= Setting up an IRC Server with UnrealIRCd and Joining Freenode

This guide provides instructions for setting up an IRC server using UnrealIRCd and joining the Freenode network on a Debian 12 server. It assumes you have a strong Linux and networking background.

== Installing UnrealIRCd

[source,bash]
----
# Update package lists
sudo apt update

# Install required dependencies
sudo apt install build-essential libssl-dev zlib1g-dev curl

# Download and extract UnrealIRCd source
curl -OL https://www.unrealircd.org/downloads/UnrealIRCd-5.0.25.tar.gz
tar xvzf UnrealIRCd-5.0.25.tar.gz
cd UnrealIRCd-5.0.25

# Configure and compile
./Config -nopkgsel -nnoperms -nnogf -nnogline -nnohtaccess -nnocore
make
sudo make install
----

== Configuring UnrealIRCd

UnrealIRCd's main configuration file is `unrealircd.conf`. Customize it according to your needs, paying attention to:

- `me` block: Set the server name, network name, and other identifiers.
- `listen` blocks: Specify the IP addresses and ports to listen on.
- `link` blocks: Configure server links if running a server cluster.
- `allow` blocks: Control access and connections from specific IP ranges.
- `set` blocks: Adjust various options like modes, channel limits, and more.

== Securing UnrealIRCd

- Enable SSL/TLS encryption by generating SSL certificates and configuring `set::ssl` options.
- Restrict accessing certain server commands with `allow` blocks.
- Enable cloaking to hide user IP addresses with `set::cloakhost`.
- Configure appropriate logging with `set::serverinfo::motd` and `set::serverinfo::maskemailoverride`.

== Joining the Freenode Network

- Register your server with Freenode by following their https://freenode.net/kb/answer/registration[server policy].
- Configure the `link` block in `unrealircd.conf` to connect to Freenode's servers.
- Set appropriate channel modes and access levels for your channels.

== Managing UnrealIRCd

- Use the `/server` command to interact with the server.
- Leverage modules like `chanserv`, `memoserv`, and `operserv` for channel management, user authentication, and operator commands.
- Monitor server logs and performance with tools like `ircstats` and `anoperatd`.

== Improving Your Experience

- Use configuration management tools like Ansible or Puppet to automate server setup and configuration.
- Implement monitoring and alerting systems like Prometheus and Grafana for server metrics.
- Leverage Docker or LXD containers to isolate and manage UnrealIRCd instances.
- Consider using a web-based IRC client like The Lounge or Kiwi IRC for a modern user experience.
- Integrate with other services like Git repositories, CI/CD pipelines, or chatbots for enhanced collaboration.

This guide covers the essential steps for setting up UnrealIRCd and joining the Freenode network on Debian 12. However, it's crucial to thoroughly understand the configuration options, security implications, and best practices for running an IRC server. Regularly consult the UnrealIRCd and Freenode documentation, and engage with their respective communities for further assistance and updates.