The Undernet, What is it?
A Non-Technical View.
Network:
A group of computers connected together in a manner that allows them to
communicate and share information.
Your resident computer geek would probably drop his doughnut at that
definition, but it works. The undernet is a network composed of computers
(Servers) located all over the world. These computers may be owned by
universities, junior colleges, businesses, or private individuals. They may
be connected to the network on a permanent or temporary basis. There is more
to the undernet than this and if your interested, may I suggest a few
minutes searching the Web. Until then, think of the undernet as a strange
type of telephone system where Each server is an operator.
In order to access the undernet you must connect to a server that is part
of the network. To do this, you need software that will allow you to
communicate with the server and with other people on the network. Next, you
need the address (think of it as a postal address) of a server that is
relatively close to your location. Some examples of server addresses are:
LasVegas.NV.US.Undernet.org:6660
Toronto.ON.ca.undernet.org:6661
eu.undernet.org:6662
London.UK.eu.Undernet.org:6663
StLouis.MO.US.UnderNet.org:6664
SanJose.CA.US.Undernet.Org:6665
Caen.Fr.Eu.UnderNet.org:6666
auckland.nz.undernet.org:6667
The various programs used to access the undernet usually contain a short
list of servers to choose from.
Connecting to the undernet is easy in principal but can be a bit of a pain
in fact. Setting aside the possibility of software, hardware, and peopleware
problems, the server you select is going to busy. Therefore, you may get a
message something like "no more connections" or "to many connections". If
this happens you have four options.
1.. Try connecting again. Your program probably tried three or four
times but it will make you feel better.
2.. Try another port. You may have noticed that each address has a
four digit number with it ranging from 6660 to 6669. Most servers allow you
to use any of these ports. Your program probably has 6667 as the default.
Changing the port and attempting to connect again may get you In.
3.. Try another server. Change to another server in your area or
choose one in a different time zone. Some servers are more popular than
others. Try moving around.
4.. Try again at a different time of day. If you are having trouble
sleeping, try connecting at night. Everyone else in your area will probably
be sleeping and getting a connection will be easier.
After all of the hard stuff is done, where are the people? Communicating on
the undernet is similar to using a two way short wave radio. You need to
know what frequency the people you want to talk to are using as well as when
they will be using it. On the undernet, the frequency is the channel name.
All channel names begin with pound sign "#". To enter the channel reserved
for Parkinsons related discussions (among other things) follow your
program's instructions for joining a channel and type the name #parkinsons.
Please do not type the period as part of the name. You can also join
#parkinsons by typing /join #parkinsons then pressing the enter key on IBM
look-a-likes or return a Mac.
Coming up next: The strange world of Net-splits, pings, and lag time. Some
dos and do nots, there’s danger out there.
Marvin Giles AKA WerPuppy.
