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news:top_10_reasons_afternet_irc_is_better_than_im [2007/05/24 04:54] – philnews:top_10_reasons_afternet_irc_is_better_than_im [2007/05/24 14:12] (current) – muer
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-====== The Top 10 Reasons (AfterNET) IRC is Better Than IM ======+====== The Top 10 Reasons IRC is Better Than IM ======
 We think Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is great, and beats other forms of online communication like AIM, MSN, and Yahoo without a doubt.  We have compiled this list to illustrate why: We think Internet Relay Chat (IRC) is great, and beats other forms of online communication like AIM, MSN, and Yahoo without a doubt.  We have compiled this list to illustrate why:
  
 ===== The List ===== ===== The List =====
  
-==== #10 Open Platform ==== + 
-IRC has been based upon Open Source software since the beginning.  Everything needed to run a full network capable of handling hundreds of thousands of users is available publicly under the GPL, from the IRC clients required to connect to it (examples: xchat, irssi, bitchx) ,to irc server software (examples: Evilnet Nefarious ircd, dancer ),and finally the services software that runs upon it (examples: Chanserv, X3, gnuworld).  Why does this matter? If you don't agree with how AOL runs their IM servers, what are you gonna do about it?  But, if you think you could run an IRC network better, you can. + 
 + 
 +==== #10 Open platform ==== 
 +Everything needed to run a full IRC network is available under the [[http://www.gnu.org|GPL License]]. Open Source IRC clients like [[http://www.xchat.org|xchat]], [[http://www.irssi.org|irssi]],  
 +and [[http://www.bitchx.org|bitchx]]; 
 +IRC server software like [[http://evilnet.sourceforge.net|Evilnet Nefarious]], and [[http://www.inspircd.org|Inspircd]], 
 +and finally the services software that runs upon it like [[http://evilnet.sourceforge.net/x3|X3]] and [[http://www.gnuworld.org|GNUWorld]].  
 + 
 +Why does this matter? If you don't agree with how AOL runs their IM servers, what are you gonna do about it?  But, if you think you could run an IRC network better, you can make changes, and even start your own. 
  
  
 ==== #9  Encryption ==== ==== #9  Encryption ====
-Most IM tools don't offer any kind of encryption. Those that do offer it are often implemented poorly.  Many IRC servers however,  utilize industry standard SSL (Secure Socket Layer) encryption, so there is no way your boss/school/ISP is secretly reading what you rant about them in chat. +Most IM tools don't offer any kind of encryption. However many IRC servers (such as afternet) support SSL encryption, so you can bitch about your boss without fear he is listening in. 
 + 
 + 
  
 ==== #8  Flexibility ==== ==== #8  Flexibility ====
-Because of IRC's open software, and somewhat standard protocol(s), you have the flexibility to run whatever software you want to connect.  There are literally thousands of programs capable of connecting to IRC, from bots to clients. Everything is an open book, so you have the flexibility to use it how you want, without hacks.+Because of IRC's open nature, you can run whatever software you want to connect.  There are literally thousands of programs capable of connecting to IRC, from bots to clients. You aren't tied to one IM client that you don't like. And you aren't generating profit for the owner of the IM client by being subjected to their advertisements.
  
  
-==== #7  Everything isn't about dating (unless you want it to be...) ==== +==== #7  Talk about what you want to ==== 
-Tired of the A/S/L chat on AIM? Each channel on IRC has its own culture, so you can easily find a group of people to chat with who are nott trying to 'cyber' each other all the time. Course, if you are in to that sort of thing, there are places for that too..+Tired of the A/S/L chat on AIM? Each channel on IRC has its own culture, so you can easily find the people who want to talk about the same things as you. 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 + 
 +==== #6  More geeks around ==== 
 +Because IRC started as a UNIX tool for geeks and university mainframe users, IRC has a tradition of technical chat. You can often find groups of people talking about anything from Linux and the software that runs on it, to designing games, to hobby electronics.
  
-==== #6  More technical oriented users ==== 
-Because IRC started as a UNIX tool for geeks and college mainframe users, IRC has a tradition of technical chat. You can often find groups of people talking about anything from Linux and the software that runs on it, to hobby electronics.   
  
  
 ==== #5  Meet new people easily ==== ==== #5  Meet new people easily ====
-Finding new friends who can help you learn and grow on AIM is nearly impossible. All the conversations take place between 2 people who already knew each other.  In contrast, on IRC most conversations happen out in public, so you can get to know people even just by watching. By becoming a regular of a channel, you meet all sorts of other members who you would not have known to IM directly.+Finding new friends who can help you learn and grow on AIM is nearly impossible. All the conversations take place between two people who already know each other.  In contrast, on IRC most conversations happen out in public, so you can get to know people even just by watching. By becoming a regular of a channel, you meet all sorts of other members who you would not have known to IM directly. 
  
 ==== #4  Broaden your horizons ===== ==== #4  Broaden your horizons =====
-Chat goes on all the time on IRC, about many different subjects. Often, you will find people discussing topics you didn't know existed, or discussing a position you don't agree with. Just 'hanging out' on IRC can lead to a much broader understanding of the world.+Chat goes on all the time on IRC, about many different subjects. Often, you will find people discussing topics you didn't know existed, or discussing a position you don't agree with. Just hanging out on IRC can lead to a much broader understanding of the world. 
 + 
 + 
 +==== #3  You don't have to talk ===== 
 +Shy? Not sure what to say? Some people just don't feel comfortable IMing friends just to listen. However on IRC, you can watch other people chat if you don't feel like talking, you might even learn something while you do!
  
-==== #3  Eavesdropping / people watching ===== 
-Shy? Not sure what to say? I never feel comfortable IMing my friends directly out of the blue... but on IRC, you can watch other people chat if you don't feel chatty. You learn a lot sometimes just by following a conversation. 
  
 ==== #2  Builds Trust ===== ==== #2  Builds Trust =====
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-==== #1  Supports Freedom to chat on the interweb ===== 
-AIM, YIM, MSN, etc are all run by corporations ultimately out to make a profit. They don't care about freedom of speech, freedom to gather, discuss politics, etc. Anything that disrupts their world will simply be banned off the internet. Don't like it? tough, its their network.  IRC, however, is mostly run by individuals and groups not for profit. And if all the IRC networks sold out, you and some friends could download the Open Source software and start your own IRC network.  
  
  
 +==== #1  Supports freedom to chat =====
 +<digg>
 +AIM, YIM, MSN, etc are all run by corporations ultimately out to make a profit. They don't care about freedom of speech, freedom to gather, discussions of politics, etc. Anything that disrupts their world will simply be banned off their network. Don't like it? tough, it's their network. IRC, however, is mostly run by individuals and groups not for profit. And if all the IRC networks sold out, you and some friends could download the Open Source software and start your own IRC network. 
  
 +[[:policies:freedom|Freedom is Important]]
  
  

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