To connect to AustNet using Textual—the native, elegant IRC client designed specifically for macOS—you can configure your network preferences and authentication settings directly through the Server Properties window.
1. Adding AustNet to the Server List
- Open Textual. If the server list sidebar is not visible, press
Cmd+3or click Window > Server List in the menu bar. - Click the + (plus) icon at the bottom of the server list sidebar to add a new connection.
- In the new server profile, configure the basic identity settings:
- Server Address:
irc.austnet.org - Server Port:
6697 - Nick Name: Enter your primary desired nickname.
- Alternate Nick Name: Enter your backup nickname.
- Username: Enter your desired ident.
- Real Name: Enter your display name.
2. Enabling SSL/TLS Encryption
To ensure your connection to AustNet is fully encrypted:
- Right-click your new AustNet server entry in the sidebar and select Server Properties (or select it and click the gear/settings icon).
- Navigate to the Connections or Security tab depending on your version of Textual.
- Locate the toggle for Use Secure Connection (SSL) and ensure it is turned On.
- Verify that the port remains set to
6697.
3. Configuring Auto-Identification with NickOP
Textual allows you to automate commands immediately upon connecting using its standard connect commands feature or the server preferences pane.
- In the Server Properties window, look for the section labeled Commands on Connect or Perform List.
- Add a new command line to execute automatically upon establishing a secure connection:
Plaintext
/msg NickOP IDENTIFY your_password
- (Replace
your_passwordwith your actual registered NickOP account password.) - Click Save to apply your changes.
4. Connecting to the Network
- Select the AustNet server in your sidebar.
- Click the Connect button at the top of the interface (or double-click the server name).
Textual will connect securely over port 6697, apply your nickname preferences, and automatically send your NickOP identification string.