So, you’ve just rented a Multiplay UK server/hosting package and have been told you can get support over IRC. But what is IRC?

IRC (or Instant Relay Chat) is a form of instant messaging. Essentially it’s a method for creating, joining and participating in internet “chat rooms”.

This guide is not intended to be a complete guide to IRC; there are plenty of those elsewhere online. Instead this guide will be cover the basics you need to know, to get support for your package over IRC.

This guide will cover:

     • Getting IRC client software and installing it.
     • Connecting to an IRC server.
     • Getting support for your package.
     • Basic commands and tips.

Step 1 – Getting the Software

There are many different IRC clients you can use. Most of them are either freeware or shareware. The most common, and the one we suggest is mIRC available from www.mirc.com.

Once you have downloaded the latest release, simply run the exe and choose a place to install it. It couldn’t be simpler. Once it is installed, it’s useful to have a shortcut to the program on your desktop, but this is by no means necessary.

Step 2 – Setting Up and Connecting to a Server

As soon as you start mIRC, the following popup box should appear:

IRC works by connecting to a server (or a network of servers) which can host thousands of separate chat rooms. We use the Quakenet network, which is not listed by default in the dropdown box shown above, so we need to add a new server.

The following box should appear:

     • In Description, enter Multiplay IRC (or something similar)
     • In IRC Server, enter irc.multiplay.co.uk
     • The port number should be 6667 by default. If its not, then enter it now.
     • Finally, click the Add button.

Now select the entry you just created from the drop down list. It will be at the very bottom of the list.

NOTE: IRC nicknames must be unique and are non-case sensitive, i.e. Bruce and bruce are the same name. No two people can have exactly the same nickname, and Quakenet does not support nickname reservation. If you use a common name like Neo or Maverick, be prepared to use an alternative spelling or have special characters at the end e.g. Neo^ or |Maverick|
Putting your clan tag in front of your name can be useful in this regard.

Okay… with all that info added you can now click the Connect to IRC Server button.

A new window will appear called Status. This is where server messages are displayed. You cannot close this window, or you will disconnect from the server, but you can minimise it if you want. Wait till you see the server welcome message. You may have to wait a minute or two depending on what firewall or internet connection sharing settings you are using.

Step 3 – Joining a Channel

In IRC, the individual rooms are known as channels. Now that you have joined a server you need to join a channel.
The Status window is not somewhere you can chat, it is only for server messages and entering commands.

Click on the Status window. Note the flashing cursor in the left of the long rectangle box at the bottom of the window.
Type the following and press enter:

     • /join #mpukhosting

Another window will pop up. This is the Multiplay UK hosting support channel, and this is where you need to be to ask for support. Just type in your message, and chat away. It couldn’t be simpler.

Step 4 – Basic Commands and Tips

All chat rooms have a # preceding their name. You can join as many rooms at the same time as you like, just type: /join #roomname

For general chat with many other Multiplay customers and event regulars, join #multiplay

People whose names start with an @ are channel operators. These people are able to kick people from the room, set the topic and other general admin features. In #mpukhosting they are also the people who are able to help you with your query. Please be patient when trying to get attention. We are not able to monitor IRC continuously, we do have work to do. Only repeat your question every 10 minutes or so.

People with a + by their name are not operators. It merely allows that person to speak if the channel is being moderated, but it is commonly used to donate that this person is a regular to this room.

You are able to talk directly to an individual in a private message (PM). Just scroll down the right hand side of the room till you see the persons name, and double click on it. A new window will appear, and you can chat in that window privately with the other person.
NOTE: Do not PM operators in #mpukhosting unless they give you permission.

If you want to change your nickname, just type: /nick nickname
If the name has not already been taken, your name will change immediately.

For more info about IRC in general, simply search on www.google.com
For more info about quakenet, visit www.quakenet.org