Sunday, July 20th, 2008
Issue: 83   Editor: JamesDean


Bootleggers in Real Time. 5litre
The chat functions in Bootleggers can only go as far as the forums on the game allow it to, but if you are in the mood for some real-time communication, the CHAT feature is for you!

The feature, using javascript and IRC functions, will allow you to chat one on one, or with a load of other players in an instant! No refreshing for replies!

If you never used this feature before, it may be very very difficult for you to get situated. But by reading this article and just some practice, you'll be a chat-professional in no time!

Using an external program for using chat isn't necessary, but does make easier in the long run. The most popular program is mIRC and that is the program from which the screenshots in this article are taken from.

The first thing which needs to happen is to connect to the Bootleggers irc server. When mIRC opens up for the first time it will usually open up the mIRC options popup. If it doesn't open up just press alt+o.

Connecting to the server
You will see a list of categories on the left hand side of the options window. Click the + icon beside "Connect" to drop down more options.

Click on the "Servers" category. You will see buttons on the right hand side, the one we will be using is "Add"



Upon clicking "Add" you will be prompt to add some information:
Description: This is the area for you to call the server whatever you want, for example "Bootleggers"
IRC Server: irc.bootleggers.us
Ports: 6667
Group: leave blank
Password: leave blank

Once that is complete on the list of IRC servers, scroll till you find the server you just added. Usually it will be found at the very bottom of the list. Double click on "Bootleggers" (or whatever you named it) and it should transfer you back to the "Connect" Category. Once here, enter your information such as your name/email address/nickname and an alternate (can use the same as your first nickname). Once that is done, press "connect" and it should connect you to the server.

Welcome to Bootleggers irc server!
First thing suggested is to register your nickname. This will protect you from having other people use your nickname in the IRC channel pretending to be you.

To register your nickname, you have to type a certain command which is: /msg nickserv register password email

so for example:
/msg nickserv register testtest testing@hotmail.com

You can type this in any window that is open, but since the Status Window opens upon connecting to the server, it is best to use that one.



Make sure you are on your desired username as it will register your username with the password you put in.

Now the problem with registering your username is that every time you connect to the server, you will have to identify yourself.

This can be done by typing:
/msg nickserv identify (your password)

However, instead of having to type this every time you sign on, there is an easier way in which mIRC will identify yourself automatically.

Press Alt+o again to open the mIRC options. Again, make sure you press the + beside "Connect" if it hasn't been opened already. Now go down and click "Options". Here you can check a few boxes of your preference. What I suggest is "Connect on startup" and "reconnect on disconnection" as well as the ones that are already checked.

Click on the "Perform..." button located in the "Options" category just below where it says "Default Port:"

Once clicked, it will open up the Perform window. Check the box at the top where it says "Enable perform on connect" then in the "Perform commands" box you can type in:
/msg nickserv identify (password) you can press enter to go down a line and also type in /join #bootleggers so that when you connect to the server, it will automatically connect you to the main chat.

Press Ok and get out of all the options and go back to your "Status" window

Type /join #bootleggers and that will bring you to the main irc channel for bootleggers. From there, type real time with other players and staff from the game!

Next week?
How to join and play uno in irc!