IRC (Internet Relay Chat) is a chat protocol used on the internet. It consists of many different channels (whose names always start with #) spread across many different servers throughout the internet. It is pretty old, so it is entirely text-based and doesn't have the same feature set as modern instant messaging clients. Nevertheless, it has a very solid user base, and millions of people using it around the world. This java-based IRC client is just one of many IRC client programs available. While it's sufficient for most of your needs, you'll probably want to download and install a standalone IRC client. Click here for a list of IRC clients.

Those who have their own IRC client installed can use the following to join:

• Server: irc.acidchat.net
• Port: 6667, 6697 (SSL)
• Channel: #fstudios

If your client supports the IRC URI, you can join #fstudios on irc.acidchat.net. Otherwise, you can use the java client by filling in the nickname you want to use on IRC (only digits, letters and underscores are permitted):

Nickname:
NickServ password (optional):
	Login to save your IRC username and password.

Freedom of speech
Every member has the right to say what he thinks. You should respect other peoples' views, no matter how much you might disagree with them. Posts that are clearly inflammatory or aggressive in nature are not allowed however. Respect goes both ways. You show us your respect, and we will return the gesture.

No flaming or bashing
Making meaningless flame posts does not achieve anything. So try to control yourself and please post in a civilised manner, not in the manner of some little spoiled 12-year old.

No discrimination, racism or hate
We absolutely do not tolerate posts that are discriminating, racist or posts which imply hate to other members or to certain groups. You should respect everyone, no matter what their beliefs or personal lifestyle choice, no matter what country they are from, what their skin colour is, or what gender they are: Everyone is equal. This extends to trolling a member, we do not allow people to be here with the sole purpose of reducing someone else's enjoyment.

Spam has its limits
We do not discourage having fun in the IRC channel, however we discourage flooding the channel with large amounts of meaningless text. Do not copy and paste large amounts of text either, if you need to show lots of text, post it on the forum or use a pastebin service.

No pornographic or shock images
This is IRC channel is part of a gaming community, so pornography does not belong here. The same goes for shocking or gruesome images or any other pictures with lots of gore.

No warez
This community does not promote illegal software or content in any way, and as such, no warez/illegal material is allowed in this IRC channel.

Political Discussions
Political discussions are only allowed on the IRC channel if staff member allows it. You may discuss politics in the Polictical Area.

Punishments
Punishments will be delt out according to the serverity of your behaviour, this will be decided on a case-by-case basis. If you have been banned on the forums you will also be banned from the IRC channel.

IRC uses commands starting with / to control what happens. To help you out, here are a few of the most useful ones. Just type them out and press enter. The parts you need to type literally are in bold, things you fill in yourself are in normal font. Things between [ ] are optional.

/me action	Makes your text appear as if you were performing an action.
/nick nickname	Changes your nickname.
/query nickname	Starts a private chat with someone. This will open a new window where you can talk to the other person, similar to MSN, AIM and such. Alternatively, instead of using this command, you can usually doubleclick on someone's name to start a private chat.
/mode #channel [mode]	Changes the mode of a channel. Channel modes do many different things, and are all denoted by a single letter. Some modes actually apply to a specific person rather than the channel as a whole, such as the ones that control user privileges (+b, +v, +o etc). Typing the command without a mode displays the current modes that apply to the whole channel. Only users with operator status (mode +h or +o) are able to change channel modes. To activate a particular channel mode, type a + before it, and a - to deactivate. +m means 'moderated mode', where only people who have voice (mode +v) or higher are able to talk.
/nickserv command	Control of the Nickname Services. NickServ is used to register your nickname and log in/identify, but also provides other options. What happens depends on the command entered, use the 'help' command for a list. NickServ will answer using 'notices', which appear in the status window (click the button marked 'Status' at the bottom, if you're using the java webclient).
/nickserv register password email	Registers your current nickname with NickServ. Once you've done this, you'll be the owner of that nickname and be able to access all options that require user identification.
/nickserv id password	Logs you in with your current nickname. This tells NickServ that you are really you and not someone else who took your nickname.
/chanserv command	Control of the Channel Services. ChanServ is used to activate channel-related options and control certain permissions. What happens depends on the command entered, use the 'help' command for a list. ChanServ will answer using 'notices', which appear in the status window (click the button marked 'Status' at the bottom, if you're using the java webclient).
/chanserv voice	If your nickname is registered and added to the channel's autovoice list, this will give you 'voice mode' (mode +v) in the channel. Voice mode lets you talk even when 'moderated mode' is on (mode +m). Users who have voice display a + before their nicknames in the list.
/join #channel	Join another channel.
/part [#channel] [message]	Exits the IRC channel you specified, displaying the message to everyone else in the channel when you leave. If you don't type a channel, it exits the current channel (the one you typed the command in).
/quit [message]	Exits the IRC server, displaying the message to everyone else in the channel when you leave.
/whois nickname	Gives you some information about a specific person.