SlashNET Help

• How do I register a nickname?
• How do I register a channel?
• What services does SlashNET offer?
• How do I set up my channel to automatically give ops or voice to certain users when they join?
• What is a troll?
• How do I cloak?
• How do I find an IRC operator?
• When I connect to SlashNET, my firewall or system logs show the server trying to connect to many TCP ports on my machine. What is this?
• How long does it take for a nickname to expire with NickServ?
• How do I recover a lost NickServ password?
• I keep getting disconnected with the message "Ping timeout." What is this?
• I've been banned from SlashNET. How can I contact an administrator?
• Does SlashNET allow bots?
• How long does it take a channel registration to expire?
• I want to link a server. Where do I start?
• Why is my connection to SlashNET refused with a message stating I've been "AKILLED" or "K-LINED"?
• Does SlashNET offer a BotServ?
• I am the administrator of a shell or NAT'd IP address. How do I get an exception from clone kills?
• What version of IRC Services does SlashNET use?
• What are the general rules on SlashNET?
• Somebody registered the nickname I've been using. Can I get it back?
• Does SlashNET keep a history of user and channel loads?
• Where can I obtain a copy of the Java IRC client that SlashNET uses?
• How do I create a user profile on the SlashNET website?
• Why can't I stay logged into the website from two computers simultaneously?
• How does SlashNET tie Services with the website? Can I get a copy?
• Why don't I show up on the website's user lists?
• Does SlashNET allow botnets?
• In the website's channel list, I see some channel topics with multiple lines. How do I do this for my channel?
• How do I submit a question during a forum?
• How do I get ChanServ to join my channel?
• How do I link nicknames with NickServ?
• What is nukle's real name?
• How do I see nicknames linked to my nickname?
• I have a Slashdot account. How do I use it on SlashNET?
• How do I get someone banned from SlashNET?
• Does SlashNET offer virtual hosts (vhosts) to users?
• Why is no one helping me in #help?
• Our channel has no operators and it is not registered. Can you op one of us?
• I did not receive an email message from NickServ containing my AUTH code. What happened?
• Why does NickServ say my nickname isn't in use when the server says it is?
• Why is Utility sending a CTCP TIME request to me when I connect?

SlashNET's IRC services allow users to register channels. This is done by sending a registration command to "ChanServ". The command to register a channel is "/MSG ChanServ REGISTER #channel password description". For further assistance with this, type "/MSG ChanServ HELP REGISTER" on SlashNET.

Like most other IRC networks with IRC services, SlashNET has a ChanServ, a NickServ, and a MemoServ. For more information about each of these services, "/MSG <ServName> HELP" on IRC.

ChanServ allows you to specify whether you want certain users to automatically receive channel operator status or voice when they join your channel. To do this, you must add the user to the channel's access list. The command is "/MSG ChanServ ACCESS #channel ADD nicklevel". By default, level 50 is automatic opping, and level 30 is automatic voicing, but you can change these defaults for your own channel. For more information about access levels, type "/MSG ChanServ HELP ACCESS LEVELS" on SlashNET. For more information about access lists in general, type "/MSG ChanServ HELP ACCESS".

A troll is someone who seeks to deliberately incite anger, arguments, and disorder. A simple example would be a person who goes into #linux and extols the superiority of Microsoft products.

SlashNET supports what is called "cloaking." This hides the left-most portion of your hostname, which prevents other users from finding the IP address of your machine for Denial-Of-Service attacks. In order to cloak, type: /mode <yournick> +x

If you require assistance from an IRC operator, you can use one of the following methods to find an online operator:

• use the /helpop command to send a message to all online opers (you will need to prefix your message with an exclamation point as in this example in order to force it as a notice and not a help request to the IRCD's online documentation system): /HELPOP !Hi. I think I've discovered a botnet using this network. Could someone please contact me? (note that some IRC clients will require that you use /QUOTE HELPOP instead of /HELPOP)
• Join the #help channel and ask/look for an oper who is present and non-idle.

In order to ensure that you are not running an open proxy, the SlashNET IRC server that you connect to attempts to initiate several kinds of proxy sessions with you. You should not worry about this, and in fact can ignore it. You only need to worry if you have an open SOCKS, HTTP, WinGate, or other form of proxy.

It has become necessary for SlashNET to be more aggressive about open proxies and scan for many new types we never checked before. Unfortunately, open proxies are used malliciously to flood, harass, and attack IRC. We appreciate your cooperation in securing the Internet and ridding the world of open proxies.

On SlashNET, our nickname expiration time is set to 60 days. This means that if a nickname is not used within 60 days, it will be unregistered and become available for others to register. Once a nickname expires, it is no longer yours and we will not return it to you. It is up to you to reregister it before somebody else gets it.

All nicknames registered on SlashNET should have a working e-mail address associated with them. You should have supplied the e-mail address when registering the nickname, or when first using the nickname after our conversion to the new IRC Services.

To get your password e-mailed to you at the address you provided to NickServ, use the SENDPASS command: /MSG NickServ SENDPASS nickname.

If your e-mail address has changed or you do not receive an e-mail, things can get more difficult. In this situation, please contact an IRC operator on SlashNET for assistance. Try looking in the #help channel.

On IRC, the IRC server needs to receive a command from your client every so often in order to convince the server that your connection is still "alive." When you talk, join channels, or do other things, you are sending commands to the server. When you are idle, your client and the server carry out a sort of "keepalive". The server sends a PING command to your client, and your client replies with a PONG. In short, "Ping timeout" means that the server hasn't received any commands from your client in a while and is assuming your connection is dead.

This can be caused by several things. Generally, they are network-related difficulties. The problem could exist somewhere on the Internet between you and the IRC server, or it could be a problem with the IRC server's Internet connection.

If all else fails, try picking a different server.

If you have been banned from SlashNET and wish to contact a server administrator to discuss it, you are free to do so. First, start by looking on the servers page to find the server whose administrator you wish to contact. Click on that server's name, and you will be led to a page which has information about the server, including the administrator's nickname. If you click on the administrator's nickname, you should be presented with an e-mail address.

At this time, SlashNET does allow bots. The exceptions to this, naturally, are that we do not allow harmful, flooding, or link looking bots.

When a channel goes unused for 30 days, ChanServ will expire the channel. The channel and all data associated with it will be purged from ChanServ's database. When this happens, the channel founder is no longer owner of the channel and the channel is available for registration again.

A channel is deemed unused when certain activities are not happening. Every time an auto-op takes place in a channel, the idle "timer" on the channel resets. This activity is currently the only means by which ChanServ determines whether a channel is active or not.

WARNING: If you are a channel founder who prefers to not use auto-op, and instead use the OP command when necessary, you will need to maintain at least one nickname with auto-op access, and you will need to deop yourself when joining if you do not wish to retain channel operator status. Without an auto-op taking place once every 30 days, your channel's ChanServ registration WILL expire.

ALSO NOTE: NickServ and ChanServ are closely linked. If the NickServ nickname registration listed as FOUNDER of any channel expires, the ChanServ channel registration will expire unless there is a SUCCESSOR listed in the channel's ChanServ registration. To set a channel successor, use ChanServ's SET SUCCESSOR command (/MSG ChanServ HELP SET SUCCESSOR). For more information on how and when nickname registrations with NickServ expire, please see the FAQ entry "How long does it take for a nickname to expire with NickServ?".

In order to begin the server link process, you must fill out SlashNET's link request form. After filling out this form, you should hear from a SlashNET administrator. All link requests are forwarded to all IRC operators and administrators for review.

An AKILL or K-line is a network-wide ban, disallowing the targeted user from connecting to the network. AKILLs are placed against users abusing the network (cloning, flooding, harassment, akill evasion and other means). If you believe the AKILL against you is in error, or have questions about it, email an IRC operator. Do not attempt to circumvent the AKILL, as this will only worsen the situation.

No. There are no plans to offer any sort of BotServ at this time.

In order to be added to the exception list for clones, you must talk to an IRC operator on SlashNET or via e-mail. Information you'll need to provide includes the hostname and IP address of the machine, the estimated number of users, the duration or lifetime that you believe you need this exception for, and a reason for this exception.

Generally, it isn't difficult to get us to add a clone exception for you. As long as this isn't abused, we'll continue to do it. We need an estimated usage count so we can determine what new limit to set on your hostname for clone checking.

SlashNET uses Andy Church's IRC Services. More information about them can be found on the official IRC Services website.

The basic rules that SlashNET enforces are as follows:

1. Harassment, as discriminated by administrators, of users and/or IRC Operators is not permitted.
2. A single user may not have more than THREE simultaneous connections to SlashNET (even if from different hostmasks).
3. No flooding or nuking of any kind.
4. No harmful scripts or bots, such as link-lookers, flooders, and advertisers.
5. Treat users with respect.
6. Do not abuse network services.

And also remember that use of SlashNET is a privilege, not a right. The administrators of each server and of the network reserve the right to deny access to any user at any time without notice. Treat SlashNET with respect if you wish the service to continue to be offered.

For additional information about rules, please consult the Message of the Day on the SlashNET server you connect to. To do this, issue the /MOTD command.

The short answer is no. SlashNET does not acknowledge you as "owning" your nickname unless it is properly registered with NickServ. If you use an unregistered nickname for weeks, months, or even years, and then somebody else registers it when you are not using it, they have obtained it fairly. The only way a nickname can be "stolen" is if the NickServ password becomes compromised.

As of this writing, SlashNET doesn't keep our own record of user and channel counts. Instead, we depend on the great work done by netsplit.de.

SlashNET uses a version of the Eteria IRC client, also known as EIRC. EIRC is licensed under the GNU Public License, and is available from http://eirc.sourceforge.net/.

We use a custom icon pack to enhance the client's ease of use. You can get it here.

Presently user profiles, along with most other interactive features, are not available due to various issues involving the web site. When the site's full functionality, is restored however, the below paragraph will be relevant.

After registering your nickname with NickServ on SlashNET, you will be able to login to the SlashNET website. Here, you will be able to modify information related to your SlashNET presence. Please note that if you just registered your nickname with NickServ, it could take up to 10 minutes for your login to work on the SlashNET website.

The SlashNET website uses a security token embedded in a cookie to verify your identity. This token is regenerated upon each successful login. This means that any old website logins under your nickname will expire when you log in from somewhere else.

Select the "Retain Previous Session" option while logging in.

This, my friend, is what we consider to be a trade secret.

The SlashNET website tries to honor all of the IRC usermodes and channel modes. As such, users with the "+i" usermode set will not be listed on public lists of network users. If you wish to be displayed, set your usermode -i by issuing the command "/MODE <yournick> -i"

Absolutely NOT. SlashNET does not allow botnets to be used or stored on the network. Botnets are considered harmful bots. If we find them, we will deal with them as we see fit. If you know of a botnet on SlashNET, please inform an IRC operator.

When displaying channel information, the SlashNET website automatically replaces any occurrences of | and || in the channel topic with a linebreak. However, the pipe character(s) must be preceded and followed by a space, such as " | " or " || ". This will allow you to separate text in your channel topic while also having it display on multiple lines on the website.

During a SlashNET Forum, users are able to submit questions which will be queued, filtered, and then presented to the forum guest as deemed appropriate. During a forum, you can submit your question by sending it via private message to Questions: /MSG Questions . Please only send each question once, as duplicates makes it more difficult for the moderators. Rest assured that your question will be asked if it is appropriate and time permits.

On SlashNET, ChanServ does not join registered channels. You will only see ChanServ in a channel when the channel is empty and it is enforcing a ban. For more information on how to register a channel, /MSG ChanServ HELP REGISTER.

By using NickServ's LINK command, you can link together multiple nicknames into a "nickgroup." All of your ChanServ, NickServ, and MemoServ data is shared between all linked nicknames. This means, among other things, that if one of your nicknames in your nickgroup has auto-op access on a channel, so do all the other nicknames.

This is a question we on SlashNET have also been wondering. To this date, there is no clear answer. We can, however, tell you that the FBI, CIA, and Interpol are all investigating and we hope to hear back from them. We suspect he is a criminal mastermind and thus hides his true identity in a cloak of mystery while online. Beware.

How do I see nicknames linked to my nickname?

To see the list of nicknames in your nickgroup, issue this command: /MSG NickServ LISTLINKS

SlashNET is an independently-operated IRC network. As such, there is no shared username/password information between Slashdot.org and SlashNET. If you are confronted with messages informing you that you must be registered on SlashNET, please register a nickname with NickServ. For more details, try /MSG NickServ HELP REGISTER.

There is no formal request process for this. In order to ban someone, operators must witness abuse first-hand or have reasonable suspicion that abusive activity is taking place. However, problems within a channel are the responsibility of the channel operators and owner. We suggest using channel bans and /ignore to deal with problem users. If you're unfamiliar with how to perform a channel ban, we suggest consulting your IRC client's help guide or manual. Unless a user's abuse is spreading across the network or the user is consistently evading channel bans, SlashNET operators will not intervene. It is not our place to interfere in the operation of individual channels.

No, we do not offer "vhosts" at this time, nor do we plan to. Our servers enable hostname and IP address cloaking by default on connection. This provides adequate security for most purposes.

SlashNET staff are volunteers, and as such we do have jobs and other responsibilities. This limits our ability to maintain a constant presence on IRC and in #help. The best course of action is to stay in the channel after you've asked your question. Many times a SlashNET staff member will read a question and have an answer, but the user asking the question will be long gone. This helps neither SlashNET staff nor the user.

We are not ignoring you. We simply are not around all the time due to outside responsibilities.

If you have a question about user modes, channel modes, user commands, or other questions related to using the IRC server, type /quote HELPOP without any arguments. You'll be presented with a list of help topics in the IRC server's online help system.

Unfortunately, we cannot. Without a channel registration, no one in the channel has a legitimate claim to being an operator. Registration is proof of ownership, and without that proof, we cannot op a user. The best solution in this case is to explain the situation and have everyone part the channel, usually to a temporary holding-area channel, until all users are out of the target channnel. The first person back in the channel will become an operator and may then register the channel.

Again, because your channel is not registered, you have no legitimate claim to ownership.

A few things might have caused this. First of all, make sure that you entered the correct email address. It must be a valid email address that you can check. Secondly, check your spam folder. Many times the automated AUTH code email is eaten by spam filters. Third, try resending the AUTH email by issuing

/msg NickServ SENDAUTH

/msg NickServ RELEASE [nickname] [password]