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 geographically, you will have the fastest and most stable 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, available 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 configuration and troubleshooting of 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, 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 can obtain quick help, as 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:
this is a class for channel managers and operators (anyone can attend) interested in learning more about X commands.
By popular demand, OpSchool has added two additional classes that cover: 
- how to protect yourself from being flooded.
- how to register your channel.

Help in other languages

There are many other external webpages, where you can find Undernet-related information.
Try one of the reccomended sites below!

      - www.undernet.de - A great website in German.
      - www.canal-ayuda.org - A great website in Spanish.
      - www.helpturk.org - A great website in Turkish(Turkce Yardim Sayfasi).

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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.

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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.
Secondary servers are used to host specific information, such as:
Undernet's Channel Service Website, User-com, 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.