GeekShed IRC Network
Getting a Channel in the List of Chat Rooms
Feb 22nd
If you’re looking for a channel to join, all you have to do is visit the Chat Rooms page here on the site. The automatically generated page lists channels, their topics, and the number of users currently in the channel, listed from the channel with the most users to the channel with the fewest users.
To get your channel to show up on the list:
- Make sure that your channel is not set to +s (secret) or +p (private). Private or secret channels do now show up on the list.
- Maintain more than 5 people in the channel. The list is limited to channels with 6 or more users.
That’s it. If you have a public channel with 6 or more users, it will show up in the official list on the website. The channel doesn’t have to be registered, but we always recommend that you register your channel. It’s free and gives you better control over your chat room.
How do you determine if your channel is public?
Just use the command:
/mode #channel
For example: /mode #topgear. In your status window, you’ll see something like this:
Mode for room #topgear is "+ntrS"
The Channel Modes page will help you decipher that response, but for our purposes, notice that there is no “s” and no “p.” That means the channel is neither secret nor private. Note that case matters. The channel #topgear is +S (strips color codes), but not +s (secret).
—posted by Tengrrl/Bunny
Learning More About A User
Feb 16th
If you were on Facebook and wanted to know more about someone, you’d go to their profile and click the Info or About link (depending upon whether the person has set up the Timeline). We don’t have profile pages in IRC, but you can use some basic commands to learn a little bit more about someone.
For Someone Logged On Now
If you are chatting with someone or see the nick connected in a channel, use the /WHOIS command to learn more. To use the command, type:
/whois nick nick
There’s no mistake there. Type the nick twice to get complete information on the person, as in this example:
/whois LordBacon LordBacon
In return, the server will give you this information (with line numbers added):
1 LordBacon is ~TFlash@protectedhost-123.bacon.net * TFlash NextGen 2 LordBacon is using modes +iRx 3 LordBacon is a registered nick 4 LordBacon on #theshed 5 LordBacon using Jolly.GeekShed.net Sponsored by Phil 6 LordBacon Ruler of all that is the glory of bacon 7 LordBacon has been idle 13secs, signed on Thu Feb 16 21:31:58 8 LordBacon End of /WHOIS list.
Here’s what the info means:
- The first line gives you the hostmask and the name entered in the client (TFlash NextGen, in this case).
- The second line tells you the user modes.
- The third line (obviously) tells you that the nick is registered. You won’t see that third line if the nick is not registered.
- The fourth line tells you what channel(s) the person is on. The server will add extra lines here if the person is on a lot of channels.
- The fifth line indicates what server the person is using.
- The sixth line gives the SWHOIS for the person, if one is set. Most people will not have this line.
- The seventh line tells you how long the person has been idle. Note that if you type the nick only once, you will not get the idle time for the person.
For Someone Who Recently Logged Out
The /WHOIS command will only work for people who are online. If the person just logged off, try the /WHOWAS command. To use the command, type:
/whowas nick
Here’s an example:
/whowas LordBacon
In return, the server will give you this information (with line numbers added):
1 LordBacon was ~TFlash@protectedhost-123.bacon.net * TFlash NextGen 2 LordBacon using Jolly.GeekShed.net Sponsored by Phil
You may see more information if the person was logged on more than once recently. This command is especially useful if you want to ban someone from your channel and they leave before you can check the hostmask you need to ban.
For General Info on Someone
For general information on someone who is registered, you can use the nickserv INFO command. To use the command, type:
/msg nickserv info nick
Just swap in the nick of the person you want information for, as in this example:
/msg nickserv info LordBacon
In return, the server will give you this information (with line numbers added):
1 LordBacon is TFlash NextGen 2 LordBacon is currently online. 3 Time registered: Feb 17 02:46:36 2012 UTC 4 Last quit message: Quit: Off to find more bacon 5 URL: http://www.baconfreak.com/ 6 For more verbose information, type /msg NickServ INFO LordBacon ALL.
Here’s what the info means:
- The first line gives you the name entered in the client (TFlash NextGen, in this case).
- The second line tells you if the person is online. This line is skipped if the person is not online.
- The third line tells you when the nick is registered.
- The fourth line tells you the person’s quit message (if there was one).
You may see additional information if the person has set details for the nick with the NICKSERV SET command. In this example, the person has added a URL, for instance.
—posted by Tengrrl/Bunny
How to Protect Your GeekShed Password
Feb 2nd
Yesterday I witnessed this little series of events (and the names have been changed to protect the innocent):
* Joins: HarryLime (~HarryLime@thethirdman.com)
<HarryLime> msg NickServ IDENTIFY passw0rd
* HarryLime is now known as Unidentified1337
* Quits: Unidentified1337 (~HarryLime@thethirdman.com ) (Quit:
Unidentified1337 )
* Joins: HarryLime_ (~HarryLime@thethirdman.com)
<HarryLime_> hmm
* Quits: HarryLime_ (~HarryLime@thethirdman.com ) (Quit: HarryLime_ )
* Joins: HarryLime (~HarryLime@thethirdman.com)
* Quits: HarryLime (~HarryLime@thethirdman.com ) (NickServ (GHOST command
used by HollyMartins) )
<HollyMartins> lol
<HollyMartins> it was his real password...
<HollyMartins> lol
* Joins: HarryLime (~HarryLime@thethirdman.com)
<HollyMartins> HarryLime, change your password
<HollyMartins> and don't identify in the channel
<HollyMartins> you posted this: <HarryLime> msg NickServ IDENTIFY passw0rd
<HarryLime> not my best day today O.o
<HollyMartins> obviously not
Now in case you don’t follow, let me explain what happened there. The user HarryLime logged on and accidentally typed the command to identify in the open channel. Everyone in the channel saw HarryLime’s password. Harry’s friend Holly decided to test out the password and used the GHOST command to log Harry out. [Warning: Ghosting someone’s nick as Holly does may well end up in a ban from the network so don’t try it!]
That situation inspires me to share four pieces of advice with you:
- Use the identify command in the status window (the tab or window that welcomes you to the server and tells you to follow the Terms of Service) and no one will ever see your password. It’s best to use that status window anytime you’re typing something you might not want everyone else online to see if something goes wrong.
- Change your password immediately if you do type your password in an open channel accidentally. You are at risk. Anyone can take over your nick, and gain access to everything you have on the network. Use this command:
/msg nickserv set password supersecretpass123
Replace “supersecretpass123” with your new password. - Choose a strong, unique password. Harry’s password of “passw0rd” is not a good choice at all. Follow these guidelines for strong passwords to make your choice.
- Store your passwords in a secure place. Software like LastPass can keep track of all your passwords and even generate unique passwords for you. You can learn more about LastPass below by watching the video from Jupiter Broadcasting.
- Even the most secure password can be lost or exploited. In case you think you won’t ever have this problem, read this post on The Myths of Password Security by GeekShed staff member and security expert Allan Jude. No one is immune. Be sure you do what you can to protect your GeekShed login!
—posted by Tengrrl/Bunny
Problems with Lost Channels
Jan 25th
If no one uses a channel on GeekShed for 60 days, it is dropped from the system. A channel can also be dropped, even if people are in it, if the person who registered it does not log in for 60 days or more. The server assumes that if someone has not logged or or a channel goes unused for 60 days, that person is abandoning any channels.
So how can you regain a lost channel if this happens to you? Once a channel has been dropped from the system, any registered user can claim and register the channel. The requirement is the same as it is for starting any new channel. If no one is in the channel, you can just join the channel and register it again (after registering your nick again if necessary).
If there are people in the channel, the situation is a bit more complicated. If someone in the channel has ops, you can ask that person to give you ops so that you can reregister the channel. If no one has ops in the channel, you need to ask everyone to leave so that you can rejoin first and get ops. Once you are an op in the channel, you can register it again.
We’re frequently asked if we can kick everyone out of a channel so that someone can reregister it. We cannot. Once a channel has dropped, it doesn’t belong to anyone anymore. The original owner no longer has any special claim on the channel. Everyone has an equal right to register it, and no one on the network staff will kick everyone or give the original owner ops in this situation.
Likewise, if someone else registered a channel that has been dropped, we will not take that channel away and restore ownership to the original owner. Channel registration is first come, first serve. Everyone has an equal right to register a channel, and no one on the network staff will give the original owner back a channel in this situation.
—posted by tengrrl/bunny
I’m Banned From My Own Channel
Jan 21st
It’s easier than you might think to get banned from a channel you own or where you are a moderator. It may be that you didn’t identify quickly enough or services were down and you couldn’t identify. It’s even possible you or someone in the channel set a ban too wide. An asterisk wildcard in the wrong place is all it takes.
If you find yourself in this situation, this is the simplest way to remove the ban:
/msg ChanServ UNBAN channel
So if I were banned from #topgear, I’d use this command:
/msg ChanServ UNBAN #topgear
After that, you should be able to join the channel again.
You can also remove the ban the traditional way. Say you or someone banned your hostmask or vhost. You add a ban with +b, and you can remove it with -b. If you had accidentally banned yourself with this command:
/mode #topgear +b *!*@my.own.address.net
You could unban yourself by typing this command:
/mode #topgear -b *!*@my.own.address.net
As a third option, you can also try inviting yourself into the channel. Usually a channel invite will get around a ban. This command will also work if your channel is set to invite only and you cannot join.
/msg ChanServ INVITE channel
So if I wanted into the channel #topgear, I’d use this command:
/msg ChanServ INVITE #topgear
If none of these options work for you, come ask for assistance in #help!
—tengrrl
What To Do If You Forget Your Password
Jan 4th
Sooner or later, you’re bound to forget your GeekShed password. When that happens, you won’t be able to identify when you try to log in. Most likely, your nick will change to something like Unidentified1337 (where the number at the end is random).
For increased security, passwords are encrypted on GeekShed. As a result the reset password command does not work on our site. In order to get your password reset, visit #help and ask a staff member for help with a password reset. Anyone from a half-op up can help you. You may have to wait for someone to become available to help you, so please be patient.
You will be asked to provide the nick and the email address that you used to register it. Once that information is confirmed, the staff member will have the system send a temporary password to your email address. Once you have logged in with your temporary password, you can set a new (and hopefully more memorable) password with this command:
/msg NickServ SET PASSWORD new-password
Be sure to replace “new-password” with your new password. For instance, to change my password to “BaconIsBest” I’d use this command:
/msg NickServ SET PASSWORD BaconIsBest
If you’ve forgotten your password on the forums, follow these instructions.
—tengrrl
Tonight’s Problems
Aug 1st
It’s been a rough few hours. We are sorry for this. An exploit was found in a 3rd party services module and used against us. This allowed the corruption of the access lists of 2 channels. Although it is fairly obvious from the code that an exploit caused by flawed logic exists, this has gone unnoticed for almost 3 years and it is expected that many more IRC networks will be affected by this.
We will shortly carry out a full audit of all 3rd party modules to check for similar exploits in those. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
We will shortly carry out a full audit of all 3rd party modules to check for similar exploits in those. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
Apply to Have Your Channel Featured!
Jun 11th
Want more people to know about the fun stuff going on in your channel on GeekShed? Answer a few questions about your channel here, and we’ll consider your channel for a new feature on the GeekShed site. The idea is that every few weeks, a channel will be highlighted on the website, with details about the channel, what happens there, and other details.
There are a few requirements:
- You have to be the owner of the channel or have the full permission of the channel owner.
- You have to have an average of 10 or more different people in the channel regularly.
- The channel has to be at least 3 months old.
- The channel has to be open and public (no private or secret channels).
The GeekShed staff will choose channels to feature based on the application and observation of the channel. Acceptance is at the discretion of network staff. There is no promise or guarantee implied. To apply, just fill in the form below.
What is Identd?
Jun 4th
When you use the /whois command or /ns info on yourself, you may notice the tilde before your connection information. Here’s an example:
~ilovestig@somewhere.com
That leading tilde (~) indicates that you are not running identd on your machine. As Phil explains it, identd is an age-old service that runs on port 113 and was designed for shared shells. It’s essentially a process that confirms that you are who your ident says you are. For the full, geeky details on identd, see RFC 1413.
Basically, your client sends your required ident as part of the initiation commands when you connect to GeekShed. The server then checks to see whether you have an identd running and uses the ident reported by that in your hostmask. If the server does not find identd running on your machine, it adds the tilde (~) to your ident.
Note: don’t confuse any of this with the tilde (~) you may see in your nick list as an indication of a channel’s admins. Those are nick prefixes.
How do you enable Identd on your machine?
Many clients either have Identd built in or include the option to turn it on. Check the documentation for your particular client. Note however that there are clients that will not provide support.
| Chatzilla | See How do I enable ‘ident’? |
| Colloquy | See Enabling Identd. |
| LightIRC | No longer available for use on this network. |
| Mibbit | See ident. |
| mIRC | See Why am I unidentified and what does it matter? |
| Snak | See “The server keeps saying something about ‘Ident’ problems” on the Troubleshooting page. |
| TFlash (GeekShed’s web client) | No longer in use. |
| X-Chat | See How do I enable identd in X-Chat? |
Additional Troubleshooting Information
You can connect to GeekShed even if you cannot get identd running on your machine. You’ll just have the tilde (~) show up before your connection information. If you cannot get it to work, relax because there’s no penalty.
That said, if you investigate things further, you may find that you need to open up port 113 on your firewall or enable identd on your router. For more information, check out Section 4.3. “No identd” of IRC Connection Problems or Setting Up Identd on the IRCPolitics site.
—tengrrl
Is There Free Speech on GeekShed?
May 28th
At some point, you’re likely to see someone else complaining about their right to free speech when a member of network staff asks them to quit talking about something. You may even see someone protesting about a channel’s moderators violating their right to free speech. What these people do not understand is that there is no right to free speech on a private network, like GeekShed IRC.
Why can’t I say whatever I want on GeekShed?
We want GeekShed to be a fun, family-friendly place where everyone feels safe and welcome. To help provide that environment, the staff of GeekShed believe that certain topics and ways of talking are not acceptable. The Terms of Service, linked in the footer on every page, explains that you are not allowed to use hate speech, harass anyone else on GeekShed, create a hostile environment for minors, or spam. If you say anything that violates these rules, you will be removed from the network. Read the Terms of Service for full details on the restrictions on your discussion.
Why can the network staff make rules about what people can talk about?
GeekShed is a private network. In such a private place, the right to free speech does not apply. A person’s right to free speech is only guaranteed in public spaces and from restrictions by the government.
First, recognize that GeekShed is not governed by the U.S. Constitution. Instead, GeekShed complies with the laws of the United Kingdom since the GeekShed IRC network is owned by GeekShed Ltd., a company registered in the United Kingdom. Personal rights in the United Kingdom are outlined in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union. In relationship to discussion on GeekShed, here’s the important passage:
Article 11. Freedom of expression and information
1. Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right shall include freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority and regardless of frontiers.
The Charter of Fundamental Rights only guarantees freedom of expression “without interference by public authority.” Your freedom of expression and information applies only to freedom from government censorship. Private authorities, like a private company and IRC network, are free to set whatever guidelines for speech and expression that they wish.
What about discussion in my channel?
The Terms of Service apply in your channel, but you can make additional rules for discussion if you want. Some channels on GeekShed have rules against discussing topics like politics, religion, or torrenting. Additionally, some channels do not allow “bad words”—rude or explicit language. As the owner of a channel, you are free to make and enforce such rules.
—tengrrl