1-2) So far, so good. Now, why's
this net called the "Undernet"?
The term "Undernet"
was suggested in jest by some of the original operators (dl, Wildthang and
Whizzard) who started this network. As time went by, the name stuck. :-) Upon
hearing the name people often think that it's a net where something illegal goes
on - which isn't the case at all. On the other hand, the name also imparts a
mysterious angle to the IRC net. On the whole, it's a very friendly net with an
easy going atmosphere. Most people are nice and helpful to newcomers, and
Undernet prides itself as being the friendly IRC net.
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1-3) How do I find the closest
Undernet server to me?
Luckily for you, all Undernet servers follow
names of the format:
city.state.country.undernet.org or,
city.country.continent.undernet.org
Thus, you can easily locate the closest server to you. In most cases, this also
turns out to be closest net wise as well.
You can always find servers close to you by visiting Undernet's web site at
http://www.undernet.org and then clicking on the server link,
or go directly to the server list at http://www.undernet.org/servers.php There
you will find a list of all current active servers.
You can copy/paste the server list into your IRC client (program) or you can
enter the information on the command line of your IRC client.
The command for connecting to a server is;
/server servername port. (note* don't forget the port number. Such as
6667)
Example == /server Amsterdam.nl.eu.undernet.org 6667
*note == server ports can range from 6660 - 7000 (The most commonly used
port is 6667, and it is the default port of many IRC clients)
You can also connect to Undernet via a random server in your geographical area
as follows:
us.undernet.org 6667 - USA
eu.undernet.org 6667 - Europe
ca.undernet.org 6667 - Canada
You can try a /server countrycode.undernet.org and see if that works for you.
(again.don't forget the port number).
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1-5) Where can I find a list of
channels I can join?
New channels are starting up on the Undernet
almost everyday. Given the dynamic nature of channels, the channel names can
vary, but a few are fairly stable.
Undernet has a built in search feature for
finding channels that might interest you. All you have to do is type /list
searchword.
Example: To find a list of help channels you can type:
/list help
If you want to find channels about cats, you can type:
/list cat
You will then get lists of all channels with your search word in it's topic or
channel name.
The /list results will usually show you the topics of the channels which can
give you a better idea of what a particular channel is about.
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Yet
another goal of the Undernet is to provide a better environment for users to
communicate in,
with protection against malicious users who try to work *against* IRC and its
principles.
The Undernet has an improved server-server protocol which disallows gaining ops
during a net split (op riders),
and makes intentional nick collisions impossible.
*Note* Undernet uses a proxyscan that scans for clones and insecure proxies when
you connect to the net. If you get a message from the server and it won't let
you connect try correcting the problem. If you are unsuccessful, read about the
proxyscanner just below. If you are still unsure, you can email the proxy-team
at the email provided at the end of the Undernet Proxyscanner explanation:
Undernet Proxyscanner
Due to the overwhelming abuse of Misconfigured Wingate, Socks and Proxy servers
being exploited daily,
the UnderNet network is now checking all users upon
connection to any of the UnderNet IRC Servers.
This check is ONLY DONE if a user
attempts to establish a connection to an UnderNet IRC server.
This should not be
considered an attack on your system.
Be aware that this sort of connection to
your system is probably common if you use services such as free IRC networks,
game servers, etc...
If you do not desire this type of check to occur, then
simply block access to the UnderNet network servers.
Connection to and use of
the Undernet.org IRC Network is conditional upon acceptance of any and all
applicable policies of the individual servers
that make up the Undernet as well
as acceptance of the Undernet.org Acceptable Use Policy and its Indemnify and
Hold Harmless clause.
Fixing a Wingate server:
Get help about Wingate at
http://www.practicallynetworked.com/sharing/secureproxy.htm.
Fixing a Socks 4/5
server:
If you run Socks 4, upgrade to Socks 5, as there is no way to configure
properly Socks 4.
Following are a few URL which could help you fix your
Misconfigured proxy server on a Windows machine : Socks Proxy server :
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/dnproxy/html/msdn_proxycase.asp
Upgrade and get help about your winproxy at : http://www.winproxy.com/ Upgrade
your sygate server : http://www.sygate.com
Fixing a Squid server:
Get help for
Squid ACLs at : http://www.squid-cache.org/Doc/FAQ/FAQ-10.html#ss10.2 Get
detailed help at :
http://www.documents.cyberabuse.org/?page=vulnerabilities&doc=1
Upgrade your Squid 1.x server at :
http://www.squid-cache.org/ Fixing a HTTP proxy server
Take a look at your manual for the ACL feature...
Vulnerable proxy servers can
be of all types and brands.
If your proxy server is not supported anymore and
you are not sure about your configuration, firewall it so only your LAN can use
it.
Get detailed help about CacheFlow at :
http://www.documents.cyberabuse.org/?page=vulnerabilities&doc=2
You can then
check for a Misconfigured by using GRC.com Shield's UP or by running nmap.
You
can contact them at [email protected].
When sending your email, please
include the server message, your operating system, the program you are using for
your Internet connection, and any other information you think may help the
proxy-team to better help you.
Undernet exists to provide a free of charge, all
volunteer run worldwide network where people can communicate in real time in a
stable friendly atmosphere.
One of the reasons Undernet was formed was to
provide a network where the Admins/IRCops and other volunteers are friendly and
accessible to the users of the network. We strive to do our best to help the
users and protect users from abuse.
The committees, web sites, and email lists
are all provided to help you and to enhance you IRC experience. Feel free to use
these resources.
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2-1) So how
do I get to be an "IRC op" Why cant I be one?The
Undernet Admins DO NOT give ops to people who *ask* for them. If you participate
in the net by helping people, and in general following proper Undernetiquette,
you might merit attention and you may be suggested for an official position. IRC
ops are scrutinized carefully before being added. Basically, no ops are handed
out to people who (i) are hardly around or (ii) ignore pleas for help or (iii)
want ops just for kill power or (iv) want ops because it gives them a sense of
"power" over other users, and to look "cool". Remember,
asking for ops only makes your case *worse*. If you're worthy, and others feel
that you're competent enough, you'll be approached to volunteer for oper. For a
better understanding about the duties and responsibilities of an IRCop, read the
"Oper FAQ (for non operators)" on this site.
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2-2) How
do I apply to link my server to the Undernet? What are the requirements?
The Undernet Routing Committees
are responsible for the review, selection, and maintenance of server links to
the Undernet IRC Network. A full description of the functions and procedures of
the Routing Committees can be found in their Documents section (see below).
There are a great number of minimum requirements for linking a server to
Undernet. All applications must meet these requirements from Routing-Com, before
they will take your application or even consider a test link with your server,
plus any reviews by them. These requirements are also subject to change at any
time. You may view these documents at:
http://www.routing-com.undernet.org/index.php?mode=docs
The two main documents probably of the first concern, if you have questions
though about server linking of Routing-Coms documents page are;
http://routing-com.undernet.org/showdoc.php?id=1
http://routing-com.undernet.org/showdoc.php?id=2
You can also just visit Routing-Com.s main page at;
http://www.routing-com.undernet.org
People who wish to link their server to Undernet are expected to have the
expertise needed to operate an IRC server and knowledge of how the Internet
works. If the above information doesn't make much sense to you, then you are
probably not knowledgeable enough to host a server on Undernet at this time. The
links provided above will help you with all the information you need involving
Routing-Com or about applying for your servers link to Undernet.
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2-3) How do I volunteer
to do some work for the Undernet, No im not looking for an O line. I just like
being nice and helpful to people. How do I participate?
The Undernet is *always*
looking for people like you. Because Undernet continues to grow, we are always
short of volunteers to help other people. Have you benefited from your
experience with the Undernet? Have you enjoyed your time on IRC here? We
encourage you to give back to the net what you got from it. You are encouraged
to help. Familiarize yourself with frequently asked questions and their answers
it would take a BIG load off many of the operators who were quite selflessly
devoted to helping you, when you started off. You can join the user-com mailing
list ( [email protected] ) with the word "help" in the body (for
information on how to subscribe). Or, you can email [email protected]
directly and ask them what you should do to volunteer. You will then get an
email explaining the proper process.
Here is a brief explanation of how you can subscribe to the user-com list.
The Undernet has set up a Users' Committee to receive input from users like
yourself. To subscribe to the mailing list,
send mail to; [email protected] with;
"subscribe user-com" in the body.
The URL on the World Wide Web for the User Committee
home page is < http://user-com.undernet.org > Please do what you can.
Every little bit counts!
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2-4) I may be
interested in doing some programming for the Undernet. Whom do I approach??
The Undernet is always on the
search of new solutions to existing problems. If you think you can help us in
this endeavor, welcome aboard!
You can join the #coder-com mailing list, where you can discuss IRC related
programming issues and you are welcome to subscribe to the coder-com mailing
list ([email protected] with "subscribe coder-com" in the body).
You will then be subscribed and you can begin to tell the other coders about
your ideas. After a period of discussion, and depending upon everyone's views,
you may be given the "go ahead" to program it! Yes, watch *your* code
being run on servers around the world, with your name in our acknowledgements.
The Undernet programming team is a tightly knit set of enthusiastic individuals.
Feel free to participate. As with any email list, there are rules and
conventions followed. When in doubt, ask before you do anything that may upset
the list.
Again -> The Undernet has set up an Undernet IRCd coders' committee. To
subscribe to the mailing list, send mail to [email protected]
with "subscribe coder-com" in the body.
Or join Undernet and /join #coder-com while on IRC and talk with them about
joining and coding there. You can also view the Coder-Com web page at;
http://www.coder-com.undernet.org
There is a wealth of information at the Coder-Com site which may tell you all
the things you wish to know
and get you more acquainted with how they do things also.
For more information about Undernet, brows the Documents Project site
www.user-com.undernet.org//documents
Or all the User-com projects at;
www.user-com.undernet.org and the Undernet web site at; www.undernet.org
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