Sambar Server Documentation

IRC Server
Pro Server Only


Overview
IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is a multi-user, multi-channel chatting network. It allows users to talk to one another in real-time. The real functional differences between IRC and "Instant Messaging" clients come down the following shortcomings of IRC: the clients are "primitive", there are no buddy-lists, and IRC is designed to be anonymous.

IRC Basics
Channel names typically begin with a #, as in #serverhelp.

Each user is known on IRC by a nickname, such as 'smartgal' or 'FunGuy'. Optionally in the Sambar Server, users can be required to authenticate and keep their nickname the same as their Sambar Server username.

Channels are run by channel operators, who can control the channel by choosing who may join (by "banning" some users), who must leave (by "kicking" them out), and even who may speak (by making the channel "moderated"). Channel operators have complete control over their channel. The first person to enter a room, thereby creating it, is the operator for that room and may grant the operator privilege to other members. In addition, all Sambar Server Administrators who enter a room also are privileged with the operator privilege.

IRC Commands
While most users will use a GUI tool, it is helpful to know the underlying commands supported by the IRC server you're using. On the Sambar IRC Server, you may use /help for a list of all IRC commands supported.

Commands and text are typed in the same place. By default, commands begin with the character / . If you have a graphical client such as mIRC for Windows, many commands can be executed by clicking on icons with the mouse pointer. Some examples are given below.

IRC Compatiblity
The Sambar IRC Server differs from standard IRC servers in the following ways:

  • Server-to-server protocol commands are not supported. The Sambar IRC Server is not able to communicate with other IRC servers.
  • Can be configured to require a username/password for all users. IRC is typically used by anonymous users. While it can be configured in this manner, by default the Sambar IRC Server is intended to be used among a well-known, authenticated community of users.
  • All Sambar Server Administrator's are, by default, also operators with operator privileges in any channel they enter.
Command Resulting action...
/join #support You join the channel #support.
/who #coolness Gives some info on users in the channel. Users with an @ preceeding their name are channel operators, while users with a * are IRC operators (Sambar Server Administrators).
hello everyone Everyone in the #support channel sees: your-nichname hello everyone. Your nickname is automatically prepended to your message.
/part #support You leave the channel #support.
/nick bob Changes your nickname to "bob".
/privmsg fred :hello fred! Sends a private message to fred with the message "hello fred!"
/quit :good night You quit IRC completely with the parting comment "good night".

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