# undernet, efnet **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [August 31, 2000, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/undernet-efnet/31543 "2000-08-31T20:38:05Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![mealypotaotes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/54ee81/32.png) [@mealypotaotes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mealypotaotes)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/undernet-efnet/31543/1 "2000-08-31T20:38:05Z")
What is meant by the terms ‘undernet’ and ‘efnet’ as alternatives to www? Hw does one get onto these? What are the differences? Pros, cons? ---
**Author:** ![SoulFrost](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f07891/32.png) [@SoulFrost](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SoulFrost)\ **Post date:** [August 31, 2000, 9:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/undernet-efnet/31543/2 "2000-08-31T21:06:02Z")
Undernet and Efnet are primarily IRC servers. They do not replace HTTP servers (www). To get on, you’ll need an IRC client like mIRC or pIRCh (just like you use a browser to get on an HTTP server.) Once you get an IRC client (I suggest mIRC if you’re a newbie), gimme a holler if you need any help connecting. -David _[soulfrost@innocent.com](mailto:soulfrost@innocent.com)_ ---
**Author:** ![CandyMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/b5e925/32.png) [@CandyMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CandyMan)\ **Post date:** [September 1, 2000, 12:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/undernet-efnet/31543/3 "2000-09-01T12:25:29Z")
WAG why you want to know… efnet is the older of the two but undernet is just as large now I think. Keep in mind, there are THOUSANDS of people on there at any one time and while 95% of them are complete bullshiters there are people on there that can make your life hell. Especially if you are looking for things that are not 100% legal. Two bits of advice: 1) if in doubt, don’t say ANYTHING. 2) Be nice. I warned ya. CandyMan