What is a channel-operator ?
A channel-operator (commonly called op) is in charge of a channel. He decides what can be done by the users on that channel and who can be in the channel. To do that, he uses channel modes (described in the next paragraph). When a user joins a channel that doesn't already exist, he receives channel-operator status (ops).
What are channel modes ?
Channel modes allow individuals to control the channels they create.
Channel mode +n prohibits users not in a given channel from sending public messages to the channel.
Channel mode +t allows the channel topic to only be set by a channel operator. You set a topic with the command "/topic #channel blah blah blah".
With channel mode +i, users outside the channel may not enter the channel without being "invited" (/invite nick #channel) by a channel operator.
"secret" mode (+s) prevents a channel from being displayed in a /list. Additionally, only those individuals inside a "secret" channel may see a list of users in the channel using the /names or /who command.
By using "+l #", you limit the channel size to the number displayed.
Mode +m moderates the channel and allows only channel operators or those who've been given a "voice" (+v) to send public messages to the channel.
Mode "+v nick" may look like a user mode, but it's really a channel mode. It designates that an individual has a "voice" with which to send public messages to a moderated channel (+m).
"Private" channels (+p) are not displayed in a /list ; however, if you know they exist, you can still see who's in the with the /names and /who commands.
Mode "+o nick" designates an individual as a channel operator.
Mode "+k word" sets a "key" or password for the channel : people then have to type "/join #channel word" to join the channel.
Mode "+b pattern" bans someone from a channel by pattern. A pattern is a "nick!user@host" string where "!user@host" may be omitted and wildcards (? and *) are allowed. A ban will be rejected if it matches an already existing ban. A channel is limited to 20 bans.
Controlling access to a channel
You can invite people to a channel with the "/invite nick #channel" command. Note that in an invite-only channel (+i set), only channel-operators can invite.
There are several ways to prevent people from joining a channel. You can use the channel modes k, l, i and b.
Getting rid of unwanted users
If you are a channel-operator and someone annoys you, you can et rid of them with the /kick command. Its syntax is "/kick #channel nick comment", the comment can be omitted. You will often want to use a ban in addition to a kick.
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