Tech: Sharing files with IRC

Subject: Tech: Sharing files with IRC
From: GUEST,Ed
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 02:55 PM

I'm feeling really tired, so I might be being a bit dim here. Apologies if I am.

I've used stuff like KaZaA etc. I've been aware for a while that you can share via IRC, so I've downloaded mIRC, but can't see anything more than a chat client. How does file sharing work here?

Ed

Subject: RE: Tech: Sharing files with IRC
From: MMario
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 03:10 PM

try a google search - the only stuff I found was for Mac based - but they implied it was possible with mIRC client (pc based) - a search on google groups may get you more - I'm blocked from here from doing that.

Subject: RE: Tech: Sharing files with IRC
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 03:14 PM

well, you have to find someone in a 'room'...even if it is a private room....and files are sent often thru something called DCC (direct connection or something)...I have not used IRC in 2-3 years, but it worked pretty well.......the trick is in locating the right place on the right 'server' Have you got a drop-down list of IRC chat servers? like Dalnet..etc? you do need to learn the ropes, as IRC works a bit dfferently..(it was around long before the WWW, and has some procedures that may seem odd, till you see how useful they are...)

and it is 'live'...no archived threads (you can log your conversations, but it is not done for you)

Subject: RE: Tech: Sharing files with IRC
From: Bill D
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 03:18 PM

(if I'm not being clear, IRC requires, (or used to) that you trade files live...but there are arcane trick in it that even I never learned...it is considered by many to be a haven for techies and programmers)

Subject: RE: Tech: Sharing files with IRC
From: Ed.
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 03:27 PM

Thanks, Bill.

I've not used IRC since about 1996 (never been much of a 'chatter'). When I'm less tired, I'll try and spend some time relearning the ropes, and see what happens...

Subject: RE: Tech: Sharing files with IRC
From:
Date: 20 Feb 03 - 08:00 PM

BillD is correct. The method for sending files is with the DCC command. Both ends have to be online at the same time, and have to remain on throughout the transfer. It's easier to use an attachment in e-mail. This was for those, "oh yeah, you should see this!" type of files.

Subject: RE: Tech: Sharing files with IRC
From: GUEST,JTT
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 04:51 AM

Go to the Ircle channel - you'll find the address on the Ircle webpage (www.ircle.com, I think...) and they'll explain how to do it; the guy who coded Ircle, Onno Tidjat, is a very nice Finn and is often online at the channel.

One thing: make sure you have your IRC client set *not* to allow *automatic* DCC, as it's a prime way of allowing nasties on to your computer.

Oh, wait, I'm stupid! Sorry, it's mIRC you're using, so you're on a PC - well, same thing applies, and the Ircle guys will certainly help you, and tell you where to find mIRC help.

The way DCC basically works is this: say I have a file of Jordan Is A Hard Road to Travel and you want it. We both boot up our IRC clients and go online at the same time, and find each other in a prearranged chat channel. Then we send private messages to each other (by typing /msg Ed - assuming Ed is the nick you're using), then when we're sure we have the right other person, we initiate a DCC chat - you'll see that on the menu.

Then I'll initiate DCC Send, and offer you the file. You'll click to accept it, and the file will send a copy of itself from my computer to yours.

I hope that's clear.

Subject: RE: Tech: Sharing files with IRC
From: GUEST,sorefingers
Date: 21 Feb 03 - 07:39 AM

Only since I installed three version of this so called Chat app in my many different OSs, I can tell you it is the most dangerous and trouble inviting thing - bar older varions of Net Meeting ICQ etc - you could install.

There are alternative ways to go, Java for example which you can turn off.

It appears that installed mIRC in particular is open ports on your machine once you have ran it. IOW Its open season for hackers even the kiddie type, and childsplay literaly to shutins who always seem to have stashs of code on some webpage or other somewhere on the net.

Do yourself and the rest of the netizens a favor, don't install any of these hacker's nodes!