Pichat User Handbook
Copyright © 2008 Piratson Technologies, http://www.piratson.se
Last update 24/Apr/2008 by Mark Seuffert
Last update 24/Apr/2008 by Mark Seuffert
Overview:
1. First steps2.1. Basic command description
2.2. Chat admin commands
2.3. Special commands
3. Webchat users
4. Text chat users
5. Smileys, graphics and internet slang
6. Hotkeys
7. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
1. First steps
Do you want to talk with other people? Here you can "chat" with friends, meet new
people and exchange information. But be careful, chatting can make addicted!
First of all connect to a chat, after a few seconds is the connection established.
Let's start immediately. In order to talk with others here the most important
chat commands:
| Change your name: | /NICK name | e.g. /nick Rookie (that's your new name from now on) |
| Wake up a user: | /PING name | e.g. /ping Moak (now wait until he responds) |
| Leave the chat: | /LOGOUT |
Some tips:
Leave all formalities behind... it's very informal in a chat. There's no need for reservation getting in touch with others, just start chatting. People are usually friendly, as in real life you will meet lots of nice people but also psychopaths from time to time (ignore them). When you want to talk directly to someone enter his name followed by a colon, for example: Moak: Hey, how are you?
Leave all formalities behind... it's very informal in a chat. There's no need for reservation getting in touch with others, just start chatting. People are usually friendly, as in real life you will meet lots of nice people but also psychopaths from time to time (ignore them). When you want to talk directly to someone enter his name followed by a colon, for example: Moak: Hey, how are you?
With smileys you are also able to express feelings, more in section 5.
The most frequent questions are explained in the FAQ (at the end of this tutorial).
2.1. Basic command description
After you made yourself familiar with the basic chat features it's time to read
further. Let's check out more chat commands and see what they can do. Not all
commands have to be available and some commands may be used by chat admins only.
Type /HELP to see which chat commands are available on current chat server.
Overview of all chat commands:
1. column: basic commands
2. column: status commands
3. column: admin commands (for chat admins, see section 2.2)
4. column: special commands (not listed in /HELP command, see section 2.3)
5. column: special commands on your own chat server
2. column: status commands
3. column: admin commands (for chat admins, see section 2.2)
4. column: special commands (not listed in /HELP command, see section 2.3)
5. column: special commands on your own chat server
/AWAY
Change away status with optional text. In DND mode (Do Not Disturb) are all sound effects and many visual effects disabled.
Change away status with optional text. In DND mode (Do Not Disturb) are all sound effects and many visual effects disabled.
| Hotkey: | Ctrl+Y = change away status |
| Syntax: | /AWAY [text] |
| /AWAY DND [text] |
/CHATROOMS
Show chatrooms on current chat server. Some chat servers allow users to create own chatrooms, you can see them in a list with all chatrooms. If no argument is given only permanent chatrooms are shown.
Show chatrooms on current chat server. Some chat servers allow users to create own chatrooms, you can see them in a list with all chatrooms. If no argument is given only permanent chatrooms are shown.
| Syntax: | /CHATROOMS |
| /CHATROOMS ALL | |
| /C |
/COLORSCHEME
Show or select color scheme. You can specify a color scheme by name or number. There are two builtin color schemes: 1 = Day, 2 = Night. If no argument is given all available color schemes are shown.
Show or select color scheme. You can specify a color scheme by name or number. There are two builtin color schemes: 1 = Day, 2 = Night. If no argument is given all available color schemes are shown.
| Hotkey: | Ctrl+E = change color scheme (day/night mode) |
| Syntax: | /COLORSCHEME |
| /COLORSCHEME name|number |
/CONNECT
Connect to a chat server. You can open a connection in a new chat window by adding 'NEW' before server address. When you enter a chat server you will automatically join the chat server's entrance (default chatroom). Many chat servers also allow users to enter the chat in any chatroom.
Connect to a chat server. You can open a connection in a new chat window by adding 'NEW' before server address. When you enter a chat server you will automatically join the chat server's entrance (default chatroom). Many chat servers also allow users to enter the chat in any chatroom.
| Syntax: | /CONNECT address [chatroom] |
| /CONNECT NEW address [chatroom] |
/JOIN
Join a chatroom. You can specify chatrooms by name or number. There are multiple chatrooms on a chat server for talking about different topics. Many chatrooms are available to anyone, conference chatrooms require a code.
Join a chatroom. You can specify chatrooms by name or number. There are multiple chatrooms on a chat server for talking about different topics. Many chatrooms are available to anyone, conference chatrooms require a code.
| Syntax: | /JOIN chatroom|number [code] |
| /J chatroom|number [code] |
/LAG
Show lag to chat server. Lag is the time a message takes to be sent to chat server and back to you. There's an automatic lag detection built in which warns you when bigger lags occur.
Show lag to chat server. Lag is the time a message takes to be sent to chat server and back to you. There's an automatic lag detection built in which warns you when bigger lags occur.
| Syntax: | /LAG |
/LANGUAGE
Show or select language. You can specify a language by its international abbreviation, e.g. 'de', 'en' or 'sv'. If no argument is given all available languages are shown.
Show or select language. You can specify a language by its international abbreviation, e.g. 'de', 'en' or 'sv'. If no argument is given all available languages are shown.
| Syntax: | /LANGUAGE |
| /LANGUAGE name |
/MOTD
Show message of the day (MOTD). The message of the day is automatically shown when entering a chat. Messages can be available for all or only for a specific language. If no argument is given the message of the day for your own language is displayed.
Show message of the day (MOTD). The message of the day is automatically shown when entering a chat. Messages can be available for all or only for a specific language. If no argument is given the message of the day for your own language is displayed.
| Syntax: | /MOTD |
| /MOTD ALL |
/MESSAGE
Private message between two users. Other users can not read what you write to each other, e.g. '/message Moak What are you doing tonight?'.
Private message between two users. Other users can not read what you write to each other, e.g. '/message Moak What are you doing tonight?'.
| Syntax: | /MESSAGE nickname text |
| /MSG nickname text |
/PING
Ping a single user or all users in chatroom. When pinging a single user the time is shown a ping takes to be send to a user and back to you.
Ping a single user or all users in chatroom. When pinging a single user the time is shown a ping takes to be send to a user and back to you.
| Syntax: | /PING [nickname] |
/PONG
Pong back a single user, just for fun.
Pong back a single user, just for fun.
| Hotkey: | Ctrl+G = pong back last user |
| Syntax: | /PONG [nickname] |
/STATUS
Show chat status. If no argument is given a short chat status is shown with user number and chat activity. You can optionally show a longer chat status with all information.
Show chat status. If no argument is given a short chat status is shown with user number and chat activity. You can optionally show a longer chat status with all information.
| Hotkey: | Ctrl+S = show chat status |
| Syntax: | /STATUS |
| /STATUS ALL |
/TIMESTAMP
Show or hide time stamp. You can also set a local time in a chat window and choose between 12 and 24 hours format. The local time can be specified with or without seconds, e.g. 14:30. If no argument is given the time stamp is toggled between on and off.
Show or hide time stamp. You can also set a local time in a chat window and choose between 12 and 24 hours format. The local time can be specified with or without seconds, e.g. 14:30. If no argument is given the time stamp is toggled between on and off.
| Hotkey: | Ctrl+Z, F2 = show/hide time stamp |
| Syntax: | /TIMESTAMP |
| /TIMESTAMP ON|OFF|TOGGLE | |
| /TIMESTAMP SET|SETSILENT localtime [12|24] |
/UNAWAY
Remove away status and optionally show time being away.
Remove away status and optionally show time being away.
| Hotkey: | Ctrl+Y = change away status |
| Syntax: | /UNAWAY |
| /UNAWAY TIME |
/USER
Log in or out as registered user. All attempts are logged.
Log in or out as registered user. All attempts are logged.
| Syntax: | /USER LOGIN username password |
| /USER LOGOUT |
/WHO
List users in chatroom. You can specify chatrooms by name or number. If no argument is given users in current chatroom are shown.
List users in chatroom. You can specify chatrooms by name or number. If no argument is given users in current chatroom are shown.
| Syntax: | /WHO [chatroom|number] |
| /W [chatroom|number] |
2.2. Chat admin commands
The following commands and options are available for chat admins only. On your
own chat you automatically are chat admin. Admins take care about the chat server
and make sure that the chat will not be abused, therefore they have of course
more rights.
/ADMIN
Log in or out as chat admin. All attempts are logged.
Log in or out as chat admin. All attempts are logged.
| Syntax: | /ADMIN LOGIN username password |
| /ADMIN LOGOUT |
/BAN
Ban user or IP address from chatroom. You can specify an optional reason and a time in seconds. Setting zero seconds means unlimited ban time. The user is removed from the room (if necessary) and can not join it anymore before time has elapsed or ban was removed.
Ban user or IP address from chatroom. You can specify an optional reason and a time in seconds. Setting zero seconds means unlimited ban time. The user is removed from the room (if necessary) and can not join it anymore before time has elapsed or ban was removed.
| Syntax: | /BAN nickname|ip chatroom [reason] [bantime] |
| /BAN SHOW chatroom |
/BROADCAST
Send text to all users in the chat or to a specific group of users. For a list of available user types see below.
Send text to all users in the chat or to a specific group of users. For a list of available user types see below.
| Syntax: | /BROADCAST ALL text |
| /BROADCAST usertype text |
/CHATMODE
Show or change chat server mode. When closing the chat you can specify an optional text and a quit time in seconds. Setting zero seconds means all existing users can stay, otherwise are users logged out when time has elapsed. If no argument is given all available chat modes are shown, for an overview of modes see below.
Show or change chat server mode. When closing the chat you can specify an optional text and a quit time in seconds. Setting zero seconds means all existing users can stay, otherwise are users logged out when time has elapsed. If no argument is given all available chat modes are shown, for an overview of modes see below.
| Syntax: | /CHATMODE |
| /CHATMODE SET mode [text] [quittime] | |
| /CHATMODE SHOW |
/MOTD
Show or change message of the day (MOTD). The message of the day is automatically shown when entering a chat. Messages can be targeted at all or only at a specific language, for specific languages use a text beginning with a language abbreviation and colon, e.g. 'de:', 'en:' or 'sv:'. If no argument is given the message of the day for your own language is displayed.
Show or change message of the day (MOTD). The message of the day is automatically shown when entering a chat. Messages can be targeted at all or only at a specific language, for specific languages use a text beginning with a language abbreviation and colon, e.g. 'de:', 'en:' or 'sv:'. If no argument is given the message of the day for your own language is displayed.
| Syntax: | /MOTD |
| /MOTD ALL | |
| /MOTD SET text | |
| /MOTD ADD text | |
| /MOTD CHA|CHANGE linenumber text | |
| /MOTD DEL|DELETE linenumber | |
| /MOTD CLR|CLEAR |
/ROOMMODE
Show or change room mode. When changing to a conference chatroom you also need to specify a code starting with an exclamation mark, e.g. !code1234. If no argument is given all available chatroom types are shown, for an overview of types see below.
Show or change room mode. When changing to a conference chatroom you also need to specify a code starting with an exclamation mark, e.g. !code1234. If no argument is given all available chatroom types are shown, for an overview of types see below.
| Syntax: | /ROOMMODE |
| /ROOMMODE SET chatroomtype chatroom [code] | |
| /ROOMMODE SHOW chatroomtype |
/TOPIC
Show or change topic of current chatroom. If no argument is given the current chat topic is displayed.
Show or change topic of current chatroom. If no argument is given the current chat topic is displayed.
| Syntax: | /TOPIC |
| /TOPIC SET text | |
| /TOPIC CLR|CLEAR |
/USERMODE
Show or change user mode. When changing a user mode you can specify an optional reason and a quit time in seconds. Setting zero seconds means user can stay for unlimited time, otherwise is the user logged out when time has elapsed. If no argument is given all available user types are shown, for an overview of types see below.
Show or change user mode. When changing a user mode you can specify an optional reason and a quit time in seconds. Setting zero seconds means user can stay for unlimited time, otherwise is the user logged out when time has elapsed. If no argument is given all available user types are shown, for an overview of types see below.
| Syntax: | /USERMODE |
| /USERMODE SET usertype nickname [reason] [quittime] | |
| /USERMODE SHOW usertype |
The chat server can run in 3 different chat modes:
- open = any user can enter the chat
- members = only registered users can enter the chat
- closed = no new users can enter the chat
There are 5 different user types in the chat:
- zombie = can not talk with other users, no chatroom change
- visitor = maybe restricted to talk with other users or to change chatrooms
- normal = no restrictions, default user type on most chat servers
- moderator = no restrictions, can also talk in moderated chatrooms
- admin = administration rights, immune against bans and mode changes
There are 3 different chatroom types:
- normal = any user can join and talk
- moderated = only moderators and chat admins can talk in the chatroom
- conference = only users with correct code can join the chatroom
Notes for chat admins: When somebody is causing trouble try talking with him
first. Generally, chat admins should not get involved into people's fights and
disputes. Encourage peaceful communication. If negotiating doesn't help, ban the
user from the chatroom and let him cool down for a few minutes. As a last
measurement turn a trouble maker into a 'zombie', after some time he will be
automatically removed from the chat.
2.3. Special commands
There are some more special commands which are internally used in the chat and
not listed by Pichat's /HELP command. Most users don't need them but explore if
you are curious.
/ALIAS
Show aliases. Aliases let you do common things more easily, have a look at the existing ones. It is possible to define your own aliases, e.g. for favourite commands and often used text phrases.
Show aliases. Aliases let you do common things more easily, have a look at the existing ones. It is possible to define your own aliases, e.g. for favourite commands and often used text phrases.
| Syntax: | /ALIAS |
/ALOGOUT
Leave all chat servers with optional text, like typing /LOGOUT in all chat windows.
Leave all chat servers with optional text, like typing /LOGOUT in all chat windows.
| Syntax: | /ALOGOUT [text] |
| /AQUIT [text] |
/ASTATUSTEXT
Output a local status text in all chat windows, the text is NOT send to any chat server. Similar to typing /STATUSTEXT in all chat windows, but chat windows unconnected to a chat server will ignore this command.
Output a local status text in all chat windows, the text is NOT send to any chat server. Similar to typing /STATUSTEXT in all chat windows, but chat windows unconnected to a chat server will ignore this command.
| Syntax: | /ASTATUSTEXT text |
| /ASTATUSTEXT STATUS|WARN|ERROR text |
/CHECK
Show status of local software components. This command is used to run internal consistency checks and to show internal event log. See what is running under the hood, possible problems and malfunctions are shown in red. This command is only giving you information about your own chat server. Btw, you are also able to fire the builtin crash report with a self destruct... :)
Show status of local software components. This command is used to run internal consistency checks and to show internal event log. See what is running under the hood, possible problems and malfunctions are shown in red. This command is only giving you information about your own chat server. Btw, you are also able to fire the builtin crash report with a self destruct... :)
| Syntax: | /CHECK ALL|DATA|GUI|LOG |
| /CHECK SELFDESTRUCT |
/DISCONNECT
Disconnect from a chat server, you can also use it to stop running reconnections to a chat server. It's similar to /LOGOUT but without goodbye handshake and forces an immediate disconnect, usually use /LOGOUT.
Disconnect from a chat server, you can also use it to stop running reconnections to a chat server. It's similar to /LOGOUT but without goodbye handshake and forces an immediate disconnect, usually use /LOGOUT.
| Syntax: | /DISCONNECT |
/DNS
Resolve hostname or IP address, e.g. '/dns www.pichat.net'. Allow a few seconds to finish DNS lookup, you can run multiple lookups simultaneously if necessary.
Resolve hostname or IP address, e.g. '/dns www.pichat.net'. Allow a few seconds to finish DNS lookup, you can run multiple lookups simultaneously if necessary.
| Syntax: | /DNS hostname|ip |
/DNSFRESH
Resolve hostname or IP address again, not using buffered entry. If no hostname or IP is given the whole DNS buffer will be cleared.
Resolve hostname or IP address again, not using buffered entry. If no hostname or IP is given the whole DNS buffer will be cleared.
| Syntax: | /DNSFRESH |
| /DNSFRESH hostname|ip |
/ECHO
Show or change settings for chat server output. If no argument is given all available echo settings are shown. This command is only available for webchat and text chat users.
Show or change settings for chat server output. If no argument is given all available echo settings are shown. This command is only available for webchat and text chat users.
| Syntax: | /ECHO |
| /ECHO SET|SETSILENT setting [ON|OFF|TOGGLE] | |
| /ECHO SHOW |
The following echo settings are supported in the chat:
| COLORS | = | show colored text |
| GRAPHICS | = | show smileys and graphics |
| LINKS | = | show clickable hyperlinks |
| HIGHLIGHT | = | show highlighted text lines |
| STATUSHIGHLIGHT | = | show status lines colored |
| TEXT | = | show typed in text lines |
/ECHOSCREEN
Show or change webchat screen size, you can set a maximum number of text lines to be shown on your screen. The chat window will be cleared after maximum of lines is reached. Setting zero lines enables unlimited text lines. If no argument is given the current screen size is shown. This command is only available for webchat users.
Show or change webchat screen size, you can set a maximum number of text lines to be shown on your screen. The chat window will be cleared after maximum of lines is reached. Setting zero lines enables unlimited text lines. If no argument is given the current screen size is shown. This command is only available for webchat users.
| Syntax: | /ECHOSCREEN |
| /ECHOSCREEN SET|SETSILENT lines |
/OFFLINE
Chat server goes offline. This command is only available on your own chat server.
Chat server goes offline. This command is only available on your own chat server.
| Syntax: | /OFFLINE |
/ONLINE
Chat server goes back online. Your server uptime, statistics and bans will be reset when the chat server goes back online. This command is only available on your own chat server.
Chat server goes back online. Your server uptime, statistics and bans will be reset when the chat server goes back online. This command is only available on your own chat server.
| Syntax: | /ONLINE |
/PLUGIN
Show chat plugins or send command directly to a chat plugin. You can specify a plugin by name or number. The command to send must not start with another slash. By sending 'help' to a plugin you receive a list of available commands (depends on plugin which commands are available). This command is only available on your own chat server.
Show chat plugins or send command directly to a chat plugin. You can specify a plugin by name or number. The command to send must not start with another slash. By sending 'help' to a plugin you receive a list of available commands (depends on plugin which commands are available). This command is only available on your own chat server.
| Syntax: | /PLUGIN |
| /PLUGIN name|number command [text] |
/RAW
Send a raw and unparsed command direct to a chat server. Experienced users may use this to bypass the chat client's parsing. The command to send must not start with another slash.
Send a raw and unparsed command direct to a chat server. Experienced users may use this to bypass the chat client's parsing. The command to send must not start with another slash.
| Syntax: | /RAW command [text] |
/SAY
Send text to chat server as if you were saying something. This command is used to output text with a command. The command '/say I am back again' would be the same as typing 'I am back again' in current chat window.
Send text to chat server as if you were saying something. This command is used to output text with a command. The command '/say I am back again' would be the same as typing 'I am back again' in current chat window.
| Syntax: | /SAY text |
/STATUSTEXT
Output a local status text, the text is NOT send to any chat server. This command can be used to print out local status messages.
Output a local status text, the text is NOT send to any chat server. This command can be used to print out local status messages.
| Syntax: | /STATUSTEXT text |
| /STATUSTEXT STATUS|WARN|ERROR text |
3. Webchat users
Pichat comes with a webchat. It makes it very easy to chat and all you need is
a web browser. If you are on the road or on vacations you can immediately start
chatting with your friends.
| Example: | Visit one of the following servers... |
| http://eu.pichat.net/chat | |
| http://us.pichat.net:8008/chat |
The webchat works with nearly any web browser, no plugins required. Most chat
features are available in the webchat, a modern web browser gives best results
but also text browsers are fully supported.
Problems or errors? If you can't log in please activate the 'simple text mode'.
If you see an error message the chat may be simply offline at the moment, please contact a chat admin or try again later.
If you see an error message the chat may be simply offline at the moment, please contact a chat admin or try again later.
4. Text chat users
Alternatively, you can access Pichat with telnet. This offers a very simple text
chat and great for users who prefer a dead simple user interface. No graphics, no
fancy features.
| Example: | Connect to one of the following servers... |
| telnet eu.pichat.net 9009 | |
| telnet us.pichat.net 9009 |
A telnet software is required for the text chat, if not already installed on your
computer you can get it for any operating system. Not all chat features are
available with telnet, for example there are no smileys and no graphics.
5. Smileys, graphics and internet slang
There is a lot you can do with text input. Use smileys to express feelings,
laugh, swear or flirt. Already the first internet users knew them and used
smileys to prevent misunderstandings and emotional ice age. Pichat shows smileys
as small graphics in chat window.
| smileys | = | :) :)) :] ;) :p ;p :~ :D ;D :, :' :( :[ :/ :\ |
| :s :x :omg: :wtf: :nice: :| :blue: :(( :mad: | ||
| taunts | = | :swear: :bomb: :zzz: :chat?: :chat!: :idea: :taps: |
| symbols | = | :sound: :arrow1: :arrow2: :candle: :asian1: :asian2: |
| flirt | = | :love: :hearts: :kisses: :rose: |
| fun | = | :coffee: :beer: :beers: :wine: :winew: :sekt: :tequila: :water: :pizza: |
Internet slang and common abbreviations:
| brb | "be right back", when you are away for a short time |
| cu | "see you", the most common way to say good bye |
| lol | "laughing out loud", when you can't hold back loud laughing |
| mompl | "moment please", when you are busy or working on something |
| re | "returned", common greeting when you return after a short time |
| rotfl | "rolling on the floor laughing", having tears in your eyes and better |
| rtfm | "read the fine manual", read the damn documentation you lazy slacker |
| ttyl | "talk to you later", when you gonna be away for longer |
| wtf | "what the f...", when your are very surprised or meet fucking idiots |
| flame | when somebody massively annoys or provokes other people |
| flood | one way of flaming, when somebody floods the screen with junk data |
| lag | delay in communication, responses from other people arrive delayed |
| rl | "real life", where you still have to eat and drink |
| we | "weekend", oh yeeeeeeeeeeeees! *happy-joy* |
6. Hotkeys
For your convenience there are a couple of keyboard shortcuts. While chatting you
can access important functions more easily using the keyboard, especially
functions you use often. Please note that not all hotkeys are available in the
webchat.
| Up/Down | = | input history, show last typed in text lines |
| Ctrl+B | = | write bold, press again for normal text |
| Ctrl+K | = | write colored, press again to select color 1-4 |
| Ctrl+O | = | write normal (switch off bold and color) |
| Ctrl+A | = | mark all text |
| Ctrl+C | = | copy text into clipboard |
| Ctrl+V | = | paste from clipboard |
| Tab | = | nickname completion at beginning of nicknames, |
| to answer a private message press Tab in empty input | ||
| Ctrl+E | = | change color scheme (day/night mode) |
| Ctrl+I | = | change input size |
| Ctrl+L | = | clear chat window |
| Ctrl+G | = | pong back last user |
| Ctrl+U | = | show/hide side bar (chatrooms and users) |
| Ctrl+Z, F2 | = | show/hide time stamp |
| Ctrl+R | = | enable/disable text filter |
| Ctrl+Y | = | change away status |
| Ctrl+T | = | open new chat window |
| Ctrl+W | = | close chat window |
| Ctrl+Tab | = | switch to another chat window |
| Ctrl+S | = | show chat status |
| Ctrl+P | = | show chat options |
| F1 | = | show about box with Pichat version information |
| F5 | = | update contacts |
| F10 | = | show 3D window (experimental) |
| Windows+P | = | show/hide main window |
| Esc | = | minimise main window |
7. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Can I use Pichat with my friends for free? Check the license (see Readme).
- How do I change my nickname? Press hotkey Ctrl+P or use the /NICK command.
- How do I get a time stamp? Press hotkey Ctrl+Z or use the /TIMESTAMP command.
- How do I....? Please talk with other users in the chat, just ask for help.
And always remember...
First it was believed the earth is a disc. Then it was announced it is round.
Shortly later the planets were discovered, space and the cyber space. Finally,
the most important discovery was made: the chat space!!!
Okay, that's it. Now you are perfectly equipped with all fundamentals, there are
of course some more things to learn and to try out. Your are already on the way
to become a pro chatter... I warned you!
For further information and feedback please contact me.
See also: Chat Configuration, Developer Documentation, Features
See also: Chat Configuration, Developer Documentation, Features
Pichat is a simple to use peer to peer (P2P) chat software. It comes with integrated webchat, web server and chat server. The chat supports multiple chatrooms, text formatting with smileys and a user-friendly webchat (HTML, CSS, DOM, JavaScript). The webchat works with nearly any web browser, easily integrated and adjusted to your own web design, no PHP/Flash/Java required. Software for free information exchange for Linux and Windows.