To find out about IRC commands, or how to setup MIRC,
you can click the links on the right.
For answers to general questions, keep reading!

If you can't find the answer to your question, try asking in #irc-help on ScoutLink,
or Contact Us using the link at at top right of this page.

How do I connect to ScoutLink?
See our page entitled 'How To Chat'.

I can see people typing, but I don't know where to type?
It's very simple. Type in the box at the bottom of the page and click Enter to send the text. You will see this appear in the main chat window if it is sent correctly.

What is Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI)?
Jamboree on the Internet is held every year on the 3rd weekend of October. To take part, all you need to do is join ScoutLink as you usually would. The main difference is that there will be a lot more people online at this time than the rest of the year. When you join the #english channel, it will redirect you to one of many channels because the network is so busy that everyone doesn't fit in one channel! To find out more information about JOTI, please visit http://www.joti.org/.

What is a Channel Operator?
A Channel Operator (ChanOp) is there to help the users have as pleasant a visit to ScoutLink as possible. If you have any problems in a channel, these are the people you should contact to help you out. They can answer most questions you have, and also have the powers to kick or ban people from the channel if they are causing problems. Don't know who the chanops are? Just ask!

What is an IRC Operator?
An IRC Operator is an Operator in every channel, and has all the usual powers that chanops have, but can also remove people from the whole network (kill), and set network bans (g-lines). To find an ircop, type /ircops.

Who looks after the technical side of ScoutLink?
We have a Tech Team who look after the servers and technical side of ScoutLink. The tech team choose their own team members when they need to expand the team. 

Where are the ops? Nobody here is opped!
At Scoutlink, we do not 'op up' in channel unless we need to. There are probably chanops around if you need them, so if you want to know who they are, then ask! We only wear our op hats at JOTI!

Do you need any more operators?
Operators on ScoutLink are chosen by Country by a system of voting. UK ops are re-elected once every 3 years. If you join the mailing lists you will be informed of when this is happening. You must have been a user of ScoutLink for 3 months to be eligible to stand, or to vote. Chanops for the UK are chosen by the Country Coordinator. We have 2 chanops and if you have been on the network regularly for some time, you may be contacted by the Country Coordinator and asked to become an op. Please do not go around asking for ops as this is not appreciated =)

How do I use colours?
If you are using MIRC, hold ctrl and press k. A little box should come up with colours in, with numbers. Either click a colour, or type one of the numbers to get a colour. To create a background colour, type a comma (,) and then another number.

If you are using webchat, click the colours you want on the right hand side. If you want a background colour, then right click a colour.

If you are using CGI:IRC - Click the button that looks like << at the right of the text input box. Click the colour that you want for the text colour. To pick a background colour, pick the first colour, type a comma (,) then click on the second colour you want. Then delete the second '%C out of the message (the one following the comma).

Please remember that colours should only be used infrequently in #english =)

How do I write in bold?
Hold down ctrl and press b. Then type your text. To end the bold on the same line, press ctrl b again.

How do I underline my text?
Hold down ctrl and press u. Then type your text. To end the underlining press ctrl u again.