Here are some basic commands that you will find useful. A short explanation is given for each command. To learn more about a particular command, type "/? <command>" from any Pirch window.

• /admin - Use this command to get the nickname (and probably email address) of the administrator of the IRC server you are connected to. This information may be useful if you are being harassed by other IRC users.
• /clear - This command clears the text from the current window
• /close - This closes the active window, and parts the channel if typed from a channel window
• /dcc chat <nick> - This allows you to chat privately with another person without going through the IRC server. In fact, you can establish a DCC CHAT and completely disconnect from IRC and still chat with your friend!
• /exit - This command closes all windows and completely closes Pirch
• /ignore <nick> <mode> - Use this command to ignore a user who is bothering you. "nick" is the nickname of the person to ignore and "mode" is the Ignore Mode (if in doubt, use mode "2")
• /info - This command will display various information about the IRC server you are connected to
• /invite <nick> <channel> - Use this command to invite "nick" to "channel"
• /join <channel> - This command allows you to "join" a channel to start chatting
• /list - This command will return a list of channel names on the IRC network you are connected to
• /me <message> - Use this command to perform "actions" in the channel
• /msg <nick> <message> - Sends a private message to a user. Note that this will usually cause a new window to open for the other person, and could interrupt their other conversations. Please be considerate and don't /msg a person unless they are your friend or you have their permission to /msg them first.
• /nick <newnick> - This command will change your nickname to a new nick. It is suggested that you always use the same (or similar) nickname on IRC so that people will remember who you are. You don't have a "face" on IRC, so no one can easily "recognize" you if you use a different nick.
• /notice <nick> <message> - Sends a private notice to a user. This is not as intrusive as a private message, but you still may want to use discretion when using it so as not to "bother" someone. Only the nickname specified will be able to see the notice.
• /part - This will allow you to "leave" the channel you are chatting in. You can also supply the channel name if you want to close the window while chatting in another.
• /quit <quit message> - This will disconnect you from the IRC server, and if a quit message is supplied, it will display it to any channels you are in
• /whois <nick> - This will show information on a user such as which channels the user is currently on, the server the user is connected to, the user's realname and usually the number of seconds the user has been "idle"