How to Reserve a IRC Nickname With Nickserv

Internet Relay Chat (IRC), the oldest open form of chat on the Internet, used to grant a given nickname (handle or user name) to the first person to request it at any given time. Multiple people might use the same nickname at different times, or compete for a particular nickname at the same time. Nickserv nickname registration service now allows one person to claim a given nickname.

Instructions

1. Log on to the IRC network and change to the nickname you wish to register. If the nickname is already registered, you're typically notified immediately by Nickserv.

2. Query Nickserv to make sure the nickname isn't already owned. Go through the IRC server using the standard /msg command with the syntax, /msg Nickserv INFO nickname. Replace "nickname" with the exact nickname you wish to use.

3. Send a registration message to Nickserv. Go through the IRC server using the standard /msg command with the syntax, /msg Nickserv REGISTER password email.

4. Replace "password" with the password you wish to use for your nickname, keeping in mind that the password is case sensitive. Replace "email" with your actual email address.

5. Check your email. Find the message that contained an authentication request from Nickserv and locate the authentication code you must use to complete your nickname registration.

6. While logged into the IRC network, /msg Nickserv AUTH code. Replace "code" with the authentication code emailed to you by Nickserv.

7. Log into the IRC network and identify yourself to Nickserv using your nickname password at least once every 30 days to prevent your nickname registration from expiring.

Tips & Warnings

• Syntax for communicating with Nickserv may vary. The syntax above is for the IRC Services version of Nickserv written primarily by Andrew Church. On most networks, you can send a message to Nickserv with just the word "help" to receive a list of Nickserv commands.