wherever relevant.
All Undernet servers are registered in the undernet.org domain. Also,
they follow the format: city.state.country.undernet.org or,
city.country.continent.undernet.org E.g US servers are
*.US.undernet.org
and european servers are
*.eu.undernet.org
This will make it easy for you to remember how to get to the Undernet.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-7) Hmm..someone was foolish enough to hand out ops to an untrustworthy
person on our channel, who proceeded to do a mass deop, and left.
Can something be done?
The Undernet has a special service known as Uworld which takes care
of reopping channels, and is accessible by operators. However, strict
guidelines are in effect for its use. An oper will refuse to use
Uworld if there already exist chanops on the channel. Uworld can be
used if a channel has lost channel ops for some reason *and* channel
users are unhappy about it *and* they are decided upon who's to be
opped. To make sure that users realise the responsibility of the
decision of sharing ops with someone else, a time delay may occur
before the channel is reopped. Above all, it is *your* responsibility
that you do not lose ops on your channel - an oper is not *obliged*
to reop channels who lose ops due to carelessness on behalf of the
current chanops.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-8) Can I move my channel to the Undernet? What are the advantages of
doing so?
You're welcome to start up your favourite channel on the Undernet as
well. Consider the many advantages. Much better facilities for
chatting, without the annoyingly frequent netsplits; much lesser lag
(check with /ping #channelname for yourself :); protection against
netsplit op riders who try to disrupt channels; no channel desynchs;
amongst the other advantages listed earlier. We may even be able to
set up a gateway service between the same channels on both nets, if
all channel members are willing. (email wastelanders@undernet.org,
if you wish to do this; or email dvmitche@mailhost.ecn.uoknor.edu or
carlo@sg.tn.tudelft.nl). Undernet operators are always willing to
help you in this endeavour, so don't hesitate to ask us.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-9) Can I communicate with someone on the EFnet once I'm on the Undernet?
(or vice-versa)
Occasionally, a few gateway services can be found on the Undernet
which allow you to communicate to someone not on the same net, or
which link channels. These include 'ul' - programmed by Tonto
(vencill@bga.com), || - programmed by Wildthang (dvmitche@mailhost.
ecn.uoknor.edu), Orac - programmed by Ensor (dholmes@rahul.net),
and miscellaneous others (including some by Run). Look around if
any of these is present, and if so, try /msg servicename help.
You can also be simultaneously on *both* nets if you use ircII. Try
the command:
/window new server servername
where servername is the name of a server on the other net. This will
split your screen into two windows, with each window on different
servers. If you specify a server on a different net, then you will be
on different nets. You can use Ctrl-x p (hit ctrl-x, release, then
hit p) to flip between windows. (if that doesn't work, you may try
/window goto 1 and /window goto 2) Type /help window to get more
extensive help.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-10) Hmm..can you help dispel some of the aspersions that I have heard about
the Undernet from EFnet opers?
Not surprisingly, many EFnet opers resent the existence of the
Undernet, and go to great lengths to deny it the credit it deserves.
Some of the often quoted "statements" are:
* "The Undernet is lame."
Response: The word "lame" seems to have permeated into the
vocabulary of most EFnet operators. So much so that the Undernet's
dubbed "lame" without any concrete reasons, out of *sheer*
prejudice. Many do not even make an effort to understand the
philosophy behind the Undernet before wantonly flaming it.
* "The Undernet has no users" or "The Undernet has more servers
than users".
It's often amusing for most Undernetters to see this argument
from the horse's mouth. To quote from a previous version of the
doc/US-Admin/Networking document: (those doubting the validity
of this quote can ftp any server version before 2.8.16, and
verify it for themselves)
"In August of 1990, IRC suffered a critical split in viewpoints of
key people in the IRC hierarchy. The result was IRC split into two
networks, EFnet (Eris Free network) and Anet (Anarchy network). This
split continues today. There is some debate over whether IRC will
ever reunite, however, neither side is willing to bend from their
standpoint. Currently, there are about 95 servers on EFnet (and
the same number of users) and 15 servers on Anet (and about half the
number of users)."
Thus in August 1990, the EFnet had 95 users on 95 servers. Many
opers who trumpet its userbase of "thousands of users" seem to
neglect this very fact. (On a sidenote, the Anet no longer exists
and died after a few months of existence) It took many years for
the EFnet to arrive at its current userbase. Not to mention that
after the death of the Anet, it had almost no competition from
other nets until 1993. While it may not make sense to have as many
servers as users, a skeletal network was needed with servers in
good locations to provide access points to users.
The Undernet has long since crossed the "users == servers" ratio.
People who tell you this are mistaken, and haven't checked up
since July '93. The user record at the time of writing (July 94)
stands at 239 users on approximately 25 servers.
* "The Undernet was formed by people who couldn't get to be IRC
operators on the EFnet"
Wrong. The Undernet was formed by people who already were IRC
operators on the EFnet. It was started as an experiment to get away
from the ways of the EFnet.
* "The Undernet servers are run on-the-sly with no approval from
system administrators"
Wrong again. System admin approval is a standard prerequisite for
sites requesting new links. In many cases, the people running
servers are sysadmins themselves. While this statement may have been
true in the early days of the Undernet, it is no longer the case.
* "The Undernet solutions to protocol work only on a small net. They
do not work on large nets."
This was an oft quoted remark by people who were prejudiced against
Undernet ircd developments, for the sole fact that they stemmed
from the Undernet. To prove this wrong, we need to consider the
foll.: First of all, all test ircd versions on the EFnet are run
on a test net *much* smaller that the Undernet. Secondly, the pre-
releases that run on the EFnet are by *no means* bug free. Thirdly,
a TSpre7 server ran on the EFnet for *six* months without any
major problems. It would have worked optimally if everyone had
changed to TSpre7, but the fact that it ran without major problems
for such a long time speaks for itself. In fact, it was much much
more trouble free than the server versions which had either the oper
bug in it, or the server/nick collide bug.
* "The Undernet operators are clueless and know nothing about
routing."
This perhaps is the most humorous of all allegations :-) On the
Undernet, all routing decisions are done based on maps of the
physical nets and subnets (NSFnet, ANSnet, Alternet, Midnet, CICnet,
Suranet, Cerfnet, Barrnet, Ebone, etc), and on the basis of pings
and traceroutes. This is very unlike the EFnet where links are
often handed out to someone else due to nepotism. Further, the
Undernet now also has an automatic router designed by Run, which
keeps track of ping times between servers and the average net
mean ping time.
PS: The statements mentioned above should not be taken as reflective
of *all* EFnet opers. To be fair, some EFnet opers have no
problems with the existence of the Undernet and have even been
supportive. We can only show our deep appreciation for their
impartial opinions.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-11) Who are the Undernet programmers?
The Undernet programming team has many members - all of them very
enthusiastic and deeply dedicated to the cause. Here's a brief
description of what each person does/codes/maintains:
* Run (carlo@sg.tn.tudelft.nl) - Our magic ircd programmer. He
coded the foll. important patches:
o TSpre8 o ANC o bquiet o silence
In addition, Run also maintains Undernet's automatic Router. He
also coded Underworld.nl, a backup for Uworld.
* WildThang (danny@mailhost.ecn.uoknor.edu) - Our magic "user services"
programmer. Wildthang is the coder for Uworld, Murc, quick
ircIIhelp, and telnet client services. The Undernet hosts the
world's first MURC (Join #waste on the Undernet to find out what
a murc is :). Wildthang's also the coder for the gateway service ||.
* SIO (pfoley@vuw.ac.nz) - Coder for the Undernet Nickserv. Also
coded the ban, topic and signon info patches which are found with
the .mu versions of the server.
* hop (jnelson@iastate.edu) - Our magic ircII client enhancer. Hop
has done an extensive facelift to current ircII versions. His latest
version was ircII2.3.17+10.4. The UPDATES file which reflect new
additions to the client is 500 lines in size! You can ftp this from
ftp2.undernet.org under /irc/clients
* Mmmm (mmmirash@mailhost.ecn.uoknor.edu) - He's responsible for
maintaining the auto-magic ircII install on sci.dixie.edu. He also
codes and maintains the smallirc client, and does minor ircd
patches and releases.
* Karll (agifford@sci.dixie.edu) - Multipurpose programmer. He has
coded useful routines for both ircd as well as hop's client.
* Tonto (vencill@bga.com) - He was the author of the gateway service
'ul'. He's also done some ircd programming for the Undernet.
* dl/President/S_Avatar/TheJester/epa/Snarf - these are our other
programmers who have chipped in useful things from time to time.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3-12) What does the future hold for the Undernet?
All of us envisage a bright future for the Undernet. Userbase has
been slowly rising. So has the stability of servers in general.
More and more improvements have been done to the protocol in
general, and have proven successful.
Given the surprising success of the Undernet, many attempts have
been made to imitate it in the form of other nets. Other nets such
as the Lamenet, 3l33tnet, and the Overnet sprung up in recent years.
None of these however have exhibited the originality of ideas or
creativity shown by innovative Undernet programmers. The Overnet
at the time of writing, switched to using the Undernet ircd code
*without* even giving credit to the Undernet in its version numbers.
A famous saying goes: "Imitation is the best form of flattery".
We hope that you will take time to visit us on the Undernet, and
share in its bright future. The final goal of Undernet ircd
programmers is to eliminate or minimize all problems that plague
the current EFnet. The journey has just begun....
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Section IV: The Undernet (How can you participate?)
=================================================
4-1) So, how do I get to be an "IRC op"? Why can't I be one?
The Undernet admins do not give ops to people who *ask* for them.
If you participate in the net by helping people, and in general
following proper Undernetiquette, you might merit attention and
your name may be suggested on the wastelanders mailing list. IRC
ops are scrutinized carefully before being added. Basically, no
ops are handed out to people who (i) are hardly around or (ii)
ignore pleas for help or (iii) want ops just for kill power or
(iv) want ops because it gives them a sense of "power" over other
users, and to look "cool". Remember, asking for ops only makes your
case *worse*. If you're worthy, and other feel that you're competent
enough, you'll be approached to volunteer for oper. IRC ops are
expected to have been on IRC for a long time, and must possess an
adequate amount of knowledge to help Undernet users. They are also
responsible for keeping servers connected and abiding by the general
guidelines of the Undernet.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4-2) How do I apply for a link for my server to the Undernet? What are the
requirements?
At the time of writing this document, the Undernet will not consider
any more links unless you're situated in an exceptionally good
location (read "one hop off the T3 backbone in the US, or other
equivalent backbone networks in Europe/elsewhere"). Use traceroute
and ping to determine your location. If you feel you are eligible
for a link, read the files in the /irc/newlinks directory at ftp.
undernet.org. Post your proposal to the wastelanders mailing list
- wastelanders@undernet.org. Remember, all Undernet servers *must*
run with the approval of the system admin at that site. If you do not
receive a response within a week, you can safely assume that the
Undernet cannot provide you links (though usually, a response, either
positive or negative will be sent). For a more elaborate discussion,
you may join #wasteland and talk to other IRC admins to discuss your
proposal.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4-3) How do I volunteer to do some work for the Undernet? No, I'm not
looking for an O line. I just like being nice and helpful to people.
How do I participate?
The Undernet is *always* looking for people like you. We are always
short of volunteers to help other people. Have you benefitted from
your experience with the Undernet? Have you enjoyed your time on
IRC here? We encourage you to give back to the net what you got from
it. You are encouraged to help. Even if you lurk around on #wasteland
and familiarize yourself with frequently asked questions on the
channel, and their answers, it would take a BIG load off many of the
operators who were quite selflessly devoted to helping you, when you
started off. You can join the wastelanders mailing list (mail
listserv@undernet.org with the word "help" in the body for
information on how to subscribe). Please do what you can. Every little
bit counts!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4-4) I have some ideas for the future design of ircd. I may also be
interested in doing some programming for the Undernet. Whom do I
approach?
The Undernet is always on the search of new solutions to existing
problems. If you think you can help us in this endeavour, welcome
aboard! Subscribe to the wastelanders mailing list (send mail to
listserv@undernet.org with "subscribe wastelanders" in the body)
and tell us about your ideas. After a period of discussion, and
depending upon everyone's views, we may give you the "go ahead"
to program it! Yes, watch *your* code being run on servers around
the world, with your name in our acknowledgements. The Undernet
programming team is a tightly knit set of enthusiastic individuals.
Feel free to participate.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
=================
* First off, to Jarkko Oikarinen (WiZ) for this wonderful invention.
* To the telnet site maintainers at bradenville where I first accessed irc.
* To the ircII coders (Mike Sandrof, Troy Rollo, Matthew Green, Ian
Frechette, Jeremy Nelson).
* To Run for his magic improvements to Undernet ircd.
* To Wildthang(Danny) for his advice as a friend and as an awesome
Undernet irc services programmer.
* To TikTok (Donna) who's gonna bear the misery of proofing this.
* To all wastelanders/Undernetters for helpful tips and comments.
* Thanks to all others who have helped me in this faq - you are too
numerous to mention - you know who you are.
* Thanks also to my critics and enemies. Without your existence, I
wouldn't have had the inspiration to go on.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REFERENCES
==========
* The ircII help pages.
* RFC1459
* IRCprimer by Nicholas Pioch.
* alt.irc FAQ by Helen Trillian Rose Davis.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX: The Undernet Server List
==================================
Updated: 1st July 1994
----------------------
Explanation of entries
----------------------
line 1: server name and port number
line 2: machine name and IP numeric
line 3: location
--------------------
Undernet server list
======================
NORTH AMERICA (some of these also run on ports 7000/7777)
=============
CANADA
------
server: Montreal.QU.CA.undernet.org 6667
machine: aiken.info.polymtl.ca 132.207.12.13
location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
USA
---
server: Pasadena.CA.US.undernet.org 6667
machine: cancun.caltech.edu 131.215.48.152
location: California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
server: Norman.OK.US.undernet.org 6667
machine: vinson.ecn.uoknor.edu 129.15.22.33
location: University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma, USA
server: Boston.MA.US.undernet.org 6667
machine: iota.coe.neu.edu 129.10.22.11
location: Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
server: Albany.NY.US.undernet.org 6667
machine: helios.acm.rpi.edu 128.213.5.17
location: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, New York, USA
server: Manhattan.KS.US.undernet.org 6667
machine: fubar.ksu.ksu.edu 129.130.8.12
location: Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas, USA
server: Milwaukee.WI.US.undernet.org 6667
machine: rush.cc.edu 140.104.4.169
location: Carroll College, Waukesha, WI, US
server: Ames.IA.US.undernet.org 6667 (temporarily unavailable)
machine: pv1648.vincent.iastate.edu 129.186.22.72
location: Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
server: StGeorge.UT.US.undernet.org 6667
machine: sci.dixie.edu 144.38.16.2
location: Dixie College, St. George, Utah, USA
server: Tampa.FL.US.undernet.org 6667
machine: nosferatu.cas.usf.edu 131.247.31.19
location: University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
server: Davis.CA.US.undernet.org 6667
machine: zen.ucdavis.edu 128.120.2.8
location: Davis, CA, USA
server: Austin.TX.US.undernet.org 6667
machine: hougen.che.utexas.edu 128.83.162.106
location: Austin, Texas, USA
MEXICO
------
server: Puebla.MX.undernet.org 6666 (temporarily unavailable)
machine: cca.pue.udlap.mx 140.148.4.100
location: Universidad de las Americas, Puebla, Mexico
CHILE
-----
server: Santiago.CL.undernet.org 6667
machine: 146.83.1.1
location: Reuna, Red Universitaria Nacional
EUROPE (most of these also run on port 7000)
=======
server: Lausanne.CH.EU.undernet.org 6667
machine: anatsg1.unil.ch 130.223.201.6
location: University of Lausanne, Institute of Anatomy, Lausanne,
Switzerland
server: Crete.GR.EU.undernet.org 6666
machine: cyprus.csd.uch.gr 147.52.16.1
location: University of Crete, Computer Science Department, Greece
server: Caen.FR.EU.undernet.org 7000
machine: ns.ensicaen.ismra.fr 192.93.101.16
location: Ecole Nationale Superieure d'Ingenieurs de Caen, France
server: Paderborn.DE.EU.undernet.org 6667 (temporarily unavailable)
machine: pbhrzx.uni-paderborn.de 131.234.128.204
location: University of Paderborn, Pderborn, Germany.
server: Delft.NL.EU.undernet.org 6667
machine: sg.tn.tudelft.nl 130.161.188.188
location: Netherlands
server: Vienna.AT.EU.undernet.org 6667
machine: olymp.wu-wien.ac.at 127.208.3.30
Location: Vienna, Austria
server: Ljubljana.Si.Eu.undernet.org 6668
machine: cmir.arnes.si 193.2.1.67
Location: Ljubljana, Slovenia
server: Oslo.No.EU.undernet.org 6667
machine: eros.nki.no 128.39.107.112
Location: NKI Ingenioerhoegskolen, Oslo, Norway
server: Gothenburg.Se.EU.undernet.org 6667
machine: alcazar.cd.chalmers.se 129.16.79.30
Location: Chalmers Tekniska Lekskola, Gothenburg, Sweden
server: Krakow.PL.EU.undernet.org 7000
machine: galaxy.uci.agh.edu.pl 149.156.96.9
Location: Krakow, Poland.
server: Uxbridge.UK.EU.undernet.org 6667
machine: tcws-15.brunel.ac.uk 134.83.32.97
Location: Brunel University, Uxbridge, London, UK
ASIA
=====
server: Taipei.tw.undernet.org 6667
machine: gate.phys.sinica.edu.tw 140.109.103.204
Location: Taipei, Taiwan.
AUSTRALIA
=========
server: Wollongong.NSW.AU.undernet.org 6667
machine: gorgon.cs.uow.edu.au 130.130.64.75
location: U of Wollongong, Dept of Computer Science, Wollongong, Australia
TEST SERVERS / SERVICES
=======================
SanJose.CA.US.undernet.org (jive.rahul.net)
SanJose2.CA.US.undernet.org (netcom14.netcom.com)
Toronto.ON.CA.undernet.org (hookup.net)
Delft2.NL.EU.undernet.org
Uworld.undernet.org
Underworld.nl
undernet.org (Nickserv)
Fantasy.Worlds.Murc.undernet.org (Murc)
Router.nl (Router)