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AnIRC operator (often abbreviated asIRCop oroper) is a user on anInternet Relay Chat network who has privileged access. IRC operators are the equivalent ofsystem operators in general computing usage, 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:
Traditionally, a list of operators on a particular server is available in theMOTD, or through the/stats o [servername] command. A user can become an operator by sending the command /oper to the irc server they currently are on using a pre-selected username and a password asparameters. The command only works for the server which has the properO-line in itsIRCd configuration file. TheIP address that the user is operating from may also have to match a predefined one, as an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized users operating if they havecracked the operator's password.
In many IRC networks, IRCops have different types of access on a network. These ranks often depend upon theIRCd software used, though a few specific access levels remain fairly constant throughout variations:
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 tokill (disconnect) people from the server or perform localK-lines (server ban).
The Global Operator (GlobOp) is similar to the LocOp, and has control over the entirenetwork of servers, as opposed to a single server. GlobOps may performG-lines orAKills (network-wide bans) andshun (forcibly mute) users over an entire network.
Commonly abbreviated asSA, This admin type has control over all functionality on an IRC network available via network service bots, including the commonly used NickServ, ChanServ, and MemoServ nicks. Usually, an SA has the ability to use the/sa* commands. The /sa* commands, like all actions performed by network services, are typically implemented using a virtualservices node on the network, effectively masking the origin of the actions.
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 - especially networks with large populations.