What is chat?
Baby don’t quote me. Don’t quote me. No more.
Webchat (IRC) is an easy way to get connected and stay on top of things. It can also be a great way to make some friends! There are many knowledgeable people ready and willing to chat and help at the stroke of a key. Just put in a unique username, click “Connect” and you’re good to go!
What is this “IRC” thing?
I’m glad you asked!
IRC stands for Internet Relay Chat – it’s simply a chat protocol that was built before a lot of the modern internet. Dtella utilizes a specially coded Bridge client that connects all Dtella users (those connecting via DC++/Jucy) to an IRC server. This way, we can offer better moderation of the chat and, more importantly, those who wish to chat without sharing any files, are off campus, or can’t connect via their DC++/Jucy client, can still talk.
What are channels?
Channels are an integral part of IRC and allow multiple chats to exist within one IRC network. Every channel is prefaced with a #. Don’t worry, its not a hashtag; IRC was around ages before Twitter. Everyone connecting through a Dtella client (DC++/Jucy) is in the #dtella channel. Unsurprisingly, that is the most talkative channel. But, there are plenty more to choose from:
| #dtella | Main channel; All Dtella users are here. |
| #release | The announce channel for theTardis. All new releases are announced here. |
| #dtella-help | The Dtella Help Channel. If you are banned or can’t get connected, this is the place for you. |
| #dtella2.0 | The Dtella Services technical channel. |
| #homework | Homework help by current and former students |
| #trivia | Dtella’s own trivia channel. Get a couple friends and join! Read the topic for information on how to start a game |
| #casino | Feeling lucky? See just how lucky you are. Imaginary internet points only. |
| #idlerpg | It’s a role playing game. Where you play by idling in chan. You have to see it to understand. |
There are even more than listed, but these should get you started!
If you would like to see the whole list, type /list in your IRC client.
Interested in using a dedicated IRC client?
- Server address:……..irc.dtella.net
- Channel:……………..#dtella
- Username:…………..[your unique username]
As always, make sure to read the Rules and the Guide to Chat Etiquette.