# CGI:IRC Help

### Interface

The interface of CGI:IRC is very similar to a standard graphical IRC client, it should be easy to use if you are familiar with IRC clients. Along the top is a list of tabs, there will be a tab here for each channel you are in and each query (private message) you have open. To close a window click the X button on the far right of the tab list.
The userlist is on the right, when in a channel tab it will show a list of all the people in that channel. Double clicking a nickname will open a query with that user or perform whichever other action you select in the select box at the bottom.
The text entry box should be simple, the little arrow to the right of the text entry area shows a toolbar that allows easy typing of colour, bold and underline. It is also where you enter all the commands.

### Commands

Commands begin with / and should be familiar to anyone who has used IRC before - here is a quick summary of the most useful commands.

/me | This turns the text after /me into an action, eg: /me looks around.
/join | Joins the specified channel. eg: /join #cgiirc
/list | Lists all the channels on the network (this outputs a lot of information).
/part | Leaves the current channel (same as clicking the X while in the channel).
/quit | Quits IRC totally (same as clicking X in Status window).
/msg | Sends a private message to a user. eg: /msg someone Hi
/whois | Gives some information about a user.

### Options

The options window lets you change some settings in CGI:IRC. Hopefully it should be fairly self explanatory, change a setting and it should take effect immediately.

### Keyboard shortcuts

There are several shortcuts to help make using CGI:IRC nicer.

Tab | Will autocomplete a nickname or channel.
Ctrl+number / Alt+number | Will go to that number window if you number the windows from the left (Status = 1 and so on).
Ctrl+B | Write "%B" for bold text.
Ctrl+C | Write "%C" for colored text.
Cursor Up/Down | Move in the command history.

### About CGI:IRC

CGI:IRC is written in Perl by David Leadbeater with help from lots of people. See the website for more information.