Welcome to AustNet, a safe IRC network with servers in all corners of the globe. To learn more about how to start chatting on the AustNet Internet Relay Chat Network, read our New User's Guide. While you're here, why not explore services which AustNet makes available to you for free?

AustNet emphasises your safety while you are on our network. Unlike other IRC networks, we have introduced Virtual World, which masks your real address and prevents attacks - keeping you safe. You can find out more information about Virtual World on the information page.

Buffer overflows in IRC-II based clients
If you are using an IRC-II based client, then you should be aware of the latest reported security threat. A post on Security focus has listed a few vulnerabilities, which could be exploited if a user connects to a malicious server. More...
22nd March, 2003, Submitted by Blase
 
Microsoft issues security alert
A new security alert highlights a critical security bug in all Windows® products. This exploit could be used to run malicious scripts. Affected products are Windows 98, 98SE, ME, NT 4, NT 4 Server edition, 2000 and XP. All users are urged to download the latest security updates. More...
20th March, 2003, Submitted by Lolly
 
New Public Relations Discussion Mailing List
AustNet today launched a new mailing list for discussion related to Public Relations. Anyone with ideas on raising the profile of AustNet in a positive way, or who would like to give input, can join the list by sending email to [email protected].
16th March, 2003, Submitted by Hippychick
 
Deathstar.* Testlink
AustNet continues to expand its network with another server - deathstar.or.us.austnet.org. This server is located in Portland, Oregon, USA. We welcome and wish goodluck to the administrator, chatbox. Through the testlink period, you may connect to this server via chat.anekabaru.com.
15th March, 2003, Submitted by Cam
 
AustNet reaches 70th on project-orca.net
Some time in the past few days AustNet achieved a rank of 70 with 7,394,860 keys on project-orca. For those of you that aren't aware, Project Orca is the followup to Project Dolphin, a project whose sole purpose is to count keystrokes of its participants. More...
15th March, 2003, Submitted by Karl

New Netpriest for #LoveOP
LoveOP today welcomes a new netpriest - Saturn - who has been helping in the channel for some time. Saturn can now perform netmarriages in #chapel using LoveOP, AustNet's own Love Service.
15th March, 2003, submitted by Hippychick
 
AustNet reaches 10th place on Netsplit.de
Netsplit.de ranks IRC Networks based on a combination of factors including average number of channels, average number of users and average number of servers. Austnet last night reached number 10 on the listing! Congratulations to AustNet on this achievement! More...
14th March, 2003, Submitted by Karl

Chatnet Refugees find home on AustNet
A big welcome to Chatnet refugees, yet another network which has fallen victim to DDos attacks during mid February 2003. Austnet welcomes you all, and if you need to familiarise yourselves with our services, please check the ex-Dalnet-user FAQs and our support section. For further help, feel free to visit #ASD and #Help.
13th March, 2003, Submitted by Lolly
 
Successful Channel Meet
The organisers would like to thank all the participants of the #sydney supercruise. Lots of fun was had and we all look forward to the next channel event! Keep an eye out in the #sydney forums for upcoming events.
13th March, 2003, Submitted by Lolly
 
Previous News ...

#Austscripters is the featured channel for this week in our new Channel of the Week section. Would you like your channel featured? Submit a text file using our outline today!

Many DalNet users have migrated to Austnet after the attacks on that network. We have put together a Former Dalnet Users quickstart guide and Frequently Asked Questions to help these users settle in.

For others who have never used IRC before, we have software available for download and a New Users Guide to help you get started.

Banned from Austnet and don't know why? Head over to the new connection problems page.

Do you have a news item for inclusion on the site? Submit it here.


12 March: Tech Discussion on Tuesdays
11 March: New Austnet Peak
11 March: New Software version release for Mac owners
10 March: ASD Additions
10 March: ASD Raise
10 March: New Network Peak
8 March: New local oper and farewell to Boss-Man
6 March: Channel of the Week
6 March: What to do if you get a virus
3 March: New Network Peak
1 March: Dreamflow perm-linked
26 Feb: Trivia in #ibiza
24 Feb: Kas Testlink
23 Feb: New Website
20 Feb: New ASD Helper
20 Feb: ASD Raises
7 Feb: New Network Peak
1 Feb: Dreamflow Testlink
1 Feb: New Network Peak
31 Jan: Project Orca
28 Jan: DalNet under attack
15 Jan: #melbourne peaking
12 Jan: Austnet team reaches 23rd place in Project dolphin.
1 Jan: General Virus Warning