want to use irc?

want to use irc? here are a few things to keep in mind:
- nobody likes losing chat history. if your server/network doesn't implement draft/chathistory (a IRCv3 extension), you must use a "IRC bouncer" (an application that you host and stays connected for you 24/7).
- that said, it is good practice to use a bouncer anyways (unless you don't mind and only want to be connected when you are around [even tho /away exists]). you can re-use the same connection/nick for your computer(s), phone, etc.

here are some recommended clients:
- the lounge (self-hostable, doubles as a bouncer and a client, supports a few nice things such as link embeds/file upload/etc. cons is that it's a web application-only with no external client support.)
- quassel (you self-host a "core", and use clients to connect to it - with multiple available for different devices)
- weechat (this is a TUI client, and a good one! but it can also double as a "server" for some clients such as weechat-android, so you can keep your connections on-the-go)

special mention to irccloud - proprietary, centralized, might not be your cup of tea, but it's an easy way to get into irc. doubles as bouncer/client, file uploads, embeds for SOME websites (mostly socials, including fedi). free for 2 networks/disconnects you after 24 hours of inactivity, $6/mo otherwise.

for bouncers specifically (bring-your-own-client):
- soju (a "modern" bouncer. good if your client enjoys the new ircv3 funsies)
- ZNC (the good ol'. works well enough even until today)

@nay avoid irccloud at all costs. they are NOT a good company.

@craftxbox@transfur.social why's that? any particular experiences?

want to use irc? here are a few things to keep in mind:
- nobody likes losing chat history. if your server/network doesn't implement draft/chathistory (a IRCv3 extension), you must use a "IRC bouncer" (an application that you host and stays connected for you 24/7).
- that said, it is good practice to use a bouncer anyways (unless you don't mind and only want to be connected when you are around [even tho /away exists]). you can re-use the same connection/nick for your computer(s), phone, etc.

here are some recommended clients:
- the lounge (self-hostable, doubles as a bouncer and a client, supports a few nice things such as link embeds/file upload/etc. cons is that it's a web application-only with no external client support.)
- quassel (you self-host a "core", and use clients to connect to it - with multiple available for different devices)
- weechat (this is a TUI client, and a good one! but it can also double as a "server" for some clients such as weechat-android, so you can keep your connections on-the-go)

special mention to irccloud - proprietary, centralized, might not be your cup of tea, but it's an easy way to get into irc. doubles as bouncer/client, file uploads, embeds for SOME websites (mostly socials, including fedi). free for 2 networks/disconnects you after 24 hours of inactivity, $6/mo otherwise.

for bouncers specifically (bring-your-own-client):
- soju (a "modern" bouncer. good if your client enjoys the new ircv3 funsies)
- ZNC (the good ol'. works well enough even until today)

@nay If i recall correctly in 2020 they were exposed for intentionally leaking user data to certain ircops

I couldnt find the evidence i once had about this, only a dubious reddit thread. I swear it was real but since i can't prove it anymore i'm going to discard it.

What I DO know is that they have had numerous information disclosure vulnerabilities in the past and there is no evidence that they encrypt any of your data at rest past nickserv passwords.

want to use irc? here are a few things to keep in mind:
- nobody likes losing chat history. if your server/network doesn't implement draft/chathistory (a IRCv3 extension), you must use a "IRC bouncer" (an application that you host and stays connected for you 24/7).
- that said, it is good practice to use a bouncer anyways (unless you don't mind and only want to be connected when you are around [even tho /away exists]). you can re-use the same connection/nick for your computer(s), phone, etc.

here are some recommended clients:
- the lounge (self-hostable, doubles as a bouncer and a client, supports a few nice things such as link embeds/file upload/etc. cons is that it's a web application-only with no external client support.)
- quassel (you self-host a "core", and use clients to connect to it - with multiple available for different devices)
- weechat (this is a TUI client, and a good one! but it can also double as a "server" for some clients such as weechat-android, so you can keep your connections on-the-go)

special mention to irccloud - proprietary, centralized, might not be your cup of tea, but it's an easy way to get into irc. doubles as bouncer/client, file uploads, embeds for SOME websites (mostly socials, including fedi). free for 2 networks/disconnects you after 24 hours of inactivity, $6/mo otherwise.

for bouncers specifically (bring-your-own-client):
- soju (a "modern" bouncer. good if your client enjoys the new ircv3 funsies)
- ZNC (the good ol'. works well enough even until today)

@nay the problem with #IRC bouncers is that hosters hate that even more than @torproject / #Tor *and #Cryptocurrency #mining or any #Cryptojacking & #malware.

• As in: Many will literally fire customers just for using Port 6667 and/or 6697…

• The same Hosters have no issues with people mining #Shitcoins that'll flood their Network and burn through NVMe-SSDs like #Solana or people running #ExitNodes from their Network!

The only thing that (tho deservedly!) gets them to cancel VPSes is hosting CSAM…

want to use irc? here are a few things to keep in mind:
- nobody likes losing chat history. if your server/network doesn't implement draft/chathistory (a IRCv3 extension), you must use a "IRC bouncer" (an application that you host and stays connected for you 24/7).
- that said, it is good practice to use a bouncer anyways (unless you don't mind and only want to be connected when you are around [even tho /away exists]). you can re-use the same connection/nick for your computer(s), phone, etc.

here are some recommended clients:
- the lounge (self-hostable, doubles as a bouncer and a client, supports a few nice things such as link embeds/file upload/etc. cons is that it's a web application-only with no external client support.)
- quassel (you self-host a "core", and use clients to connect to it - with multiple available for different devices)
- weechat (this is a TUI client, and a good one! but it can also double as a "server" for some clients such as weechat-android, so you can keep your connections on-the-go)

special mention to irccloud - proprietary, centralized, might not be your cup of tea, but it's an easy way to get into irc. doubles as bouncer/client, file uploads, embeds for SOME websites (mostly socials, including fedi). free for 2 networks/disconnects you after 24 hours of inactivity, $6/mo otherwise.

for bouncers specifically (bring-your-own-client):
- soju (a "modern" bouncer. good if your client enjoys the new ircv3 funsies)
- ZNC (the good ol'. works well enough even until today)

edited to add better wording/clarity, i wrote this while i was half-asleep

i have been seeing fedi creatures commenting about clients but not so much about bouncers which is what made my experience actually enjoyable, so i feel they deserve a mention

@nay@mice.tel technically bouncers aren't required to stay connected 24/7, if you only use one device with a reliable internet connection that you never shut down you can just never close your client