USER MODES

User modes allow you to configure a number of things while on IRC. You can use them to specify how easy it will be for other people to find you, what kind of information the IRC server should pass on to you, etc. They are also commonly referred to as umodes.

Modes are generally set through the /mode command.

/mode nickname +/- mode(s)

Examples:

/mode PeanutButterLover +iws
/mode PeanutButterLover -k
/mode PeanutButterLover +i-s

You can only change your own user modes: therefore, the nickname will always stand for the nick that you are using at the time.

3.1 +i

+i is also known as the invisible mode. While it does not actually make you invisible on IRC, it can make you quite a bit more difficult to find. To put it briefly, the invisible mode prevents people from finding you unless they know your exact nickname or are on the same channel as you. Please note that a lot of servers actually set you to +i automatically when you first connect.

When not set to +i, a fellow user can locate you through the /who or through the /names #channelname command. IRC Operators also have the ability to see someone regardless of whether they are invisible or not.

3.2 +r

The +r mode can only be set by services itself and indicates that you are using and have identified to a registered nickname.

When using the /whois command on someone who is set to +r, an extra line will appear in the WHOIS output, indicating that they have identified to the nickname they are using.

Example:

MissPeanut is janice@peanutty.yummy.com * Peanut Butter is the best!
MissPeanut is on @#PeanutButter +#PeanutB
MissPeanut is on coast.fl.us.dal.net
MissPeanut has identified for this nick

3.3 +R

The +R mode can be set by any connect client and does not allow a client who is not umode +r to message the client. Please note that the umode +R client are not able to message the client who is not umode +r too. See section section 3.2 This includes private messages and CTCPs. A +R client will be able to receive messages from +o clients.See section section 4.1

3.4 +s

Setting yourself +s is a request to the server to send you all the generic server messages and information about oper kills. This can turn into quite a flood.

3.5 +w

Wallops are network wide messages sent by IRC Operators to each other. Any user who is set to +w will also be able to observe the conversation. Wallops have become quite extinct on DALnet and are rarely sent.