ByteRot is meant to be usable from the machines it archives. This guide covers getting a DOS, Windows 9x or classic Mac machine onto IRC, getting an account, and logging in to the FTP.

The short version

Step 1: get on IRC

Old clients can't speak modern SSL, so use port 6667.

• Windows 3.1/9x: mIRC 5.x or 6.x. In the status window type /server irc.fxnet.org 6667, then /join #retro.
• DOS: IRCjr from the mTCP suite, with a packet driver for your network card.
• Classic Mac OS: Ircle.

Step 2: register your nick

#retro only lets registered users talk, so register with NickServ first:

/msg NickServ REGISTER yourpassword you@example.com

Follow the confirmation email, then identify each time you connect:

/msg NickServ IDENTIFY yourpassword

Plain-text IRC isn't encrypted, so use a password you don't use anywhere else.

Step 3: get an account

In #retro, type !req. The bot sends your FTP username and password in a private message. Lost it later? !newpass.

Step 4: connect to the FTP

The one thing that matters: use passive mode. ByteRot sits behind a relay, so active-mode connections (where the server dials back to you) won't work.

• WS_FTP LE (Windows 9x): Session Properties, Advanced tab, tick Passive transfers.
• CuteFTP: in the site settings, turn on PASV mode.
• Internet Explorer 5/6: Tools, Internet Options, Advanced, tick Use Passive FTP. Then browse to ftp://user:password@ftp.byterot.net/.
• Fetch (classic Mac): turn on passive mode in the preferences.
• DOS: the mTCP FTP client; set it to passive.

Skip the ftp command built into Windows: it only does active mode, so it connects but hangs as soon as you list a directory.

Once you're in, SITE RULES shows the rules and SITE HELP lists the site commands. Have fun, and if you've got something old in a drawer, see Contribute.