IRC is a system that facilitates real-time text-based communication over the internet. It was developed in 1988 and allows users to connect to servers and communicate with others through chat channels or direct messaging. IRC is organized into independent networks that are managed differently and serve various audiences and regions. It enables users worldwide to meet new people and interact in real time, though conversations can veer off topic and security risks exist.

2.  IRC is short for Internet Relay Chat
 Internet relay chat was developed in
August 1988, by Jarkko Oikarinen
 IRC enables users to connect to a server using
a software program or web service and
communicate with each other live.

3.  Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is a system
for chatting that involves a set of rules
and conventions
and client/server software.
 Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is an application
layer protocol that facilitates transfer of
messages in the form of text.

4.  An IRC client is the vehicle that connects you to
the global network of IRC servers.

5.  IRC is organized into numerous independent
networks, all with different audiences,
geographical reach, and management. Besides
the major networks, there are also many
smaller networks that serve either a niche
audience or a small geographical region.

6. In its simplest form, it is a
medium in which people can
interact with one another textually
in real-time. The interaction can
take place in channels (chat rooms)
with a variety of topics or even be
peer to peer. Any individual with
an IRC client can join a server,
participate in a particular channel
or even create their own.

7.  There is no single company controlling IRC,
therefore, anyone can set up their own server and
use it however they like.
 Meeting new people: persons are able to meet and
communicate with new people all over the world on
IRC.
 IRC can also be used for other purposes, especially if
specialized client add-ons or fully autonomous bot-
clients are used, such as file-sharing, botnet control,
or gaming where messages contain commands
instead of just chatter.

8.  IRC's channel paradigm is very flexible and
robust: allows for real-time discussion with up to
hundreds of people at once.
 IRC has the concept of access levels and complex
channel modes. For example, users may be
banned from a channel based on their IP address,
or a channel may be secret or private and require
an invitation or a secret code to enter.
 Instant access to a large number of "lurking" and
active people.

9.  It may be difficult to organize and
control discussions because the
conversations often veer off topic, exactly
at the whim of the participants
 Anyone can access an Internet relay chat
and may send malicious files to your
computer.

10.  All passwords and everything you say
can be sniffed by anyone between you
and the server.
 The chat client line length and buffer
limits mean that it is impossible to
develop an argument, and therefore all
"discussion" is necessarily limited to
chat-sized bites of words.

11.  Hyperbole, jokes, and sarcasm not only
may be misunderstood.

12. MR
RYON
WHYTE