Editing IRC operator

{{Short description|IRC user with privileged access}}
{{Refimprove|date=July 2009}}

An '''IRC operator''' (often abbreviated as '''IRCop''' or '''oper''') is a user on an [[Internet Relay Chat]] network who has privileged access. IRC operators are 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:
* Forcibly disconnect users (Kill)
* Ban ([[K-line (IRC)|K-line]] or [[G-line]]) users
* Change network routing by disconnecting (squitting) or connecting servers

Traditionally, a list of operators on a particular server is available in the [[Motd (Unix)|MOTD]], or through the {{mono|/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 as [[Parameter (computer science)|parameter]]s. The command only works for the server which has the proper [[O-line (IRCd)|O-line]] in its [[IRCd]] configuration file. The [[IP 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 have [[Password cracking|cracked]] the operator's password.

== Operator types ==
In many IRC networks, IRCops have different types of access on a network. These ranks often depend upon the [[IRCd]] software used, though a few specific access levels remain fairly constant throughout variations:

=== Local operator ===
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 to '''kill''' (disconnect) people from the server or perform local [[K-line (IRC)|K-lines]] (server ban).

=== Global operator ===
The Global Operator (GlobOp) is similar to the LocOp, and has control over the entire [[computer network|network]] of servers, as opposed to a single server. GlobOps may perform [[G-line]]s or [[AKill]]s (network-wide bans) and '''shun''' (forcibly mute) users over an entire network.

=== Services administrator ===
Commonly abbreviated as '''SA''', 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 virtual '''services''' node on the network, effectively masking the origin of the actions.

=== Network administrator ===
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.

== See also ==
* [[Internet Relay Chat#Channel operators|Internet Relay Chat channel operator]]

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20110322175909/http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/ircd/ircopguide.html IRC Operators Guide]

{{IRC topics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Internet Relay Chat Operator}}
[[Category:IRC|Operator, Internet Relay Chat]]