How to use Nickserv

When you log onto IRC, you must chose a nickname that isn't already being used. ASBSnet's Nickserv service allows you to register a nickname as your own and prevent others from using it. This document describes the basics of using ASBSnet's Nickserv, which is slightly different from DALnet's. For information on DALnet's Nickserv, check the official DALnet documentation on Nickserv , but remember that not all of it applies to ASBSnet.

The exact command used to send nickserv commands varies from client to client, and server to server. With mIRC, and ASBSnet, you can use "/nickserv". With other programs or networks you may have to use "/quote nickserv", "/raw nickserv" or "/msg nickserv@services.dal.net". The examples here use the ASBSnet "/nickserv" format.

Whenever entering Nickserv commands, it is a good idea to type them into the status window rather than the channel window. That way, if you happen to forget to type the / at the beginning of the command, you won't be broadcasting your password to everyone in the channel.

How to register your nickname

To register your nick, first change to the nickname you want to use, then use the Register command:

/nickserv REGISTER <password> <password>

for example:

/nickserv REGISTER mypassword mypassword

Your nickname registration will expire automatically if you don't log on for 30 days.

Identifying to Nickserv

When you first log on with your new nick, Nickserv should automatically identify you, as long as you're using the same internet provider as when you first registered. If Nickserv doesn't recognise you, you need to prove your identity with the Identify command. If you don't identify within 60 seconds, your nick will be changed automatically.

/nickserv IDENTIFY mypassword

You can modify the way Nickserv auto-identifies you with the Access and Enforce commands.
(The links above are to the DALnet web site for these commands, which work the same way here on ASBSnet.)

Ghosts

Occasionally your connection to ASBSnet will be lost and you'll be forced to log on again. Sometimes when you get back online, you'll find that your old nickname is still in use, because the ASBSnet server hasn't yet figured out that you've disconnected. When this happens, you can either wait a few minutes for the old nick to disappear, or you can use the Recover command to get rid of it right away.

/nickserv RECOVER SomeNick mypassword

The Recover command is also used if someone else is using your nickname, and Nickserv hasn't gotten around to booting them off yet.

Info

You can get information on yourself or another ASBSnetizen with the Info command, even if they're not online at the time.

/nickserv INFO SomeNick

Help

Lastly, you can always get help with Nickserv by using the Help command.

/nickserv HELP

Or, for help with a particular Nickserv command.

/nickserv HELP command

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This page last updated 25-Mar-2004 17:34

 

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