Server Help :: View topic - Help a total noob do a good deed

Server Help

General Questions - Help a total noob do a good deed

Anonymous - Sun May 18, 2003 6:14 pm
Post subject: Help a total noob do a good deed

I'm trying to set up Subspace for kids to play with at the school where I work. I have the server files installed for a LAN as indicated on the Shanky site. It works and I can change the .lvl files to change the map. People can log in. The Internet servers are not available, which is what I want.

I would like to be able to change the games. All they can play now is straight Subspace (go in, blast people on the installed map). I would like to offer a hockey type game and/or other games. It would be great if a responsible kid could change that easily.

I have tried successfully to connect with Subspace and Continuum. I would prefer to use Subspace, not as many menu choices, and you can disable other servers via the favorite.lst file. But I could use Continuum otherwise. Remember this is for little kids.

I don't really want to build stuff myself, read faqs or configure stuff. I just want a simple way to offer other games on a LAN. Where do I get the files and how to I make them available?

Thanks

Dr Brain - Sun May 18, 2003 11:26 pm
Post subject:

Ok, changing levels is as simple as putting it in the server directory and changing the map setting in server.ini.

Please make a list of exactly what else you want, I think you contradicted yourself a few times, so all I got was the map stuff.

If you need more help setting it up: http://forums.minegoboom.com/viewtopic.php?t=309

SuSE - Mon May 19, 2003 12:26 am
Post subject:

use Continuum

give us a while and maybe we can get you a bunch of different graphics/map/scenario packs for you to use

I know some good examples of the following are available that you can use:

hockey
wargames (lots of variations - ground combat / sea battles)
samurai (samurai warriors fighting for their treasure)
toadball (something like a mario game - in the works)
star wars pod racing

probably some other decent ones too that I'm forgetting

if I get some time this week I'll compile all the files for you and throw in a readme/instructions

Anonymous - Mon May 19, 2003 10:55 am
Post subject: Thanks for your help everyone!

The kids are gonna love it when it's up and running.

The HOW TO for the LAN you pointed to seems different than the one I read at the Shanky site, I will make the appropriate modifications and use Continuum instead of Subspace as suggested.

To clarify myself, my main problem is that although I can switch maps by putting the .lvl file in the server folder and changing the server.ini file, the way the game functions never changes. I can't get to play hockey or capture flags or anything else than shoot each other.

If you want to help us out, dont feel in a rush as I will not be installing those computers for weeks. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again.

Smong - Mon May 19, 2003 1:25 pm
Post subject:

Akai wrote:

available that you can use:

hockey
wargames (lots of variations - ground combat / sea battles)
samurai (samurai warriors fighting for their treasure)
toadball (something like a mario game - in the works)
star wars pod racing

I can't wait for you to upload the settings.

This is also what Digbyz probably wants to know. In the server folder are some .cfg files, you can edit them with notepad, esc + c ingame or one of the many .cfg editors (try the misc user app forum). These files determine how many pballs there are, how many flags etc (and a load of other stuff too).

Anonymous - Mon May 19, 2003 7:11 pm
Post subject: What does the billing server do and why do I need it?

Thank you all again for your help and patience with these noob questions.

I have tried running subgame2.exe alone and not running subbill.exe. The server seemed to run just fine. What does it do and is it really necessary?

I'll keep reading around when I get the chance to get me more acquainted with the software, but if someone can reply an answer it would be very appreciated.

Thanks!

SuSE - Mon May 19, 2003 7:45 pm
Post subject:

I'll just duplicate the settings if people with access to them do not volunteer them.

How old are these kids?

Dr Brain - Mon May 19, 2003 10:45 pm
Post subject:

Biller tracks passwords and scores.

Anonymous - Mon May 19, 2003 10:56 pm
Post subject:

These are elementary kids. They are not computer wiz caliber. Presently, I have Descent and a couple other games running in a network on some 486s (which are to be replaced with P166 and up), so I figure Continuum would be a big hit. I prefer not giving them the opportunity to fiddle with settings. I intend to only have an eventual school game server appear in the list of zones and not have internet zones, if that is possible.

Also, the computers have a program which freezes the content of the hard disk. You can erase and change files but when you reboot the computer, the hard disk reverts to it's previous state. So whatever settings I give the Continuum client wont be lost or altered as long as those settings are stored locally on the hard disk. If I need to, I can make a partition which is not protected and put games and other files there.

I do not care about keeping game statistics for such and such players apart from the current game score.

Thanks again for your continuing help, everyone. I'm sure if and when the game is setup with a server, the kids will love it!

Dr Brain - Tue May 20, 2003 10:36 am
Post subject:

Sounds fun! Yes, you don't need a biller.

ExplodyThingy - Tue May 20, 2003 11:10 am
Post subject:

Isnt it possible to make a skin that does not have the buttons to things like zone lists and such. Or passwordable? Therefore he wouldnt have to use ss, and the stuff wouldnt be editable by "accident".

Quote:

Also, the computers have a program which freezes the content of the hard disk. You can erase and change files but when you reboot the computer, the hard disk reverts to it's previous state. So whatever settings I give the Continuum client wont be lost or altered as long as those settings are stored locally on the hard disk. If I need to, I can make a partition which is not protected and put games and other files there.

About that. Unprotect them for a little bit, and install ctm and load the maps you use to it. Then lock em again. You could also edit the zones.dat so just your zone(s) show up.

If you wanted, instead of changeing the map every time, just set up subsarenas OR set up two servers. However, if you do two servers, you might want to use a biller to let them talk to eachother. Ought to save time.

As a side note, though you probably wont need it, if you need a play-test you can give the ip:port of your server to someone trustworthy like brain, and they can help you fix stuff in real-time.

- Just the babbling of a kid between exams.

Anonymous - Tue May 20, 2003 3:29 pm
Post subject: Good ideas!

I`ll look into the skin idea, that would be great.

I`ve looked into the subarenas FAQ and it would solve my problem with playing more than just one game type. Doesn`t look too difficult to implement. I doubt I would set up more than one server.

Another issue I'd like to get opinions on. What kind of computer should I use as a game server for the LAN? I plan on having one zone running with possibly a couple of subarenas. Do I need a really fast one, one with a lot of RAM? I could find anything between a P166 to PII233 easily, others would be more difficult. I could max it on RAM. The maximum amount of players would be about 15 for now, possibly more as other classes want to join in. They are running on a 100 mb network.

Thanks a lot for all your help. I am very impressed with the amount of feedback I`m getting on this.

Anonymous - Tue May 20, 2003 3:30 pm
Post subject: Previous message was from Digbyz

Klutz!

Helicon - Tue May 20, 2003 4:11 pm
Post subject:

Generally speaking, the kids who make subspace servers aren't too content to dish out their settings to anyone, as they are spychopathic, egotistical high school or college students. there are a few basics, though that are reasonaly easy to master.

What i would recommend for your situation is to develop a basic set of shipsettings (how fast they go, what they shoot, etc.) and then change the game settings (flags, balls, king of the hill) - these are all in the server.cfg files (with other names like hockey.cfg for the other arenas - or play areas within the zone)

make sure, in server.ini, to set arenamode to 5!!! this allows extra arenas to be made from .cfg and .lvl files of the same name when players try to go to them.

here is a sample setup:
<< in the server directory >>
server.cfg(main shipsettings- basic, just fly around shooting each other, probably with King of the hill tossed in)
main.lvl (set to be main map in server.ini)
hockey.cfg(main shipsettings, but with the [Soccer]
settings tweaked)
hockey.lvl ( a hockey map)
flags.cfg(main shipsettings - capture the flag to win)
flags.lvl ( a capture the flag map)

this way a child who wanted to play hockey could type ?go hockey (or use the arena list, esc-a) and change to an arena with different game settings, but wouldn't be confused by a change in ships.

as far as finding a good set of basic shipsettings... the Standard V.i.e. Settings are available openly on the web. These settings, however, usually fail to contain even the attentions of older children. You may wish to find a faster set, especially if you dont have cross-internet bandwidth concerns where speed would impair playability due to lag.

Helicon - Tue May 20, 2003 4:16 pm
Post subject: Re: Good ideas!

Anonymous wrote:

I`ve looked into the subarenas FAQ and it would solve my problem with playing more than just one game type. Doesn`t look too difficult to implement. I doubt I would set up more than one server.

absolutely...one server is the only way to go (reasonably) in your case

Quote:

Another issue I'd like to get opinions on. What kind of computer should I use as a game server for the LAN? I plan on having one zone running with possibly a couple of subarenas. Do I need a really fast one, one with a lot of RAM? I could find anything between a P166 to PII233 easily, others would be more difficult. I could max it on RAM. The maximum amount of players would be about 15 for now, possibly more as other classes want to join in. They are running on a 100 mb network.

you dont need a CRAY to run subgame... anything with a decent connection and a good amount of RAM. So long as the computer is solely dedicated, you shouldn't have any problems. I can't tell you the exact specs (*passed on*), but i know they are not nearly as high as most would expect. Play around, and dont be afraid to start with low expectations in terms of server specs.

i dont know if that was any help (reviewing it). no probably not, but there it is

Helicon - Tue May 20, 2003 4:19 pm
Post subject:

http://www.subspacedownloads.com/
this will be your mothership for a while.

note the rediculously camouflaged "Downloads/files" link on the left... click it, if you dare (you should)

Utilities you will probably find useful:

ssme (map editor)
FACTS (all around awesome tool)
The vie and ravik core settings (also free) are available for download here, see what you think
If you want skins, toolkits to make them, or anything else, here it is.

reel bad - Tue May 20, 2003 5:59 pm
Post subject:

Helicon wrote:

http://www.subspacedownloads.com/
this will be your mothership for a while.

note the rediculously camouflaged "Downloads/files" link on the left...

too true

Dr Brain - Tue May 20, 2003 6:17 pm
Post subject:

A very low end comp can run a SS server. The botttleneck is bandwidth, and that isn't a problem on a LAN.

Fluffy White Bunny - Tue May 20, 2003 7:12 pm
Post subject:

Damn Digbyz, I wish I had a teacher like you in elementary school

Helicon - Tue May 20, 2003 10:21 pm
Post subject:

Dr Brain wrote:

A very low end comp can run a SS server. The botttleneck is bandwidth, and that isn't a problem on a LAN.

my god, you just hit every point in my previous post in 2 wimpy simple sentences.

Quote:

Damn Digbyz, I wish I had a teacher like you in elementary school

No, you would have been happy to know how to move the mouse

EDIT: im so sorry, i forgot this thread (among so much waste) actually managed to have meanin... this post stands as is, but i dont think ill snap so quickly again...

Helicon - Tue May 20, 2003 10:23 pm
Post subject:

Here is a zip of a folder containing 2 cfg/lvl pairs.
/////
server.cfg //Ravik Core Settings - no flags, larger spawn radius
warone.lvl // an old ASWZ map i recommend for warzone
hockey.cfg //modified Ravik for hockey (soccer balls)
hockey.lvl //stolen, stripped Hockey Zone map (recent)
/////
They are based on the ravik core settings... a free set available at ssdl.

I modified the hockey.cfg settings slightly to accommodate hockey... and i tweaked a little bit for obvious reasons.

FYI - the "Warzone" map (suggested, obviously for the main arena... set it in server.ini) is stolen from ASWZ ( a small war zone)
The hockey map is stolen and cleaned from Hockey Zone.

I tried to clean it up "juvenile" for the kids.. i edited out the "Bud" logo in the aswz map and removed the Cryptic ?sheep message...but i may have missed some things.. so check over them just to be safe (use those utilities i mentioned above)

Anonymous - Wed May 21, 2003 11:08 am
Post subject: Thanks a million

Many thanks to one an all. I have everything I need (I think) to make a LAN server with a few games available. Our students are really going to love this!

I'm really impressed with the quantity and quality of help I got on this board. Seems the Continuum community is very dynamic.

I'll keep you posted of the progress on this thread!

Dr Brain - Wed May 21, 2003 1:06 pm
Post subject:

Great, I know I would enjoy it

SuSE - Wed May 21, 2003 4:04 pm
Post subject:

Helicon - Wed May 21, 2003 4:06 pm
Post subject: Re: Thanks a million

Digbyz wrote:

I'm really impressed with the quantity and quality of help I got on this board. Seems the Continuum community is very dynamic.

no actually its just this board... the invision board (ssforums.net) is a lousy mass of conglomerate ego. You actually had a reasonable, respectable, and honestly fronted objective... you have no idea just how concerting that is to us. Its not a commodity here, its a rarity

Anonymous - Sat Sep 06, 2003 10:30 am
Post subject: Need config files and small maps

Thanks for everyone for your help so far. I am making progress here finally.

I've finally had time to set up a server and install Subspace clients on a few computers.

My problem is I have only a hockey map and a hockey config file for them to play. I would like to offer subarenas for other types of games. There are a lot of maps available for download but not config files for King of the Hill, Flag, other types of games. Making small maps doesnt seem complicated, adjusting the config files for different types of play is confusing and time consuming

Does anyone have King, Flag, other types of config files I could use? thanks.

Cyan~Fire - Sat Sep 06, 2003 11:25 am
Post subject: Other arenas

The server.cfg that was in Ravik has KotH built in:
[King]
DeathCount=1
ExpireTime=12800
RewardFactor=10000
NonCrownAdjustTime=100
NonCrownMinimumBounty=100
CrownRecoverKills=3

Attached is a ripped map flagging map and the flagging settings I used to use in my zone.

Edit: Changed ripped map, now it's from Future Outpost, which I don't feel slightly bad about since their settings are exactly the same as SuperShips.

SuSE - Sat Sep 06, 2003 11:39 am
Post subject:

wow, I never did jack

wonder if this guy is still around

AlphaBoB - Sat Sep 06, 2003 12:08 pm
Post subject:

If you want Continuum on the kids' computers to not show SSCX Extreme Games and SSCU Trench Wars and stuff, go to the zones.dat file in the Continuum folder, and delete all the entries except for your server(s).

NOTE:

Cyan~Fire wrote:

Attached is a ripped map flagging map (from Extreme Games)

After consulting Pointman on this he says anyone using his tileset will be immediately banned. Someone should remove the attachment :-/ Mine?

Edit: He also says, "current or old"

SuSE - Sat Sep 06, 2003 12:14 pm
Post subject:

Pointman can't ban people on private billers

AlphaBoB - Sat Sep 06, 2003 12:16 pm
Post subject:

He can ban them from Extreme Games if he knows their alias

However, if it's totally LAN, no directory stuff, you should be okay using it...

Cyan~Fire - Sat Sep 06, 2003 12:34 pm
Post subject:

That's what I though Alpha.
I guess I'll find something else :-/

K changed the map in flagging.zip

Smong - Sat Sep 06, 2003 1:52 pm
Post subject:

AlphaBoB wrote:

Pointman ... his tileset

I thought that eg's tiles were done by wormhole surfer.
Maybe the map has changed since I last went in.

SuSE - Sat Sep 06, 2003 2:02 pm
Post subject:

I think Anaconda is doing tiles for EG these days, but all the historical tiles were done by Wormhole Surfer - it's just that Pointman claims them as solely EG property

AlphaBoB - Sat Sep 06, 2003 11:51 pm
Post subject:

Pointman owns EG, which means Pointman owns everything in EG. EG's tileset is in EG, so Pointman owns it. Doesn't matter who made it, Pointman still owns it.

Katie - Sun Sep 07, 2003 12:09 am
Post subject:

I've been banned from 3 different zones because of fights about "Contributor's Ownership Rights." It's total bullshit if you ask me. I think that, at a contributor's request, a zone should willingly remove the contribution, therefore returning the ownership to the rightful contributor. Plus, technically, you're just letting them borrow your material, so it's still yours. Posession is 9/10ths of the law, you know.

SuSE - Sun Sep 07, 2003 10:34 am
Post subject:

AlphaBoB wrote:

Pointman owns EG, which means Pointman owns everything in EG. EG's tileset is in EG, so Pointman owns it. Doesn't matter who made it, Pointman still owns it.

owns the right to use it, anyways

Anonymous - Tue Sep 09, 2003 9:06 pm
Post subject:

I'll give it a try, hoping to have hockey, king of the hill and maybe something else going soon. Yes, the server is only on a small LAN, no broadcasting.

Thanks again to all

ShortyMatt - Tue Sep 09, 2003 11:14 pm
Post subject:

alright i will try and help here....

My suggestion...get a couple of US peeps (that incudes me

((i dunno what i can help wit))) to help you make the server all nice and stuff so that the little kids at school won't learn any new "words" sooner then they should...i don't think your school would like that very much.

Also...some peeps like Akai and Mine can really make the zone look good and they can help with like anyting (*see i try and help and it comes out wrong)

I can do some basic things with a server and if u need any graphics edited, I would be more than glad to do so

If you need any help...just private message me or e-mail me,
Shorty

ShortyMatt - Tue Sep 09, 2003 11:16 pm
Post subject:

bout this ownership stuff...as most zones say it when you submit it to them..."once you submit a file, it can be used whenever by the zone, and the zone will never have to remove it for any reason even if the maker/contributer wants it back/removed...i also have been banned from a couple of zones for arguments about tat....also for some other things....:0

Cyan~Fire - Wed Sep 10, 2003 4:21 pm
Post subject:

Shorty: He's already making a LAN server, so there won't be other people who know "new words". And were basically doing everything from here by sending maps, settings, etc. It's not like he needs lvzs or complex stuff like that.

Anonymous - Wed Sep 10, 2003 10:39 pm
Post subject: Making subarenas

I had read that it was possible to make different subarenas by typing "?go xxxx" where xxxx is the name of both a .lvl and a .cfg file in the server directory.

I can get 2 types of games happening that way, hockey and whatever I have mentioned in the server.ini file. Even if I have the appropriate files and call them with the ?go command, I will get what is in the server.ini except for ?go hockey which works.

Any ideas on what I am doing wrong? The kids are loving the hockey game, thanks for all the help so far.

SuSE - Thu Sep 11, 2003 12:18 am
Post subject:

recommend [custom] arenamode=5 in server.ini

make sure you uploaded the .lvl and .cfg

(make sure you're uploading .cfg's, not .ini's

)