IRC Network – Explained in Easy Words
IRC short for Internet Relay Chat is an online communication tool through which users from around the globe can chat over the Internet. Soon after its introduction, the IRC network has gained a tremendous boost. It turned out to be the most widely used chat programs in the world. IRC allows the user to create multiple virtual chat rooms and invite friends. It has a very user-friendly interface. Apart from letting you send text messages to numerous individuals, the tool also allows you to transfer files while you are still chatting. Not all operating systems support the same version of IRC.
Jarkko Oikarinen, a student of University of Oulu, Finland developed the foremost version of IRC. RMSG a popular messaging client was responsible for motivating Oikarinen towards developing the IRC tool. Released in the year 1998, IRC soon became popular in the whole of Finland as well as Scandinavia. Finally, the popularity spread to various parts of North America.
Before its public release, the military too used IRC during the Gulf War in order to receive instant messages. Although, presently there are thousands of messaging clients available, IRC still remains the favorite to millions across the globe. One can use it for professional as well as personal purposes.
DALnet, IRCnet and QuakeNet are some servers that maintain the IRC network. All of these servers form an independent part of the massive chat network and together work towards sharing its traffic. However, to a common user, the combination of the server appears like one single server. IRC is capable of supporting millions of conversations at a time. It uses a system of groups known as channels. These channels allow people with same opinions and thoughts to come together and discuss on a similar topic. The users can chat under complete privacy. The channel is nothing but a virtual room.
You need to take care of a couple of things while you are using IRC. In case, you use windows, make sure to turn on the firewall. Also, use an anti-virus software program. This will keep you save from hackers and online thieves, who are always looking out for some new ways to peep into your personal life. Avoid chatting in ALL CAPS. Moreover, restrict the use of color to a particular point.
Most of the newly invented messaging clients may sound very tempting. However, there is no way one can compare them with IRC. Although, IRC presently does not rule the world of online chat, but still holds a perfect place in the heart of millions who still love to chat with friends the same old way. It will surely not be wrong to call IRC an eternal flame that will never go off. IRC network is indeed a revolution.