Internet Relay Chat operator
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An IRC operator (often abbreviated as IRCop or oper) is a user on an Internet Relay Chat network who has privileged access. IRC operators are charged with the task of enforcing the network's rules, and in many cases, improving the network in various areas. The permissions available to an IRC operator vary according to the server software in use, and the server's configuration.
IRC operators are divided into local and global operators. The former are limited to the server(s) they have specific access to; however, global operators can perform actions affecting all users on the network. In order to perform their duties, IRC operators usually have the ability to:
- Forcibly disconnect users (Kill)
- Ban (K-line or G-line) users
- Change network routing by disconnecting (squitting) or connecting servers
Traditionally, a list of operators on a particular server is available in the MOTD, or through the /stats o [servername] command. A user can become an operator by sending the command /oper to the irc server he or she currently is on using a pre-selected username and a password as parameters. The command only works for the server which has the proper O-line in its ircd configuration file. The IP address that the user is opering from may also have to match a predefined one, as an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized users opering if they have cracked the operator's password.
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[edit] Operator types
In many IRC networks, IRCops have different types of access on a network. These ranks often depend upon the IRCd software used, though a few specific access levels remain fairly constant throughout variations:
[edit] Local operator
The Local Operator (LocOp) is the lowest in Operator access levels. The LocOp has a minimal control on one server out of a network, and usually has the ability to kill (disconnect) people from the server or perform local k:lines (server ban).
[edit] Global operator
The Global Operator (GlobOp) is similar to the LocOp, and has control over the entire network of servers, as opposed to a single server. GlobOps may perform G:lines or Akills (network-wide bans) and Shun (forcibly mute) users over an entire network.
[edit] Services administrator
Commonly abbreviated as SA, This admin type has access to almost all commands on an IRC network. Usually, an SA has the ability to use the /sa* commands. The /sa* commands will set channelmodes via both channel services and the server itself, making it impossible for normal users to see who changed the modes.
[edit] Network Administrator
The Network Administrator (NetAdmin) has the highest level of access on a network. In most cases, the founder of the network is the netadmin. Networks may, however, have multiple netadmins - espescially networks with large populations.
[edit] Ban Types
An IRCop with enough privileges, may give a ban to unwanted users. The ban types are listed below:
[edit] K-Line
The Kline (AutoKill) is a host ban, it will kill (Disconnect) any user matching the given host instantly as they connect. KLines could expire, but in some cases it is permanent.
[edit] G-Line
The Gline (Global K-Line), works exactly as the K-Line, only it is global, and its effect takes place on all of the servers in the network. Glines could expire, but in some cases it is permanent.
[edit] Z-Line
On IRCds such as UnrealIRCd, the Zline is a "powerful" ban, it is performed on IP instead of host. Making sure that users from that IP will not join. Zlines could expire, but in some cases it is permanent.
[edit] GZline
Some IRCds support the Global Z-Line, is exactly as the Zline itself, but it's global, and network wide. UnrealIRCd has GZline support. The GZline is an effective way of blocking static IP users, and keeping them out.
[edit] D-line
On other IRCds, such as Charybdis, a 'Dline' replaces a Zline. It is called a Dline because it "denies" the IP address from connecting. Charybdis does not have support for a Zline or a GZline. By using its "cluster" configuration feature, Dlines can be synchronized between servers, providing a type of 'GZline'. This enables for very nice big network support since the administrator of one server may want to allow certain servers they trust to synchronize Dlines and Klines, but not allow others..
