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Internet Relay Chat (IRC) |
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The MSU IRC server is
located at http://edtech6.montclair.edu:8000
IRC (Internet relay chat) provides a way for individuals to "chat" using text from web browsers and IRC client software (both need an Internet connection).
 What is
IRC?
What does IRC provide?
What do I need to get started?
Basics of using the
OIT IRC
server
What is IRC?
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IRC, which stands for Internet relay chat, is a way for individuals to "chat" in real time with text messages. IRC is a multi-user chat system, where people meet on "channels" (channels are rooms- virtual places- which host specific topics or purposes) to talk in a group or privately. IRC can handle a large number of connected individuals. IRC uses a standard Internet connection to transfer messages from an individual, to an IRC server which then sends the message to the entire group logged into the chat. IRC can be used through a standard web browser or through an IRC software package.
What does IRC provide?
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IRC provides a method of communication for many individuals. Based on text, IRC can be used for a live debate or discussion and is often used in education to handle student questions, group debates and discussion and collaboration for projects. Depending on the IRC service used, transcripts of the conversation can be downloaded and referred to later. Because of this, IRC provides a valuable method of extending classroom conversations.
What do I need to
get started?
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A computer
An Internet connection
A web browser which is
java-compatible (like Netscape Communicator 4.75 or higher)
Basics of using the MSU IRC server
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Getting Started
1. In a web browser with Internet access, go to:
http://edtech6.montclair.edu:8000
2. When the main screen appears (will be labeled "Conference Room by
Webcrawler") click on "Load Chat Client" (if you have a slow
connection, click on the box next to "use light chat" and then click
"load chat client").
3. The main chat window will appear- an additional window may open which is
labeled "Conference Room Channel Op". If this additional window
appears, please close it by clicking the X in the top right corner.
4. The screen may flash and there can be a delay, after which, you will see text
in the message area which covers some basic rules of the chat room. When the
text disappears and the screen stops flashing, you can enter a chat.
5. In the center of the window, fill in the nickname that you would like to use
and hit enter on the keyboard (you will see your name appear on the right side
of the chat window).
Chatting
1. Enter text in the center of the screen (there will be a blinking cursor in a text box).
2. Hit enter.
Changing colors or adding formatting (bold,
italic)
1. It is possible to add basic formatting to your text message. Among the possibilities are colors, bold, italic and reverse (white text on a black background).
2. To apply a formatting change, click on the appropriate button or box to the left of the text area. A symbol will appear in the text area. Enter your text and hit enter on the keyboard.
Actions and Sounds
1. It is possible to perform a virtual action or make a sound in a chat.
2. To do so, click on the appropriate header in the bar below the text area.
3. In the list that appears, choose the sound or action you would like to perform.
*There is a third header available labeled "commands". These commands are accessed the same way as the sounds and actions headers are.
Changing rooms
When users access the MSU IRC server, they start in the lobby. The lobby is a general meeting area for all individuals- as opposed to the specific rooms that pertain to classes or groups.
Choosing a specific chat room
1. Once you are in the lobby and have a nickname assigned, you can leave the lobby and enter a chat room.
2. Click on the Rooms button at the top of the chat screen- a listing of rooms appears in the main chat area.
3. In the bottom area of the screen, enter the name of the room that you would like to join and click on "Add new room."
Switching between rooms
When you add a new room to your list of rooms to use, it will appear under the chat and text area on a tab- there are automatically tabs available for the server (labeled as edtech6.Montclair.edu) and the lobby (labeled lobby). To move between rooms, click on the appropriate tab.
Ending chat
When you want to leave the chat areas altogether, close your browser window.
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