Freenode HOWTO
Contents |
What is Freenode?
What is Freenode about? Why is it here? Freenode is a special-purpose, not a general-purpose, discussion network, currently implemented on Internet Relay Chat (IRC). It exists to support specific communities. It provides an interactive environment for coordination and support of peer-directed projects, including those relating to free software and open source. Our aim is to help our participants to improve their communicative and collaborative skills and to maintain a friendly, efficient environment for project coordination and technical support. For more information about the network philosophy, please take a look here.
Freenode Philosophy
The goals of Freenode differ from those of most general chat IRC networks. For that reason, the design of our servers differs, and will differ more as time goes on.
We will attempt to maintain general compatibility with clients conforming to RFC1459 and others, but any given feature may or may not work precisely as described in the RFC. For documentation on the differences, see Using the Network.
The network runs ircd-seven, which is based on Charybdis 3.0 with some of hyperion's extra functionality. Freenode also uses Atheme IRC services with Freenode specific modules.
Throughout the course of the development of both ircd-seven and earlier ircds, some capabilities have been added and others removed, causing stark differences from other ircds you may see. These changes are necessitated by the unique nature of freenode and the challenges the network brings with it. Since we are committed to providing robust service to the free software community, but not to maintaining an unmodified IRC environment, the changes make sense from our perspective.
Generally, we will continue to make necessary changes to improve the robustness and reliability of the service. IRC is extremely vulnerable to attack, but we'll do our best to maintain a reliable environment with your support and understanding.
Server Information
Round-robin: chat.freenode.net US Servers: chat.us.freenode.net EU Servers: chat.eu.freenode.net
Ports: 6665, 6666, 6667, 7000(SSL ONLY), 7070(SSL ONLY), 8000, 8001, 8002, 6697 (SSL)
Complete listing at http://freenode.net/irc_servers.shtml.
Rules
The following is a list of proposed channel guidelines for using the Freenode Network. A complete description of each item can be found here.
- Polish your catalyst skills.
- Look for the best in people.
- Set a good example.
- Be nice if someone messages you.
- Don't keep channel operator privileges.
- Use channel operator privileges sparingly.
- Avoid highlighting and repetition.
- Avoid emotive speech.
- Avoid sensitive material.
- Avoid advocacy debates.
- Take critiques to private message.
- Don't be elitist.
- Don't be caught by support burnout.
- If you're considering publishing channel logs, think it through.
Registration
In order to join the #globalshellz channel and become part of the GlobalShellz community you must have a registered nickname on Freenode. In order to register, follow these steps:
- Log on to Freenode.
- Decide on an appropriate nick, and change to it using /nick yournick. Decide on a secure password.
- Enter /msg nickserv register <password> <email>, replacing <password> with your chosen password and <email> with a real non-disposable e-mail address under your control. This sends a request to register your current nick.
- Check your specified e-mail account, and follow the instructions in it to verify your registration. You must verify your registration within 24 hours.
- For more in-depth information about registering, and further useful steps in setting up your account, see the Freenode FAQ.
