Internet Chess Server: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 22:38, 9 July 2005

Revision as of 03:18, 10 August 2005

Line 1:

{{For|the originalserver previously known as the Internet Chess Server|Internet Chess Club}}

An '''Internet chess server''' ('''ICS''') is a [[server]] to facilitate playingthe play, discussion, and viewing of [[chess]] over the [[Internet]]. Specifically, it is a server with a [[Protocol (computing)|protocol]] based on that of the original Internet Chess Server (now the [[Internet Chess Club]]).

== History ==

The Internet Chess Server was created in the late [[1980s]] by a group of volunteers. Although it was [[Computer bug|buggy]] and suffered from [[lag]] problems, the server was popular among a small group of chess enthusiasts. Over time, many features were added to the ICS, such as [[ELO rating system|ELO ratings]] and support for [[Graphical user interface|graphical]] clients, and the server was made more stable.

''To be added…''

In [[1992]], Daniel Sleator took over managment of the ICS. ''To be finished soon…''

== Protocol ==

== Protocol and access ==

The ICS protocol is a simple, [[text-based]] variant of the [[telnet]] protocol. It is sparsely [[Documentation|documented]] and not standardzied. However, a few [[reference implementation]]s and several [[Client (computing)|clients]] exist.

The ICS protocol is a simple, [[text-based]] variant of the [[telnet]] protocol. It is sparsely [[Documentation|documented]] and not standardzied. Howeverstandardized, although a few [[reference implementation]]s and several [[Client (computing)|clients]] exist.

== Access ==

AnIn Internettheory, chessan serverICS can be accessed from any telnet [[Client (computing)|client]]. That said, almost all [[User (computing)|users]] choose to play using a graphical client, commonly called an interface. Currently, the most popular interface is [[GraphicalXBoard]] user(and interfaceits [[Microsoft Windows|graphicalWindows]] interfacecounterpart, WinBoard). In recent years, however, it has lost ground to newer interfaces like [[BabasChess]] and [[Thief (chess)|Thief]].

ManyIn addition to standalone clients, many servers also offer [[Java platform|Java]] interfaces that can be used directly from a [[Web browser]]. These are popular with [[Newbie|new users]] and users of [[public]] [[computer]]s.

Some servers require users (particularly guests) to connect using a specific, "official" interface, while others allow most or all interfaces. Currently the most popular interface is [[XBoard]] (or its [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]] counterpart, WinBoard). In recent years, however, it has lost ground to newer interfaces like [[BabasChess]] and [[Thief (chess)|Thief]].

== MajorAvailable servers ==

Many servers also offer [[Java platform|Java]] interfaces that can be used directly from a [[Web browser]]. These are popular with [[Newbie|new users]] and users of [[public]] [[computer]]s.

Over the years, several Internet chess servers have been created. Only a few, however, currently have significant membership. The Internet Chess Club, with over 30,000 members, is by far the largest server. The second largest server is the [[Free Internet Chess Server]]. Other notable servers includesinclude [[Chess Live]] and, [[Chess.net]], [[ChessAnyTime]], as well as various local servers. However, these servers have significantly less membership than the ICC and FICS.

== Major servers ==

''See also: [[List of Internet chess servers]]''

Over the years, several Internet chess servers have been created. Only a few, however, currently have significant membership. The Internet Chess Club, with over 30,000 members, is by far the largest server. The second largest server is the [[Free Internet Chess Server]]. Other notable servers includes [[Chess Live]] and [[Chess.net]].

== See also ==

Line 34 ⟶ 30:

*[http://www.tim-mann.org/ics.html A brief overview of Internet chess servers] by Tim Mann

*[http://chessd.sourceforge.net/index-en.php ChessD], an [[Open source|open-source]] ICS implementation

*[http://chess.samba.org/ Lasker Chess Server], another ICS implementation, based on ChessD

[[Category:Chess]]

[[Category:Internet protocols]]