Although the information below is provided for CGI:IRC (access via the web browser), the section on Commands is applicable to IRC Clients.
InterfaceThe interface of CGI:IRC is very similar to a standard graphical IRC client, it should be easy to use if you are familiar with IRC clients. Along the top is a list of tabs, there will be a tab here for each channel you are in and each query (private message) you have open. To close a window click the X button on the far right of the tab list.
The userlist is on the right, when in a channel tab it will show a list of all the people in that channel. Double clicking a nickname will open a query with that user or perform whichever other action you select in the select box at the bottom.
The text entry box should be simple, the little arrow to the right of the text entry area shows a toolbar that allows easy typing of colour, bold and underline. It is also where you enter all the commands.
CommandsCommands begin with / and should be familiar to anyone who has used IRC before - here is a quick summary of the most useful commands. The /join and /quit are likely the only commands you may need. The command must be typed in the text entry box with no proceeding text.
- /me This turns the text after /me into an action, eg: /me looks around.
- /join Joins the specified channel. eg: /join #landzdown.com
- /list Lists all the channels on the network (this outputs a lot of information).
- /part Leaves the current channel (same as clicking the X while in the channel).
- /quit Quits IRC totally (same as clicking X in Status window).
- /msg Sends a private message to a user. eg: /msg someone Hi
- /whois Gives some information about a user.
OptionsThe options window lets you change some settings in CGI:IRC. See the separate topic at
CGI IRC Options with information on the available options. An option change should take effect immediately.
Keyboard shortcutsThere are several shortcuts to help make using CGI:IRC nicer.
- Tab Will autocomplete a nickname or channel.
- Ctrl+number / Alt+number Will go to that number window if you number the windows from the left (Status = 1 and so on).
- Ctrl+B Write "%B" for bold text.
- Ctrl+C Write "%C" for colored text.
- Cursor Up/Down Move in the command history.