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### 4.1 Sample Session

This is an example ERC session which shows how to connect to the #emacs channel on Freenode. Another IRC channel on Freenode that may be of interest is #erc, which is a channel where ERC users and developers hang out.

- Connect to Freenode

  Run `M-x erc`. Use “irc.freenode.net” as the IRC server, “6667” as the port, and choose a nickname.

- Get used to the interface

  Switch to the “irc.freenode.net:6667” buffer, if you're not already there. You will see first some messages about checking for ident, and then a bunch of other messages that describe the current IRC server.

- Join the #emacs channel

  In that buffer, type “/join SPC #emacs” and hit `RET`. Depending on how you've set up ERC, either a new buffer for “#emacs” will be displayed, or a new buffer called “#emacs” will be created in the background. If the latter, switch to the “#emacs” buffer. You will see the channel topic and a list of the people who are currently on the channel.

- Register your nickname with Freenode

  If you would like to be able to talk with people privately on the Freenode network, you will have to “register” your nickname. To do so, switch to the “irc.freenode.net:6667” buffer and type “/msg NickServ register <password>”, replacing “<password>” with your desired password. It should tell you that the operation was successful.

- Talk to people in the channel

  If you switch back to the “#emacs” buffer, you can type a message, and everyone on the channel will see it.

- Open a query buffer to talk to someone

  If you want to talk with someone in private (this should usually not be done for technical help, only for personal questions), type “/query <nick>”, replacing “<nick>” with the nickname of the person you would like to talk to. Depending on how ERC is set up, you will either see a new buffer with the name of the person, or such a buffer will be created in the background and you will have to switch to it. Begin typing messages, and you will be able to have a conversation.

  Note that if the other person is not registered, you will not be able to talk with them.