1 [irssi][] is a great [IRC][] client. The [documentation][] is
2 excellent, but long, so here is my summary of critical usage.
4 Connect to `freenode` as `nickname`:
6 $ irssi -c irc.freenode.net -n nickname
13 Join the `#phys305` channel:
17 Leave the current channel:
21 Quit your IRC session:
25 Change to window `<N>` with `Meta-<N>`. The `Esc` key is one of [a
26 number of ways][interface] to change windows.
28 Talk by typing whatever you have to say. In a multi-user channel, it
29 is good practice to preface responses with the nick of the person to
30 whom you are responding. This makes it easier for them to pick
31 relevant messages out during parallel conversations. `irssi` makes
32 this easy by autocompleting nicks with `Tab`.
34 You can also look over the [beginner section][beginner] of the [IRC
35 mini-HOWTO][howto]. If you want to start a new channel, read [The New
36 IRC Channel Operator's Guide][op].
38 [irssi]: http://irssi.org/
39 [IRC]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_Relay_Chat
40 [documentation]: http://irssi.org/documentation/
41 [freenode]: http://freenode.net/
42 [interface]: http://irssi.org/documentation/startup#c2
43 [beginner]: http://tldp.org/HOWTO/IRC/beginners.html
44 [howto]: http://tldp.org/HOWTO/IRC/
45 [op]: http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/changuide.html