Welcome to IRC and Undernet

IRC is a real-time, text-based chat system. Undernet is an IRC network: a group of connected servers that share the same users and channels.

The essentials

• A nickname is the name shown beside your messages. Nicknames are not owned or registered on Undernet.
• A channel is a shared conversation whose name normally begins with #, such as #help.
• A private message is a direct conversation between two connected users.
• An Undernet username is an account used with Channel Service (X). It is separate from your nickname.

Start here

1. Open the web chat or configure an IRC client.
2. Connect through a server listed in the Undernet server directory.
3. Join a channel with /join #channel.
4. If you need assistance, join #help or submit a support request.

IRC is intentionally open and decentralised. Read channel topics, be patient with volunteer helpers, and never share account passwords or verification answers.