Like the privileges that can be given in every channel, there are privileges that work at network level. These privileges are called "olines," or "Operator Lines" which is an old expression from the days when these privileges looked like "o: username - modes" in the configfile of an irc server.

On Absurd-Irc we have 6 different types of Operator privileges:

Help Operator
The Help Operator( Local Operator ) was introduced when we needed a person who is able to set vHosts for the users, but have no other privileges at the Network level. You can imagine a Help Operator as a person sitting at a help-desk and taking your problem and forward it to the support Team.

Global IRC Operator
The Global IRC Operator is the well known "IRC Op" or like some people say "IRC COP". The global in this title means that his privileges working on every server. We decided not to use the Local IRC Operator but give every staff member at operator level the same privileges on every server. The IRC Operator can use the server commands which are needed to run the network. He can remove users from the network or ban them for a period of time.

Server Administrator
The Server Administrator can use advanced server commands. For example he is able to shutdown or restart the ircd software. Server Administrators often get these privileges when they join the network with an own server, because they have to be able to manage it.

Services Administrator
The Services Administrator is having full control of the server and the services. For example, a Services Administrator is able to change Channel Settings if a user is having problems with his channel without any channel privileges.

Network Administrator
The Network Administrators can use some special functions which have to be limited to a small number of people because they can harm the whole network.

Root Administrator
Root Administrator is not a title; it's a configuration Setting. The Root Administrator is the only one who cannot be removed from access by any other person. It's a bit like the Channel founder. On Absurd-Irc it is Viper.

How to become an IRC Operator
Every few weeks a user asks us, "How can i become an IRCOP?" The normal answer to this question will be "not at all." Why do we say this? The answer is easy: the job of IRC Operator is not funny most of the time. We're working hard sometimes to bring you new features, or to help you to fix your problems. So when we decide to add a new member to our team, we want to be sure that the new team member will fit into the team. This means that we will not add a user to the team who nobody knows or who has never been seen helping other users.

If you're really interested in working as IRC Operator at Absurd-IRC, the best point to start is, to help users in our help channel #Helpdesk. If you do this long enough, the team will recognize you and perhaps you will be awarded with voice status (+) as first step. Additional new IRC Operators have to bring some skills along. (i.e. if you're a Belgium you have to be able to read and write in English.)