Non-Java clients generally do not automatically connect to a specific network, unless configured to do so by the user. Generally, to connect to a network, one must use the following line:
/server (Server Address Here)
Many clients that have Graphical User Interfaces (GUI, mouse based systems) also allow the user to select a server from a premade list of networks, or enter their own.
Upon connecting to the network, the user can either change their Nickname, or join a channel.
A nickname is the handle by which the user is known. These can be registered so that no one can use your nickname without your permission. The command for changing your nickname is, for most clients:
/nick (Insert Desired nickname here)
Letters and numbers are acceptable, as are many symbols. Spaces, however, cannot be used.
IRC networks almost always have a plethora of channels to choose from. They range from channels with specific topics (Video Games, Linux, Pokemon, etc.) to general chat channels. The command for seeing the channel list is
/list
Upon finding a channel you wish to join, the following command is used to enter the channel:
/join #(Channel name)
All channel names start with #. Within a channel, there is a heirarchy of users, so that the channel owner can keep things under control. They range from top to bottom as follows: Founder, Co-Founder, Operator, Half-Operator, Voice Operator, none. Some channels may be set up as "Moderated" so that no one ranked lower that Voice (a.k.a. VOp) can speak. Most channels will also have rules that are strictly enforced, and users ranked higher than your can kick and/or ban you at any time. Remember: Joining a channel is a privledge. Obey the rules, or else your privledge to be there can and will be revoked.
