IRC is a medium of communication. There cosists of two parts, a server and a client. It was written in the late 80's as an alternative to BBS Messaging systems (Alot like web-based forums or e-mail lists). THe concept to be implemented was real time communication. This was the precurser to many popular "Instant Messaging" and Confrence programs. There are several servers now, at least a hundred by my estimation. We will discuss which server we use in the next section, Connecting. We believe IRC is the best medium to distribute anime, because it creates a community of people. Where questions can be asked and answered, and anime can be discussed.

The first major IRC server was efnet. We use efnet. Efnet is likely the most popular, even though it has "drawbacks" as people call it. First off, efnet has the best "scene" on IRC because of these "drawbacks". People say the drawbacks of Efnet is there is no channel services, and no nickname services. Well its not that they can't do this, they could. But they won't, and they have what I believe is a very good reason for this. "No one owns a channel. No one owns a nickname". I love it :P Even though it means #animefiends could be taken over, and someone else can call it their own, I firmly believe in it. My nickname 'Dingo' is stolen, but I made light of it, and re-named to NeoDingo (No, its not a rip-off from the matrix, (neo means new in german) grr) I believe in real life, no one should "Own" land, and on IRC, channels are alot like land. The nickname services I dont think are really a problem. Anyway, enough with the IRC rant, now we will discuss how to use IRC.

(windows) Download the mirc IRC client at www.mirc.com. The latest version is fine, I'm sure. There are alternatives, but mirc is the simplest, the most-(windows)featured, and supported IRC client.

(unix) There are a few alternatives. For most hard-core unix users, you will want BitchX. Download it at www.bitchx.com. This is a text-based console irc client. This is for people who want a fully-featured IRC client with tcl scripting, multiple windows, etc. Also the ascii colors make it a personal favorite of mine :) But for those who use X-windows and enjoy the mIRC-like GUI the bext choice is probobly x-chat. Unlink most linux-based GUI IRC clients, x-chat is very scriptable. Unfortunatly there is still no support for tcl scripts at this time.

(windows) mirc should have default efnet servers built in, just select the one nearest to your location and (if your lucky) you should automaticly connect. If you have problems connecting, see other

(other) all irc clients (or all sane irc clients i've ever used) use the /server command to connect to a server, for instance /server irc.efnet.net. These are some popular reliable servers:

irc.qeast.net
irc.daxnet.no
irc.prison.net
irc.homelien.no
irc.rt.ru
irc.lightning.net

Note: 90% of efnet servers require you run an ident daemon. It is very difficult to get on many efnet irc servers without it. mirc has one built in, that *should* be enabled. in unix "ident" is usualy the command to start your ident server. Almost all distrobutions come with an ident server, but most do not start it on boot.

(windows) mirc should automaticly pop up a window. First thing your going to want to do is highlight them all and delete them. These are where lame newbie mirc punk-ass lamer bitches hang out. You don't want to join any of them, believe me. Ok, so after thats done, put in #animefiends on the top and select "add", then highlight it and select "join". Or, if your not lame, you can uncheck the "popup on connect" box and do as instructed in other

(other) type /join #animefiends

IRC is a communication forum, So it has two flaws. 1.) Assoles. 2.) Security breech. Both of these can be avoided by carefully reading and following the following instructions

This has drawbacks, but is also not a problem if your not a moron. Set this in your DCC options, set auto-resume and auto-download on. This is a _nice_ feature, esp. when you are in a queue, which you can read later in the FAQ.

If you leave your computer on all night, come back and see "How to get free Cash!.txt.vbs" downloaded. DELETE IT. even if its just "sexy_asian.jpg" or even if it looks like anime! DELETE IT! If you didn't ask for it, YOU DONT WANT IT. *NEVER OPEN IT* 90% of files sent to you without your permission are trojans, which give people backdoor access to your computer. and if its not that, its a malicious virus. by not letting your curiosity take the best of you and removing any suspicious files without opening them, having auto download/resume is no problem.

Lately lamers have been making a cheasy trojan that adverises like an fserve, but the trigger is listed as "/write $deocde(soydc-p9cy9-32f[0nfzshf9-8REHdh2p9hd_*@ijhieoj-)" or something like that. $decode and $encode are cheap mIRC encryption functions, and /write write something to your hard disk. Often times these write specific lines into your mirc.ini file or other system or software dependant files often to gain backdoor access to your lame windows computer. Also people who become victims of this often end up advertising the fserve themself, unknowingly. Sometimes the script puts all messages on ignore, so the only way to let them know is to kick them with an apropriate "You have a trojan, re-install mIRC" message. In other words, report this to an op. Oh, and don't type it. The *only* triggers you should type are plain text triggers such as "JJJAaaaar", ctcp triggers such as "/ctcp fuckserv !Fuck me Fuckserv!" or generic "!Give me some sugar, baby"

Also, another note, if someone who apears to be a perfectly normal person sends you a random file without you asking for it, it'd be nice to tell them. Some people downloaded and _ran_ (mistake) the same file, and it secretly sends itself out using IRC as a medium, without the person who has it knowing it. So please inform them. And if they're doing it on purpose say "HEY JACKASS, QUIT SENDING ME SHIT". Also report this to the ops.

No colors. They're useless and annoying. Take them off ads if you even can. ALSO DO NOT TYPE IN ALL CAPS LOCK. IT APPEARS AS IF YOU ARE YELLING OR SAYING SOMETHING IMPORTANT. THIS ISN'T 1979 ANYMORE, THIS ISN'T GW BASIC. *WE HAVE SUPPORT FOR LOWER-CASE CHARACTERS NOW* so please, don't use capslock.

 Rule 1: Don't Piss Off the Ops
   Some operators have a better tolerance for stupidity than others. 
   If there's any question as to whether or not you are pissing them off, 
   then just stop. Personal insults are usually welcomed if not enjoyed, but
   being lame or trying to me l33t to win respect is not.
 Rule 2: No Spam
   The operators determine what is or isn't spam. Particular no-nos
   include external advertisements and any kind of onjoin messages.
 Rule 3: Only +v/+o Request
   Quite simple really. Request. Asking to receive anything. If you're
   not sure if you have a +v, chances are that you don't.
 Rule 4: All Ads have 30min Timers
   Ads of any sort: FServ, FTP, TDCC, XDCC, Request (if your +v), etc.,
   all must have a minumum of thirty(30m) minute delay. (1800 seconds). I'd
   like it if they were 60m(3600s) timers, and just listed with !list
 Rule 5: No Ratios or Other Crap
   If you're offering anime, don't make the rest of us jump through hoops
   to get it. No ratios, hunt-the-password, or sign-up-for-acess. This will
   get you banned for at least a year.