Need Help?

Confused? Don't know where to look for some information?
This is the place you've been looking for:   an introduction to the Undernet's available help resources.
For answers to questions that aren't covered here, don't hesitate to e-mail help@undernet.org.

Getting Started

There are three basic steps involved in joining the network -- locating and downloading an IRC chat client, configuring the client, and logging on to a server. Be sure that before you log on, you check the most recently updated server list. By connecting to the closest server, you will have the fastest and best connection available.

Since the Undernet is staffed and run entirely by volunteers, it is suggested that you read and learn as much as you can about IRC and the basic commands as possible before looking for help. Some excellent resources are the Undernet Primer and the Undernet FAQ Part 1 and Part 2, all of which can be found on the Documents Project website. If you still can't find what you're looking for, there are many ways to get help on and off IRC.

Help Online

  • Help Channels

    The quickest way to get assistance with your IRC questions while online is to join one of the many Undernet help channels. There are also channels available that can assist with questions about IRC clients, operating systems, or even your computer hardware and software.

    To join one of these channels, just type /join #channelname, ask your question, and wait patiently for your answer. If one of the channel operators or users cannot give you an answer, chances are he or she will be able to direct you to a website, another user, or another channel where you can get more information.

    A partial listing of some of the Undernet's help channels is available separated into general help/operating systems and IRC clients/technical help.

  • Online Classes

    The Undernet hosts regularly scheduled online classes for users which are presided over by a moderator. The advantage of these classes is that they are very comprehensive, and yet you can still obtain quick help since online tutors are provided. Help is as close as the message (/msg) command.

    For information on a class for users new to IRC and the Undernet that is held weekly, check out the #class website. The Channel Service Committee also hosts OpSchool, a class for channel managers and operators (although anyone can attend) interested in learning more about X and W commands. By popular demand, OpSchool has added yet another class that covers how to protect yourself from being flooded and how to register your channel.

  • Available Help Files

    You can receive help files from HelpBot and UnderBot, two automated online robots, or "bots," that send files upon request to the user. UnderBot is geared more towards information about OpSchool and the Channel Service Committee, while HelpBot provides more general IRC help files.

    To get information about what files are available while online, just type /msg UnderBot files or /msg HelpBot help, depending on your need or interest. Please keep in mind that the bots generally require updating and maintenance, so if they aren't up and you're unable to get the files while online, just try again later.

    Help Via E-Mail and the Web

    You can get answers to your questions about IRC and the Undernet through the various committee websites or by writing to one of the many available e-mail addresses, particularly help@undernet.org.

    Again, since the people who respond to these e-mails are volunteering their time, it may take a day or so before you get a response. We ask for your patience, but if you haven't received a reply within a couple of days, feel free to write back and ask your question again.

    Navigating This Website

    There are many different sections to the Undernet website, which is divided into mirror sites and secondary servers. The mirrors are hosted all over the world, enabling the viewer to obtain quicker access to the website. The secondary servers are used to host specific information, such as the Channel Service Website or the Undernet Documents Project.

    All of this is designed to give you a faster and more efficient way to browse through these pages, allowing you to get the information you're looking for as quickly as possible -- so you can spend more time chatting on the Undernet!

    For additional assistance, contact help@undernet.org.




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