// Knowledge Base

GUIDES &
TUTORIALS

30 step-by-step guides covering everything from connecting to IRC for the first time to securing a Linux VPS. Written for the IRC community.

IRC Basics

Getting Started with IRC

Guide 01
How to Connect to IRC
Complete beginner's guide. Choose a client, find a network, and join your first channel.
Beginner
Guide 02
How to Register a Nickname on IRC
Protect your IRC identity with NickServ registration. Step by step guide.
Beginner
Guide 03
How to Register an IRC Channel
Own your channel with ChanServ registration or Eggdrop for EFnet.
Beginner
Guide 04
Best IRC Clients for Windows, Mac and Linux
HexChat, mIRC, WeeChat, irssi and more — the definitive 2026 client guide.
Beginner
Guide 18
What is IRC and Why Use It in 2026
The case for IRC in 2026 — privacy, no algorithms, open protocol, real community.
Beginner
Guide 19
Best IRC Networks in 2026
EFnet, Libera.Chat, IRCnet, Undernet and more — which network is right for you.
Beginner
Eggdrop

Eggdrop Bot Guides

Guide 05
How to Install Eggdrop on a Shell
Download, compile, and run Eggdrop on your TrustNetwork24 shell account.
Intermediate
Guide 06
How to Configure Eggdrop
Advanced Eggdrop configuration — servers, channels, flags, modules, and scripts.
Intermediate
Guide 07
How to Connect Eggdrop to an IRC Channel
Add channels, set modes, give ops, and manage users through your Eggdrop bot.
Intermediate
Guide 29
How to Choose the Right Hosting for Your IRC Bot
Shell vs VPS vs home server — which is right for your bot setup.
Beginner
ZNC Bouncer

ZNC Guides

Guide 08
How to Install ZNC on a Shell
Full ZNC installation and initial setup guide for TrustNetwork24 shell accounts.
Intermediate
Guide 09
How to Configure ZNC
Advanced ZNC settings, essential modules, NickServ auto-identify, and multi-user setup.
Intermediate
Guide 10
How to Connect Your IRC Client to ZNC
Connect HexChat, mIRC, WeeChat and irssi to your ZNC bouncer.
Beginner
Guide 27
What is ZNC and Why IRC Users Need a Bouncer
The complete guide to IRC bouncers — why you need one and how ZNC solves the problem.
Beginner
PsyBNC

PsyBNC Guides

Guide 11
How to Install PsyBNC
Download, compile, and start PsyBNC for multi-network IRC connections.
Intermediate
Guide 12
How to Configure PsyBNC
User management, multi-network setup, vhost configuration, and logging.
Intermediate
Domain & Web Hosting

Domain & Hosting Guides

Guide 13
How to Register Your Own Domain Name
Choose a TLD, check availability, register and configure WHOIS privacy.
Beginner
Guide 14
How to Point a Domain to Your Hosting
DNS A records, CNAME, Cloudflare setup, and checking propagation.
Beginner
Guide 15
How to Set Up a Website on Shared Hosting
cPanel, file upload, database setup, WordPress install, email, and SSL.
Beginner
Guide 26
How to Install a Web Server on a VPS
Apache and Nginx installation, virtual host configuration, and free SSL with Certbot.
Intermediate
VPS & Server

VPS & Linux Server Guides

Guide 16
How to Secure a Linux VPS
Create users, SSH keys, disable root login, Fail2Ban, and automatic updates.
Intermediate
Guide 17
How to Set Up a Firewall on a VPS
UFW and iptables configuration. Essential firewall rules for IRC and web servers.
Intermediate
Guide 24
How to Use Screen and tmux on a Shell
Keep IRC bots and processes running after you disconnect from SSH.
Beginner
Guide 25
How to Set Up SSH Keys on a Linux Server
Generate key pairs, copy to server, disable password auth, manage multiple keys.
Intermediate
Guide 28
How to Back Up Your Shell Account
SCP, rsync, and automated cron backups for ZNC, Eggdrop, and shell configs.
Intermediate
IRCD & Security

IRCD & Security Guides

Guide 20
How to Set Up an IRCD Server
UnrealIRCd installation, SSL setup, configuration, and launching your IRC network.
Advanced
Guide 21
How to Protect Your IRC Network from Attacks
Anti-flood, clone protection, DDoS mitigation, and operator security best practices.
Advanced
Guide 22
What is a Shell Account and What Can You Use It For
The complete guide to IRC shell accounts — what they are and how to use them.
Beginner
Guide 23
Difference Between a Shell Account and a VPS
Shell vs VPS — which one do you need for your IRC setup.
Beginner
Guide 30
What is DDoS Protection and Why It Matters for IRC
DDoS attack types, IRC targeting, protection methods, and how TrustNetwork24 keeps you safe.
Intermediate