


Almost all IRC server software is open source, therefore even servers are available to anyone to set up. It has proven itself more popular than other chat systems, and more sophisticated, due in part to the ability to allow people to set up and keep their own rooms, or 'channels'. IRC stands for 'Internet Relay Chat', and is a means for people to talk together in a text-based, real-time environment on the internet. QuakeNet is also currently the largest chat network in the world, with a peak usercount each week of around 180,000 to 190,000 users (as listed by ). Though originally founded as a chat network for gamers, by gamers, QuakeNet welcomes everyone to chat about anything (within its rules). QuakeNet is an IRC network, built around the gaming community, and is an organisation that facilitates the communication of many teams and online organisations.
