The Undernet is one of the largest IRC networks. It was established in October 1992 as an experimental network running a modified version of the EFnet irc2.7 IRC server software, created in an attempt to make it less bandwidth consumptive and less chaotic, as netsplits and takeovers were starting to plague EFnet.
Undernet was formed at a time when many small IRC networks were being started and subsequently disappearing; however, it managed to grow into one of the largest and oldest IRC networks despite some initial in-fighting and setbacks. It is notable as being the first network to utilize timestamping vs. nick.2Fchannel delay protocol in the IRC server protocol as a means to curb abuse.
Perhaps as a backlash against its "breakway" from EFnet, during the mid 1990s Undernet managed to develop a reputation — which its members vehemently state was undeserved — as a haven for online criminals, pedophiles, and child molesters. For a period in 1994, Undernet was wracked by an ongoing series of flame wars and slanderous attacks by members of the infamous Westboro Baptist Church. Undernet survived this period relatively intact, however, and its popularity continues to the present day.
Undernet is one of the largest realtime chat networks in the world, with approximately 17 servers. The userbase spans all ages, nationalities and interests, providing a tremendous variety of channels, with many staff and volunteers to help out new users.
Undernet provides several support channels for those new to IRC and Undernet, for example #help. For virus/trojan/malware removal help, go to #vh, #DmSetup or #NoHack.
IRC clients can connect to Undernet via irc.undernet.org or any of a number of other servers.
Undernet has recently added the chanfix service.
Undernet uses the X service which provides channel management and grants users a cloaked hostmask.
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"Undernet".
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