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{{short description|Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client for Microsoft Windows}} {{short description|Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client for Microsoft Windows}}
{{refimprove|date=August 2012}}
{{lowercase}} {{lowercase}}
{{Infobox software {{Infobox software
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| latest preview version = {{wikidata|property|preferred|references|edit|Q211680|P348|P548=Q51930650}} | latest preview version = {{wikidata|property|preferred|references|edit|Q211680|P348|P548=Q51930650}}
| latest preview date = {{wikidata|qualifier|preferred|single|Q211680|P348|P548=Q51930650|P577}} | latest preview date = {{wikidata|qualifier|preferred|single|Q211680|P348|P548=Q51930650|P577}}
| programming language = ]/]<ref name=PFAQ/> | programming language = ]/]<ref name=PFAQ-Language/>
| operating system = ] and later | operating system = ] and later
| platform = ] | platform = ]
| size = 6.99 ]
| language = | language =
| genre = ] | genre = ]
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}} }}


'''mIRC''' is an ] (IRC) client for ], created in 1995. It is a fully functional chat utility and its ] makes it ] and versatile.<ref name="Smith"/> '''mIRC''' is an ] (IRC) client for ] with an ] allowing the creation of ].<ref name="Smith"/> The software was first released in 1995 and has since been described as "one of the most popular IRC clients available for Windows."<ref name="Smith" /> mIRC is ] and requires payment<!-- Misplaced Pages doesn't list prices--> for registration after the 30-day evaluation period.<ref name="REG" />

⚫ mIRC has been described as "one of the most popular IRC clients available for Windows."<ref name="Smith"/> It has been downloaded over 40 million times from ]'s ] service.<ref name="CNET"/> In 2003, Nielsen/NetRatings ranked mIRC among the top ten most popular Internet applications.<ref name="IntNews"/>


==History== ==History==
mIRC was created by Khaled Mardam-Bey ({{lang-ar|خالد مردم بي}}), a ] ]. He began developing the software in late 1994, and released its first version on 28 February 1995.<ref name=khaled>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mirc.com/khaled.html|title=mIRC: Khaled Mardam-Bey|website=www.mirc.com}}</ref> mIRC was created by Khaled Mardam-Bey,<ref>{{cite web|last=Mattson|first=Bill|title=Chatting With Other Sailors|website=thebeachcats.com|publisher=|date=1998|url=https://www.thebeachcats.com/OnTheWire/wwwcatsail/archives/v3-i4/feature3.htm|access-date=2024-06-01}}</ref> a British ] born in Jordan to a ] father and a ] mother.<ref>{{Cite web |title=mIRC: Personal FAQ |url=https://www.mirc.com/pfaq.html |access-date=2023-10-21 |website=www.mirc.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=mIRC: Personal FAQ |url=https://www.mirc.com/pfaq.html |access-date=2023-12-27 |website=www.mirc.com}}</ref> He began developing the software in late 1994, and released its first version on 28 February 1995.<ref name=khaled>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mirc.com/khaled.html|title=mIRC: Khaled Mardam-Bey|website=www.mirc.com}}</ref>


Mardam-Bey states that he decided to create mIRC because he felt the first ] ]s for Windows lacked some basic IRC features. He then continued developing it due to the challenge and the fact that people appreciated his work. The author states that its subsequent popularity allowed him to make a living out of mIRC.<ref name="PFAQ"/> mIRC is ] and requires payment<!-- Misplaced Pages doesn't list prices--> for registration after the 30-day evaluation period.<ref name="REG"/> Mardam-Bey states that he decided to create mIRC because he felt the first IRC ]s for Windows lacked some basic ] features. He then continued developing it due to the challenge and the fact that people appreciated his work. The author states that its subsequent popularity allowed him to make a living out of mIRC.<ref name="PFAQ"/> He also jokingly states that the "m" in mIRC stands for "moo" or "]" (meaning 'nothing' in Japanese and Korean).<ref name="PFAQ-Meaning"/>


The developer states that version 5.91 is the final one to support ] Windows;<ref name="FAQS2"/> 6.35 is the last to support ], ], ], and ]. The current version supports ] and later.<ref name="GET"/> mIRC 5.91 is the final version to support ] Windows;<ref name="FAQS2"/> 6.35 is the last to support ], ], ], and ]. The current version supports ] and later.<ref name="GET"/>


Music video released in 2006 for "]" by ] features mIRC.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vice.com/en/article/xw5wvj/why-did-slack-win-out-over-irc-anyway | title = Why Did Slack Win Out Over IRC, Anyway? | website = ] | author = Ernie Smith | date = 13 February 2018 | access-date = 12 June 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201107073309/https://www.vice.com/en/article/xw5wvj/why-did-slack-win-out-over-irc-anyway | archive-date = 7 November 2020 | url-status = live}}</ref> The application makes an appearance in the 2006 music video for "]" by ].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.vice.com/en/article/xw5wvj/why-did-slack-win-out-over-irc-anyway | title = Why Did Slack Win Out Over IRC, Anyway? | website = ] | author = Ernie Smith | date = 13 February 2018 | access-date = 12 June 2022 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20201107073309/https://www.vice.com/en/article/xw5wvj/why-did-slack-win-out-over-irc-anyway | archive-date = 7 November 2020 | url-status = live}}</ref>


==Main features== ==Main features==
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{{main|mIRC scripting language}} <!-- moved to separate article per ] --> {{main|mIRC scripting language}} <!-- moved to separate article per ] -->
mIRC's abilities and behaviors can be altered and extended using the embedded mIRC scripting language. mIRC includes its own GUI scripting editor,<ref name="Smith"/> with help that has been described as "extremely detailed".<ref name=Smith /> mIRC's abilities and behaviors can be altered and extended using the embedded mIRC scripting language. mIRC includes its own GUI scripting editor,<ref name="Smith"/> with help that has been described as "extremely detailed".<ref name=Smith />

mIRC scripting is not limited to IRC related events and commands. It is ]. There is support for ], calling ], ], canvas drawing, input device reading, regular expressions, and ]es, among other things. This allows the client to be used in a variety of ways beyond chatting, for example as an ], a media player, a web ] ], or for other entertainment purposes such as mIRC games.


Due to the level of access the language has to a user's computer — for example, being able to rename and delete files — a number of abusive scripts have been made. One example of abuse was that executed with the $decode identifier which decodes a given encoded string.<ref name="Securiteam"/><ref name="EthHack"/> The issue was reported in August 2001; even five months later, users were still being reported as having fallen prey, tricked into executing commands on their systems which result in "handing control of mIRC over to somebody else".<ref>Lo, Joseph, ed. (January 4, 2002). {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801103533/http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/news/ |date=2012-08-01 }}. and <br/>"Aug 30 01 mIRC $decode() exploit." IRChelp.org.</ref> <!--Such messages were disguised as a fake promise of operator status in an IRC channel.--> This led to changes being made in mIRC version 6.17: according to the author, $decode is now disabled by default, and various other features which can be considered dangerous are now lockable.<ref name="News"/> Due to the level of access the language has to a user's computer — for example, being able to rename and delete files — a number of abusive scripts have been made. One example of abuse was that executed with the $decode identifier which decodes a given encoded string.<ref name="Securiteam"/><ref name="EthHack"/> The issue was reported in August 2001; even five months later, users were still being reported as having fallen prey, tricked into executing commands on their systems which result in "handing control of mIRC over to somebody else".<ref>Lo, Joseph, ed. (January 4, 2002). {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120801103533/http://www.irchelp.org/irchelp/news/ |date=2012-08-01 }}. and <br/>"Aug 30 01 mIRC $decode() exploit." IRChelp.org.</ref> <!--Such messages were disguised as a fake promise of operator status in an IRC channel.--> This led to changes being made in mIRC version 6.17: according to the author, $decode is now disabled by default, and various other features which can be considered dangerous are now lockable.<ref name="News"/>

== Reception ==
⚫ mIRC has been downloaded over 40 million times from ]'s ] service.<ref name="CNET" /> In 2003, Nielsen/NetRatings ranked mIRC among the top ten most popular Internet applications.<ref name="IntNews" />


== References == == References ==


{{reflist|30em|refs= {{reflist|30em|refs=

<ref name=PFAQ>{{cite web <ref name=PFAQ>
⚫ |url = https://www.mirc.com/pfaq.html
{{cite web
|title = mIRC: Personal FAQ | title = mIRC: Personal FAQ
⚫ |publisher = mirc.com
⚫ | url = https://www.mirc.com/pfaq.html
⚫ |access-date = 2018-12-10
⚫ | publisher = mirc.com
⚫ }}</ref>
⚫ | access-date = 19 July 2023
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230719163745/https://www.mirc.com/pfaq.html
| archive-date = 19 July 2023}}
⚫ </ref>

<ref name=PFAQ-Meaning>
{{cite web
| title = mIRC: Personal FAQ - Meaning
| url = https://www.mirc.com/pfaq.html#meaning:~:text=Question%3A%20What%20does%20the,MU.
| publisher = mirc.com
| access-date = 19 July 2023
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230719163745/https://www.mirc.com/pfaq.html
| archive-date = 19 July 2023}}
</ref>

<ref name=PFAQ-Language>
{{cite web
| title = mIRC: Personal FAQ - Language
| url = https://www.mirc.com/pfaq.html#language:~:text=Question%3A%20In%20which%20language,C%2B%2B.
| publisher = mirc.com
| access-date = 19 July 2023
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230719163745/https://www.mirc.com/pfaq.html
| archive-date = 19 July 2023}}
</ref>


<ref name="CNET">{{cite web|url=https://download.cnet.com/mIRC/3000-2150_4-10001733.html|title=mIRC |publisher=Download.CNet.com |access-date=2018-12-10}}</ref> <ref name="CNET">{{cite web|url=https://download.cnet.com/mIRC/3000-2150_4-10001733.html|title=mIRC |publisher=Download.CNet.com |access-date=2018-12-10}}</ref>


<ref name="IntNews">{{cite web|url=http://www.internetnews.com/stats/article.php/3096631|title=InternetNews Traffic Patterns 2003 |publisher=InternetNews.com |access-date=2008-08-13}}</ref> <ref name="IntNews">{{cite web|url=http://www.internetnews.com/stats/article.php/3096631|title=InternetNews Traffic Patterns 2003 |date=22 October 2003 |publisher=InternetNews.com |access-date=2008-08-13}}</ref>


<ref name="FAQS2">. mirc.com.</ref><!-- primary is fine --> <ref name="FAQS2">. mirc.com.</ref><!-- primary is fine -->
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==External links== ==External links==
*{{Official website}} *


{{IRC clients}} {{IRC clients}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Mirc}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Mirc}}
] ]
] ]
] ]

Latest revision as of 23:14, 27 December 2024

Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client for Microsoft Windows
mIRC
Screenshot of an unmodified mIRC 7.27 running on Windows 7
Original author(s)Khaled Mardam-Bey
Developer(s)mIRC Co. Ltd.
Initial release28 February 1995 (1995-02-28)
Stable release7.78 (6 November 2024; 52 days ago (2024-11-06)) [±]
Written inC/C++
Operating systemWindows XP and later
PlatformIA-32
TypeIRC client
LicenseProprietary/Trialware
Websitewww.mirc.com

mIRC is an Internet Relay Chat (IRC) client for Windows with an integrated scripting language allowing the creation of extensions. The software was first released in 1995 and has since been described as "one of the most popular IRC clients available for Windows." mIRC is shareware and requires payment for registration after the 30-day evaluation period.

History

mIRC was created by Khaled Mardam-Bey, a British programmer born in Jordan to a Syrian father and a Palestinian mother. He began developing the software in late 1994, and released its first version on 28 February 1995.

Mardam-Bey states that he decided to create mIRC because he felt the first IRC clients for Windows lacked some basic IRC features. He then continued developing it due to the challenge and the fact that people appreciated his work. The author states that its subsequent popularity allowed him to make a living out of mIRC. He also jokingly states that the "m" in mIRC stands for "moo" or "MU" (meaning 'nothing' in Japanese and Korean).

mIRC 5.91 is the final version to support 16-bit Windows; 6.35 is the last to support Windows 95, NT 4.0, 98, and ME. The current version supports Windows XP and later.

The application makes an appearance in the 2006 music video for "Boten Anna" by Basshunter.

Main features

mIRC has a number of distinguishing features. One is its scripting language which is further developed with each version. The scripting language can be used to make minor changes to the program like custom commands (aliases), but can also used to completely alter the behavior and appearance of mIRC. Another claimed feature is mIRC's file sharing abilities, via the DCC protocol, featuring a built-in file server.

Starting with mIRC 7.1, released on 30 July 2010, Unicode and IPv6 are supported.

mIRC scripting

Main article: mIRC scripting language

mIRC's abilities and behaviors can be altered and extended using the embedded mIRC scripting language. mIRC includes its own GUI scripting editor, with help that has been described as "extremely detailed".

Due to the level of access the language has to a user's computer — for example, being able to rename and delete files — a number of abusive scripts have been made. One example of abuse was that executed with the $decode identifier which decodes a given encoded string. The issue was reported in August 2001; even five months later, users were still being reported as having fallen prey, tricked into executing commands on their systems which result in "handing control of mIRC over to somebody else". This led to changes being made in mIRC version 6.17: according to the author, $decode is now disabled by default, and various other features which can be considered dangerous are now lockable.

Reception

mIRC has been downloaded over 40 million times from CNET's Download.com service. In 2003, Nielsen/NetRatings ranked mIRC among the top ten most popular Internet applications.

References

  1. "mIRC: Latest News". mirc.com. Retrieved 2024-12-14.
  2. "mIRC: Personal FAQ - Language". mirc.com. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  3. ^ Smith, Chris (2004). "Hack #20 Automate IRC with Scripting". In Paul Mutton\ (ed.). IRC Hacks: 100 Industrial-Strength Tips & Tools. O'Reilly Media, Inc. pp. 71–74. ISBN 9780596006877.
  4. "Registration". mirc.com.
  5. Mattson, Bill (1998). "Chatting With Other Sailors". thebeachcats.com. Retrieved 2024-06-01.
  6. "mIRC: Personal FAQ". www.mirc.com. Retrieved 2023-10-21.
  7. "mIRC: Personal FAQ". www.mirc.com. Retrieved 2023-12-27.
  8. "mIRC: Khaled Mardam-Bey". www.mirc.com.
  9. "mIRC: Personal FAQ". mirc.com. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  10. "mIRC: Personal FAQ - Meaning". mirc.com. Archived from the original on 19 July 2023. Retrieved 19 July 2023.
  11. "mIRC 6.0 drops 16bit support". mirc.com.
  12. "mIRC download for 6.35 and latest version". mirc.com. Retrieved 2018-12-10.
  13. Ernie Smith (13 February 2018). "Why Did Slack Win Out Over IRC, Anyway?". Vice. Archived from the original on 7 November 2020. Retrieved 12 June 2022.
  14. "mIRC FAQ: Section 6". mirc.com. Retrieved 2018-12-10.
  15. ^ "mIRC: Latest News". mirc.com. Retrieved 2018-12-10.
  16. "mIRC Backdoors - An Advanced Overview". originally by ReDeeMeR. Securiteam.com Windows NT Focus. 24 February 2002.
  17. Ahmadi Bidakhwidi, Mohammad (2005) "mIRC Worm" Archived 2012-11-03 at the Wayback Machine. The Ethical Hacker.
  18. Lo, Joseph, ed. (January 4, 2002). "IRC News Jan 04 02 Happy 2002 - //$decode trojan keeps going and going... " Archived 2012-08-01 at the Wayback Machine. and
    "Aug 30 01 mIRC $decode() exploit." IRChelp.org.
  19. "mIRC". Download.CNet.com. Retrieved 2018-12-10.
  20. "InternetNews Traffic Patterns 2003". InternetNews.com. 22 October 2003. Retrieved 2008-08-13.

Further reading

External links

Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
Common terms
Related protocols
Networks
Technology
See also
Clients
macOS
Microsoft Windows
Unix-like
Cross-platform
Multi-IM
Web-based
Web browser components
Library and plug-ins
Category
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