How to get set up IRC using XChat (simple guide for noobs)

Posted: Mon Aug 16, 2010 10:41 am

IRC Set Up Guide - XChat

Ive had a few PMs lately about joining our our IRC channel (#isohunt) but there seems to be some confusion about it. This is a step by step guide with screenshots to make setting up as easy as possible.
I realize from experience that using IRC for the first time can seem daunting, so if you are still confused after reading this guide then by all means ask.

Firstly you will need an IRC client. XChat or mIRC come highly recommended but seeing as XChat is free for 30 days and relatively easy to set up, we will use it as the basis for this guide. You can also download XChat-WDK which is the same as regular XChat but with some useful plugins and is completely free.

http://www.xchat-wdk.org/

Alternatively you can download the "Official" version here..

http://xchat.org/ *

*(NOTE: After 30 days you will be required to activate XChat by registering and paying a one time fee. If you dont wish to pay this fee then there are alternative means of doing so Wink

This doesnt apply to Linux users however as they are not required to register)

Once installed start XChat and you will be greeted with the screen below.
Enter your details as shown and select Add when finished.

Enter your new network as P2P-NET and select edit when finished.

You will now have a box pop up as shown below.
In the Servers box add irc.p2p-network.net/6697
Tick the boxes as shown in the screenshot and enter your favorite channel in the appropriate box (you can add more later if you wish), and your desired password.
Once finished hit close and then click connect on the first box where you filled out your details.

Warning: DO NOT enter your actual real name in the designated box as anybody can see this by running a /WHOIS and therefore will pose a risk your security. Enter a fake alias instead.

(NOTE: If you are not able to connect later on because of SSL issues, you can come back and tick "Accept Invalid SSL Certificate")

XChat will then connect as shown below. When the wall of text has finished you will need to register your nickname. You will need a valid email, as should you forget you password, it will be emailed to your address.

Input the following command and hit enter...

Code:

/msg nickserv register [your password here] [your email here]

Note your password should be the same one you entered earlier.

Once that is done you will need to register your email. Input the following command and hit enter...

Code:

/msg NickServ set email [your email here]

You can also use this command to set a new email address should you need to.

Note: the brackets in the code are for example purposes, do not include them when registering.

You are now ready to use XChat Very Happy

Please remember to read the topic as each channel contains its own rules. Be polite to the channel Ops and if they ask you to do something then please adhere to it as shown in the following screenshot.

Other than that, enjoy!

Basic Commands

/me

When entered it will be replaced with your username. This can be usefull for talking in the 3rd person. eg..

Code:

/me is having a good day

becomes

Code:

pacino23 is having a good day

/part

Allows you to leave the channel.

/join

Allows you to join another channel. eg...

Code:

/join #hexagon

When entered will open #hexagon's IRC channel.

/quit

Allows you to disconnect from the network and all channels. You can follow this up with a message if you'd like. eg...

Code:

/quit going outside

will show this message in the channel windows after you quit...

Code:

Quit: going outside

/hop

mIRC only. Will allow you to leave then immediately rejoin the channel. Useful for testing different things such as greetings.

There are lots of other commands but those are just the basics. There are lots of good guides on Google if you want to know more.
If you cant find what you are looking for then you are welcome to ask here.

Recommended Channels

These channels good places to be a member of and are frequented by Isohunt users. Remember to read the topic's on joining so that you are aware of each channels rules.....

#Unsigned-Artists.Hexagon - This is my channel. It is there to accompany my Hexagon group but you are free to discuss whatever you want. Its a relaxed group and all are welcome to pop in.

#kfc - For chatting and generally having a good time. Sidarial is the channel owner.

#hexagon - Hexagon.cc's IRC channel.

#movies.hexagon - The IRC channel for the movies group on Hexagon. This channel is quite relaxed and you can talk about whatever the hell you want. already_dead is the channel owner.

#isohunt - Isohunt's IRC channel. Its a little bit quiet but usually perks up when somebody starts a conversation. Make sure you read the rules though Wink

#isohunt-helpers - Isohunt's help channel. Come here for assistance. Note that you are not allowed to talk about downloads here unless it is legal and royalty free, and you are expected to research your question before asking. Also no idling here, once you have your answer dont hang around.

#PacLand - My own channel for general chatter and having good laugh. Is occupied by a few Isohunt members already so contains some familiar names. Feel free to take a look, all welcome!

IRC Etiquette

Here is a few tips to ensure that firstly you enjoy the IRC experience and more secondly don't piss off anybody that matters......

1. When you enter a channel for the first time you should always read the topic. This will give you any information that you need to be aware of, such as channel rules.

2. If you are new to a channel then you should say hello when you enter. There are 2 reasons for this; firstly it will confirm that you are a human user, not a bot. Secondly it will show you to be courteous as Ops tend to be weary when an unknown user enters the channel and then doesn't say anything.

3. Respect the Channel Ops. If you annoy them, they will kick/ban you.

4. Occasionally you may be kicked from a channel. A kick is not a ban, you can rejoin straight away. Do not assume the worst if this happens as it depends on context. Some people do it as a joke whereas some use it by way of warning if you are making a nuisance of yourself. An Op on another channel may do it because you have failed to identify yourself. So like I said, it depends on the situation and a reason is normally given on the kick message.

5. If you need to PM somebody then ask them first. Not a biggie if you know that user but its good manners if you don't.

6. Do not abuse bot triggers or flood the screen. It tends to annoy people and some channel bots are programmed to kick you automatically if you do this.

7. Don't gossip from one channel to the other, its almost a guaranteed ban if caught.

8. If you wish to invite somebody to another channel, ask them first. If you don't then it may be mistaken for spam.

9. When you type out somebodies full username you will "highlight" them. What that means is the person in question will be notified of you mentioning them, usually via flashing tray icon and/or sound clip. Do not abuse this feature! And if you are on any of our Isohunt channels do not under any circumstances highlight the Sys Ops without a very good reason!! That good reason been that the site is down for over an hour or similar. Please note your ban or other inane issue is not a valid reason and will likely get you pwned from not just the channel, but the entire network if you persist.

10. What happens on IRC, will usually stay on IRC. The only exception is if you are abusive to any of our staff on the Isohunt channels, they reserve the right to hunt you down on the forum. Other than that bans arent usually permanent. Most are cleared after a week or so. We all get drunk and mess up every now and then (**COUGH**) but if it happens do not harass users over it via PM. An apology or polite explanation is fine but constant arguing will not go down well and you may find yourself on the Ignore list.

This all just common sense, nothing to really worry about and you will usually get another chance. Its just a guideline for those who are unsure of how to behave.

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 1:05 am

Great post pacman Wink

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 1:13 am

!vodka !beer !joint hehe (doesn't work on all channels) Laughing

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 8:27 am

thetazzzz wrote:

Great post pacman Wink

Thanks Tazzzz. Hopefully it might encourage a few people to have a look. Our IRC channel is a little quiet so some fresh blood might liven things up.

Now added some recommended channels that I can personally vouch for. They are also frequented by Isohunt users so new joiners can feel at ease.

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 4:18 pm

Excellent noob guide there pacino23... Spot on Very Happy

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 4:31 pm

RAV3R wrote:

Excellent noob guide there pacino23... Spot on Very Happy

Your welcome mate. If you have any trouble let me know here or on on IRC.

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 4:47 pm

Cool pacino23.... All's good now Very Happy

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 6:15 pm

Nice work pacino, Its an excellent guide Very Happy

I connected last night just to satisfy my curiosity, still haven't done the email yet though but I don't have anything to talk about! Laughing

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 6:24 pm

lndestructible wrote:

Nice work pacino, Its an excellent guide Very Happy

I connected last night just to satisfy my curiosity, still haven't done the email yet though but I don't have anything to talk about! Laughing

No probs glad it worked for you. You dont have to have something to say to join, just lurk till you do Wink

(its what everyone else does lol)

Posted: Tue Aug 17, 2010 6:35 pm

Great post mate will help lot of newbies Very Happy

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2010 1:16 am

what do all the colours next to the various user names mean?

Posted: Wed Aug 18, 2010 2:59 am

lndestructible wrote:

what do all the colours next to the various user names mean?

Different ranks

Posted: Sun Aug 29, 2010 8:45 pm

Ive added my channel, #Unsigned-Artists.Hexagon to the OP. I only just created it so is a little short on users for now. Feel free to take a look.

(Crafty spam over Wink

)

Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2010 12:59 pm

Quote:

#kfc - For chatting and generally having a good time. Sidarial is the channel owner

I figured I better introduce myself as i'm not posting all the time anymore and new users may not know who I am. Very Happy

Don't be afraid everyone is more than welcome to join the chan and have a good laugh.. or sit there and say nothing... thats what most ppl do anyway Shocked

lurkers!

Posted: Mon Aug 30, 2010 1:04 pm

sidarial wrote:

Quote:

#kfc - For chatting and generally having a good time. Sidarial is the channel owner

I figured I better introduce myself as i'm not posting all the time anymore and new users may not know who I am. Very Happy

Don't be afraid everyone is more than welcome to join the chan and have a good laugh.. or sit there and say nothing... thats what most ppl do anyway Shocked

lurkers!

okay that explains it.i got an invite but was like who the hell is moof or whatever it was. Laughing