Browse articles tagged with #networks, ordered by publication date where new
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EFnet: IRC's wild original, still runningEFnet is the direct descendant of the first IRC network — and still has no nickname registration, no channel services, no safety rails. How it works, why people love it, and how to survive there.
Freenode vs Libera.Chat: what actually happened in 2021In 2021 the largest IRC network in the world imploded in a matter of weeks. The story of the Freenode takeover, the staff exodus that created Libera.Chat, and where both networks stand today.
IRC networks in 2026: which ones matter and how to connectHundreds of IRC networks exist, but a handful host most of the activity. An overview of the networks that matter in 2026 — what each is for, how big it is, and how to connect.
IRCnet: the European giant without a rulebookIRCnet split from EFnet in 1996 and remains one of the largest networks, strongest in Europe and the Nordics. No services, channel reops via !channels, and decades-old communities — a guide.
Libera.Chat: a complete guide to the largest IRC networkLibera.Chat is where open source lives on IRC: ~30,000 users, 22,000+ channels. Connecting, registering, cloaks, channel namespaces, and the policies — VPN, Tor, bots — that actually affect you.
OFTC: the quieter home of free software IRCOFTC hosts Debian, Tor, and a constellation of infrastructure projects — smaller and quieter than Libera, deliberately so. Connecting, registration, and how it differs in practice.
Rizon: anime, fansubs and a general-purpose networkRizon is the cultural home of anime and fansub IRC, with a large general- purpose population besides. Connecting, registration with anope services, vhosts, and the XDCC culture to be aware of.