[iptables] ip_conntrack_* and ip_nat_* modules: explanation requested

I've googled and googled, but I can't find out which, if any, of these modules I should load. More importantly, I can't work out exactly what they do, or what the difference is between the conntrack and nat modules. FTP and IRC are both working perfectly for me with only the basic conntrack module loaded, so I can't work it out for myself.

Q1. Which, if any, of the ftp/irc modules should I load if I want reliable client connections to an ftp/irc site?

Q1a. Why?

Q2. Do I need to load extra modules only if I'm running a ftp/irc server?

Q2a. Why?

Please forgive my ignorance.

Reply to
Peadar Ruadh
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