A 'channel' is a virtual union of users where each user can see
messages that are posted to the channel. One user can join many
channels, but can see only one of them at a time. All users
automatically join to the channel named "#general".
The Text Chat interface manages channels using the following
elements:
Channels names list at the top of the window
Displays the names of all channels a user is joined to. The
channel currently on display is called the Active channel and the tab bearing its name is
marked as active.
Active channel log
This appears between the channel list and the input field, and
displays a log of all messages sent by users of the active channel.
Depending on the chat
options you choose, new messages will appear either at the
bottom or top of the log window.
A private channel appears automatically when you send or receive a private message. It
allows two users to communicate privately. It retains a log of the
conversation until private channel is closed.
The currently selected channel in the channel list is the 'active channel'. The
log displays messages for the active
channel and the users list displays
the list of users joined to the active channel. Any message entered
in the input field will go to the
active channel.
The 'Join channel' window will appear ( illustration). For
channels that have a channel password a
'key' icon will appear on the left.
"Join Channel" window
Select the existing channel from the list and click on the
<Join> button. If the selected channel has a password
enabled, the 'Channel Join Mode' window will appear ( illustration).
"Channel Join Mode" window
If a channel has both a channel and an operator password, select
the desired rights and enter the password. If you selected 'Join as
operator', you will have operator
privileges when you join the channel.
You can switch channels by clicking the target channel name in
the channels list or by pressing the
<Ctrl>+<Tab> key combination to cycle through
the list.