IRC
Internet Relay Chat had always been popular with students since most
IRC servers were run from universities. Originally it was also difficult
for people without a fair understanding of computers to access IRC
mainly because there were no easy clients to use. The IRC clients

tended to be based around UNIX consules. However, in the mid-90s
many IRC clients that used GUIs were released (such as mIRC), and
were released on easy to use operating systems such as Windows 95.
This meant there was a huge influx of people onto IRC, bringing many
types of ideas and information with them. It also meant that people
who wished to "courier" files, such as warez and exploits, could do
their jobs much easier. Many IRC networks now exist, predominantly
Undernet, EFnet and DALnet (an IRC network founded by Star Trek
devotees who did not like the instability of EFnet).
IRC allows clients to implement a protocol called DCC (Direct Client to
Client), which can be used to transfer files between users. A lot of
people have set up channels (IRC’s term for a chat room) were people
can come to trade various files such as what we’re interested in, such as
current exploits. Places like #linuxwarez and #!r00t can be joined and it
becomes very easy to obtain exploits that have only just been released
(often called 0-day).
Various groups who are responsible for writing exploits also base
themselves on IRC for much quicker and efficient communication. Such
groups include ADM, r00tabega and Team TESO. If someone wishes to
gain the latest information and exploit releases they can simply stay
with the group and listen.