Internet Relay Chat (IRC)

It is a very popular method of instantaneous communication over the internet. The majority of this communication is done with text in a chatting channel. Users use an IRC client to connect to an IRCserver, which then allows a user to connect to a chat channel or individually message other users.

IRC has been popularized by the media as being a haven for hackers and illegal file-sharing. While this occurs to some extent, the average IRC user uses IRC to chat with people from around the world. Topics of discussion vary from politics to technology to anything the mind can think of.

Unlike popular instant-messaging tools such as AIM, MSN, or Yahoo Messenger, individual IRC servers are run by independent volunteers. Like other popular instant-messaging tools, connecting to an IRC server is free of charge.

General IRC Information

- IRC, utilizing the TCP/IP protocol, makes use of a client/server model for its communication.

- A user uses an IRC client, such as mIRC, to connect to an IRCserver. A user chooses their own particular nickname to use when connecting to an IRC server.

- An IRC server is a server run by volunteers. It allows clients to connect free of charge. After a connection is established, a user may join or create IRC channels.

- IRC servers are connected with each other to form IRCNetworks.

 - Depending on which IRC server a user joins, he/she will be connected to a vast network of other users. - This can include people from Europe, Asia, and everywhere else in the world. There are current “four big networks,” these are known as: EFnet, IRCnet, QuakeNet, and Undernet.

Analysis

• IRC has been utilized by all sorts of people for all sorts of purposes. Whether it be a teenager trying to download the latest version of Photoshop, a gamer discussing the latest strategies with like-minded individuals, a hacker trying to infiltrate other users, or a Christian sharing their faith, IRC serves millions of users everyday.
• Unlike instant-messaging tools such as AIM/MSN, IRC provides users the ability to chat with hundreds of users simultaneously.AIM/MSN fosters individual relationships whereas IRC is more community based. In addition, most AIM/MSN users know each other in real life, whereas most IRC users have never met or will ever meet each other.
• IRC is a mostly “lawless” area of the internet. An average user would be able to find MP3’s or applications to download if they tried hard enough. However, channel operators and channel communities are effective at maintaining and self-policing their individual channels.

By Brian H