shown in Figure 4.6. After you choose a server by double-clicking it, you can
view a list of channels available on that server by choosing Window, Channel
List. In the HexChat Channel List window that appears, you can choose to
join channels featuring topics that interest you. To join a channel, just double-
click it. Ubuntu uses irc.freenode.net for the server, and the primary
support channel is #ubuntu.
FIGURE 4.6 On startup, HexChat presents a list of available public servers
from which to select. (© GitHub, Inc.)
THE WILD SIDE OF IRC
Do not be surprised at the number of lewd topics and the use of crude
language on public IRC servers. For a humorous look at the topic of IRC
cursing, see www.irc.org/fun_docs/nocuss.html. This site also offers some
tips for maintaining IRC etiquette, which is essential if you do not want to
be the object of any of that profanity. Here are some of the most important
IRC etiquette rules:
Do not use colored text, all-capitalized text, blinking text, or “bells”
(beeps caused by sending ^G to a terminal).
Show respect for others.
Ignore people who act inappropriately.