ICCM '96 Internet Relay Chat Project

Terminology

IRC
Internet Relay Chat is conversation by electronic means. It allows full interaction between all parties in the channel.
Channel
The name assigned to the group of people chatting to identify them.
Example #ICCM96
Server
The machine on the internet running the IRC software which manages the channel that everyone connects to. Usually you can connect to any IRC server and thereby have access to all channels. However some servers block some channels - so it is a good idea to know both the server and channel to which you should connect to. The ICCM server will be irc-2.stealth.net
Host
The host is the person responsible for keeping the channel focused and open. The host "owns" the channel - he can kick people off!

Requirements

Hardware

Any system using Windows 3.1 or higher or Windows 95/NT or MAC/OS 7.0 or greater.
- If you are comfortable with the system i.e. CPU, RAM etc. then you will be fine.
A modem 9600 baud or greater (PPP and SLIP users).
- Slower modems are usually not allowed by Internet Providers. (Note: some suggest those with Windows or Mac client software can use as low as 2400 baud modems).
Full Internet Access.
- CompuServe and America OnLine have full Internet access but may require additional information for configuration of IRC software. (The CompuServe and AOL customer service or help desk can help with your individual configuration.)

Software

Windows Operating Software (or MAC OS/7.0 or greater).
Winsock.dll 3.0 or later (MAC TCP for Macintosh).
- Winsock.dll 3.0 or later can easily be downloaded from CompuServe or AOL. If you don't have access and need to find it on the Net, let me know.
mIRC (for 16 bit Windows 3.1 or WFW 3.11).
- mIRC and mIRC32 can be downloaded from http://www.mirc.com. mIRC is the Windows 3.x version and is the software that I recommend. Any IRC software that you are used to will work fine.
mIRC32 (for 32 bit Win95).
- IRC32 is the Windows 95 and Windows NT version of the IRC software.
Ircle for MAC.

Rules of the conference

Open Session

If an open session has been declared it will be obvious when you join the session. There will be dialog from several people at a time. At the end of an open session -- there will be continued open dialog for time permitting.

Open sessions will remain focused on the session topic which will be repeated on a regular basis.

Closed Session

A closed session will contain text by the host only. This will keep from distracting participants. At the end of a closed session -- there host will open the channel and allow open discussion for those who wish to continue to talk.

Closed sessions are designed to simulate a lecture atmosphere.

Open sessions are designed to simulate a group discussion atmosphere.

General Rules

Sessions will remain focused on the topic allowing participants to discuss the information at hand.

Chat that does not adhere to the focus and purpose of the conference will receive a warning based on the severity with normal chat rules applying.

Recommendations for preconference preparation:

  1. Download the software.
  2. Install the software and log on to your Internet Provider
  3. Practice using chat if you are not already familiar with it. A good channel in which you could practice and which has friendly people is #christian. Point your IRC software to irc-2.stealth.net and connect to the #christian channel.
  4. Decide which sessions you would like to be involved in and email a list of them to me, Bob Whirl. This will help us make decisions on which sessions to IRC.

How the channels will be issued

Rather than create the ability to hold a channel open, channels will be secured 30 minutes before the ICCM session to be IRCed. An email will be sent to all correspondants to inform them of the channel name. Existing channels will be notified of the new channel being opened for the upcoming session. The main channel for participants to chat, network, and get to know each other and recieve announcements of upcoming sessions will be #ICCM96.

Example of how it will work:

#ICCM96 will opened the morning of the conference. Participants will be encouraged to begin conversation at this time and get to know each other. If #ICCM96 becomes too full for dialog, alternate channels will be opened to facilitate the participants. Email will be sent 30 minutes prior to notify the arrival of the channel.

Email will be sent 30 minutes before the first session to notify everyone of the channel name for the first session. During the first session, the channel name for the second session will be sent by email, and announced on the open channels.

Should you log on and #ICCM96 not be available, perform a channel search on ICCM and you should be able to find the channels opened by the conference.

Further Tips

I think/hope you will be able to use just about *any* IRC server! And if it seems busy, try a non-standard port, they often use ports 6663-6669, not just 6667 itself.

IRC servers cooperate with each other so you don't all have to be using the same server. That's the whole point of IRC :-)

The #ICCM96 channel is registered with the DALnet ChanServ, but the channel is not yet in regular use. I suggest frequenting #christian for getting used to IRC.

People with shell accounts can do IRC also. Essentially you can use any IRC client that is on any computer fully connected to the internet. Some of you log into a multi-user (mainframe - Unix, VAX etc.) computers belonging to your organization or service provider. If the machine is also fully connected to the internet, you can use IRC to participate in the ICCM '96 IRC sessions.

Shell users don't need a 9600 baud or faster modem - those logging into shell accounts can probably use any speed.

Word of Encouragement:
If you haven't chatted before, practice before the conference. IRC is not email and requires new skills. It is very easy and will be a fun way to be involved in this conference!

If you have any questions, please send them to Bob Whirl.

Snapshot of Bob Whirl moderating IRC session.

Back to ICCM '96 Brochure

Last updated 3-June-1996 jrd