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tutorials:comnotirc [2012/01/16 03:32] – memnontutorials:comnotirc [2012/01/16 03:46] – Sync with sdf memnon
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   * [[#What is COM?]]   * [[#What is COM?]]
-  * [[#Welcome to Limbo]] 
   * [[#Getting started: a walkthrough]]   * [[#Getting started: a walkthrough]]
   * [[#FAQ]]   * [[#FAQ]]
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 COM is a chat program which is unique to SDF. The original version dates back to 1994 and it has been developed and used on the SDF servers ever since. Together with the '"bboard"' BBS it is one of the primary ways SDF users communicate with each other. Some features may be familiar to you from other programs, but many will be new to you. Most notably, COM is command-driven, meaning that you are in “command mode” by default and must hit a key (spacebar or enter) before you can talk. See below for additional [[#Com Commands|commands]], all of which are simply typed in from command mode. COM is a chat program which is unique to SDF. The original version dates back to 1994 and it has been developed and used on the SDF servers ever since. Together with the '"bboard"' BBS it is one of the primary ways SDF users communicate with each other. Some features may be familiar to you from other programs, but many will be new to you. Most notably, COM is command-driven, meaning that you are in “command mode” by default and must hit a key (spacebar or enter) before you can talk. See below for additional [[#Com Commands|commands]], all of which are simply typed in from command mode.
  
-So why did you get COM when you expected IRC? For reasons of security and concerns about abuse, IRC access is not allowed unless you are an ARPA member or higher. If you are reading this then it is likely you are not. For this reason when you type '"irc"' at the shell, COM will be launched instead. This allows new users an opportunity to interact with other SDF users and hopefully answer some of the questions they might have. Unlike IRC, COM is not network-based and only users who are currently logged into SDF can use it. +So why did you get COM when you expected IRC? For reasons of security and concerns about abuse, IRC access is not allowed unless you are an ARPA member or higher.((For validated users, there is free IRC access on weekends.)) If you are reading this then it is likely you are not. For this reason when you type '"irc"' at the shell, COM will be launched instead. This allows new users an opportunity to interact with other SDF users and hopefully answer some of the questions they might have. Unlike IRC, COM is not network-based and only users who are currently logged into SDF can use it.
- +
-===== Welcome to Limbo ===== +
- +
-COM is based around 'rooms'. The default room you enter when you start the program is 'limbo'. If you are a pre-validated user then 'limbo' is the only room you can enter. Send in your validation if you want to change that. Common things you might want to do in limbo include talking to people (press the spacebar, followed by what you want to say, followed by enter), review (press '**r**' for a short review or '**R**' followed by a number of lines and enter), or check who is in the room (press '**w**'). See below for more [[#COM Commands|commands]].+
  
 Basic rules of etiquette to keep in mind: Basic rules of etiquette to keep in mind:
  
-  * Many people idle in com. You can check idle times with '**I**'. If the room has been quiet for a while, say hello but give people time to respond.+  * Many people idle in com. You can check idle times with 'I'. If the room has been quiet for a while, say hello but give people time to respond.
  
-Things //not// to do:+Things not to do:
  
   * Ask how to 'hack'.   * Ask how to 'hack'.
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 ===== Getting started: a walkthrough ===== ===== Getting started: a walkthrough =====
  
-Type "com" at the command line to start com. When com starts, you will be placed in a default room. A list of users will be displayed. You will also be in **command** mode. In **command** mode, all you will see the cursor; there will not be a prompt. Command mode allows commands to be run such as seeing a list of users.+COM is based around 'rooms'. The default room you enter when you start the program is 'lobby', SDF's Welcoming Room. 
 + 
 +Type "com" at the command line to start com. When com starts, you will be placed in 'lobby'. A list of users will be displayed. You will also be in **command** mode. In **command** mode, all you will is see the cursor; there will not be a prompt. Command mode allows commands to be run such as seeing a list of users.
  
 In **command** mode, type **w** to see a **list of users**, the name of the room you are in, as well as the **topography**. In **command** mode, type **w** to see a **list of users**, the name of the room you are in, as well as the **topography**.
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   [you are in 'FlyingDaggers' among 1]   [you are in 'FlyingDaggers' among 1]
- 
   wliao@iceland   wliao@iceland
  
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   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 </code> </code>
 +
 There seems to be a lot of users in the room "spacebar". Let us join in on the fun, shall we? Type **g** and the name of the room to join. There seems to be a lot of users in the room "spacebar". Let us join in on the fun, shall we? Type **g** and the name of the room to join.
  
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   [wliao]    hello world!   [wliao]    hello world!
 +
 +The next thing you'll probably want to know is what people talked about before you entered so you can join in the chatter. Type **r** to get a short 18 line "r"eview of what was said last. If you want more context, press **R**. You will see a prompt like this:
 +
 +    :lines> 
 +  
 +Just type the number of lines you are interested in and finish with return; you'll get a scrollable history of said lines length. 
  
 When you are ready to quit, type **q** to leave com. You will see an "Unlinking TTY .." message appear. When you are ready to quit, type **q** to leave com. You will see an "Unlinking TTY .." message appear.
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 Use the **r** key to review. Use **R** followed by a number to control how many lines of history to review. The **p** key can be used to see the history of another room: **p**roomname. The **p** command can also take an optional number of lines to display: **p**roomname number. Use the **r** key to review. Use **R** followed by a number to control how many lines of history to review. The **p** key can be used to see the history of another room: **p**roomname. The **p** command can also take an optional number of lines to display: **p**roomname number.
 === I see "<wliao@iceland DUMPs in 22 characters of 2 words in 3 lines>". What does that mean? === === I see "<wliao@iceland DUMPs in 22 characters of 2 words in 3 lines>". What does that mean? ===
- Use the **r** or **R** command.+Use the **r** or **R** command. 
 +This feature does not work between SDF and SDF-EU users.((Same for '**U**'info and '**I**'gnore))
 === Why do I have to keep pressing the spacebar to talk? === === Why do I have to keep pressing the spacebar to talk? ===
 Other keys can be used to enter input mode. Try the **h** to see what keys are not being used such as the enter key. Other keys can be used to enter input mode. Try the **h** to see what keys are not being used such as the enter key.