1. What is #RGVC? #RGVC is a channel on IRC (Internet Relay Chat) for people interested in classic videogames to gather and chat about more or less anything. #RGVC is the official channel of the rec.games.video.classic newsgroup. #RGVC was started in February, 1996 for classic gaming enthusiasts to gather and communicate in a real-time environment. There are always people around 24 hours a day, so drop in and say hello! 2. What is IRC? IRC stands for "Internet Relay Chat". It was originally written by Jarkko Oikarinen in 1988. Since starting in Finland, it has been used in over 60 countries around the world. It was designed as a replacement for the "talk" program but has become much much more than that. IRC is a multi-user chat system, where people convene on "channels" (a virtual place, usually with a topic of conversation) to talk in groups, or privately. IRC is constantly evolving, so the way things work one week may not be the way they work the next. Read the MOTD (message of the day) every time you use IRC to keep up on any new happenings or server updates. 3. How do I join #RGVC? First you need an IRC client (program). This program will vary depending on what machine you are using. For Windows, MIRC and Pirch are generally regarded as the IRC clients of choice, while Macintosh users seem to favor IRCLE. You can download any of these clients from the web. Next, you must connect to any EFnet server (examples: irc.mcs.net, irc.mindspring.com, etc.) using your IRC client. What server is best for you will depend upon the ISP you're using and the area of the world you live in. For a complete list of working servers, please visit: http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/networks/servers/efnet.html In general, the port to use is 6667. Some servers listen to other ports (most commonly in the 6660-6670 range), but *not* all. When in doubt, use 6667. It's usually best to try and connect to one geographically close, even though that may not be the best. You can always ask when you get on IRC. Finally, type "/join #rgvc" (without the quotes) and you're there! If you still experience difficulty in getting on IRC, feel free to contact any of the channel operators (which can be found in the People of #RGVC listing for further assistance. 4. Quick guide to frequently used IRC commands To join the channel: "/join #rgvc" To leave the channel: "/leave #rgvc" To do an action: "/me action" * Example: "/me has a Combat to trade.. anybody want to trade CtCW for it?" To send a private message to someone: "/msg " * Example: "/msg riffraff hello lover!" To set a nickname: "/nick " To send a file from your account to someone else: "/dcc send " To receive a file that someone is sending you: "/dcc get nickname" 5. What are some basic #RGVC etiquette I should be aware of? Basically, we just ask you to use common sense! You'll get along fine and enjoy the channel as long as you use your best judgement. /away yourself when you are going to be away for longer than a brief period of time. * Example: /away playing a game of Mythicon Fire Fly Please do not idle excessively. This is considered bad IRC netiquette. If you plan on being away from the channel for more than a half an hour or so, please leave the channel and return when you plan on being active again. When talking to someone, use their nickname first so people know who you are talking to. Example: Fygar: What games do you have to trade? Public solicitation for pirated software is discouraged. This includes asking people to send known copyrighted data, or offering pirated wares to the whole channel, including XDCC offers. If you engage in these practices, keep it to /msg (private chat) please. Hope to see all of you in #RGVC! Regards, Robert Batina (Rubbertoe) Greg Chance (DrDemento) Alan Davis (AlanD) Mercury Hess (Mercster) Kevin Horton (Kevtris) Keita Iida (Fygar) Robert Stickles (Sutekh)