# &irkick;: The &kde; LIRC Server Handbook

## Introduction

&irkick; is a background server that provides the 'glue' between the operating system and your applications for the purpose of controlling applications with your infrared remote controls.

It has a configuration tool, which may be accessed either by the &kde; &systemsettings; or directly from the menu of &irkick;.

### Requirements

To use the &kdelirc; framework you must have set up LIRC on your computer. If it is properly set up, the &kdelirc; icon in the system tray will light up red . If not, it will be grey and crossed out .

For more information about LIRC and how to configure it, visit their website at http://www.lirc.org.

Note: When configuring LIRC it is recommended to make use of button-namespaces.

## Using &irkick;

&irkick; provides one main function: When a button on a remote control is pressed, it will lookup your configuration and execute an action accordingly. The system tray icon also becomes lit for a short period of time to indicate the button press or show some notifications to tell you the current states of your remote controls.

Using the system trays context menu, you can configure the &kde; infrared remote control framework and add actions to be executed on button presses. The context menu contains a submenu including all your remote controls and modes which may be used to switch a remote controls mode directly with your mouse.