Frequently Asked Questions

This is a list of questions that are often asked to our IRC Operators. If you need help, this is the first place to look.

If your question is not answered here, use the online help request form. If you think something should be added to this list, contact the webteam.

Connection and Support
How can I connect to the Darkfire IRC Network?
What clients can I use to connect to Darkfire?
Where can I go for live help?
Why can't I connect?

Services and IRC
How can I register my nickname?
How can I make a channel?
How can I send a message to an offline user?
How can I get a list of channels?
How can I tell if another user is online?
What are modes and how can I use them?
How can I change my nickname password?

IRC Network Software - IRCd and Services
What is IRCd?
What IRCd does Darkfire use? Where can I get it?
What are Services?

Contributing to Darkfire
Can I link a server to the Darkfire IRC Network?
Can I move my channel to Darkfire?

How can i connect to the Darkfire IRC Network?
Answer: To connect to the Darkfire IRC Network, you can point your IRC client to irc.darkfire.net, port 6667 or 7000. If you do not have an IRC Client, you can use our Java Chat Client to connect now.

What clients can I use to connect to Darkfire?
Answer: You can use any standard IRC Client to connect the Darkfire IRC Network. Darkfire does not endorse the use of any client, but there are numerous popular ones. Windows users can use mIRC or XChat (XChat was designed for X Windows). MAC users can use IRCle. Linux/Unix users can use BitchX at console. X Windows users can use XChat. A better list is available here.

Where can I go for live help?
Answer: To report abuse, spamming, or anything else that requires immediate attention from IRC Operators, please /join #darkfire. Should no one be able to answer your question, please use the online help submission system.

Why can't I connect?
Answer: There are several possible reasons why you could be having connection troubles, most of them are beyond our reach. If you need to ask somebody, feel free to use the Online Submission System to get help.

How can I register my nickname?
Answer: You can register a nickname that is not owned by someone else to reserve it for your private use. To do this, select a secure password for your nick that no one else will guess. Then /msg NickServ register <password>. You can then set various options for your nickname, please see /msg NickServ help set for more information.
Note: your nickname will expire after 27 days of no use.

How can I make a channel?
Answer: To create a channel that does not yet exist, simply join it by typing /join #channel where #channel is the name of your channel. If the channel is already created, you will not receive Channel Operator status (given to the administrators of a channel). If you would like to register your channel for long-term use, think of a secure password an description for your channel. The password may not contain spaces, but the description can. Then /msg ChanServ register #channel <password> <description>. You can then add yourself as an owner by doing /msg ChanServ owner #channel add <your nick>.
Note: your nickname must be registered to register a channel via ChanServ

How can I send a message to an offline user?
Answer: If you cannot reach a user via /msg <user> <message>, then you can use MemoServ to send him a short message (Up to 255 characters). To use MemoServ, both your nick and the other user's nick must be registered via NickServ. To send a memo, /msg MemoServ send <user> <message>. To list your memos, /msg MemoServ list.

How can I get a list of channels?
Answer: To see a list of all public channels, type /list. Some channels are marked secret and will not be shown in this list.

How can I tell if another user is online?
Answer: To see if a certain user is online, type /whois <user>. To search for users, use the /who command. For help on this, type /who ?.

What are modes and how can I use them?
Answer: Refer to the Mode Listing.

How can I change my nickname password?
Answer: First, you must identify to your nickname by doing /msg NickServ identify <password>. Then, to change your password, type /msg NickServ set password <new password>.

What is IRCd?
Answer: IRCd is the Internet Relay Chat Daemon, a server that allows clients to connect to it and chat. Anyone can run an IRCd, and there are many different versions available. Different servers may have different protocols and are not compatable with one another.

What IRCd does Darkfire use? Where can I get it?
Answer: Darkfire uses the Twilight IRCd. You can obtain this server from http://ircd.darkfire.net.

What are Services?
Answer: Services is a single application which uses a group of nicknames to provide essential services for IRC users. Services normally connect as a server, though they cannot normally hold clients. Darkfire uses its own, custom services based on services3.2.3 by Andy Church. Darkfire Services are not available for download.

Can I link a server to the Darkfire IRC Network?
Answer: Darkfire is currently accepting applications for new servers, but they must meet certain requirements. To apply, please see the Server Application.

Can I move my channel to Darkfire?
Answer: Absolutely! Darkfire is always looking for new users and new channels to make a more diverse and complete network. You do not need to notify us before moving a channel, but you may do so if you want. Our administrators can be found in #Darkfire.