|
FPS Gaming (Q2) || NetLife
|| Connection || Other
Stuff

NetLife If you play Quake seriously you'll spend a lot of time on the net both on and off the servers. There are several essential programs, mainly for talking with your teammates, etc., but also for protecting yourself from net-attacks. 
Communication Mirc - If you're in a clan you'll need to talk to each other. Most clans use so-called Internet Relay Chat (irc) channels that all the members can join and then talk freely. Essential. It is also possible to get add-on scripts for Mirc that add functionality and add menus to make life easier. I use the Peace and Protection script which offers some brilliant options for channel operators. ICQ - Again, essential for keeping in contact with your m8s or clanmates. Roger Wilco - This program has been around for a couple of years and many clans use it for communicating with each other in-game and co-ordinating their tactics. I haven't used it much myself to be honest. Battlecom - Another very commonly used program, perhaps more so than Roger Wilco, if not quite as famous. Gamevoice - This is a commercial product, produced by Microsoft. The Gamevoice software is shareware and all you need is a microphone (they're surprisingly cheap). The full product includes a decent headset and a control box that lets you communicate to individuals or groups. The program can also manage some pretty amazing voice recognition and it's possible to assign voice commands to various games, including Quake and even RTS games. Imagine saying "build farm" rather than remembering a shortcut. This is the comms package we use in my own clan, MKC. 
Protection ZoneAlarm - Idling in IRC or ICQ can be dangerous if a hacker decides to target you. Use this program to safeguard your computer and prevent them getting access to your private files. Ad-aware - This program has replaced Optout as the best tool for removing spyware from your computer. As you may already know, some sites download files to your computer that can monitor your access and clog up your system. This handy program cleans away all this rubbish and speeds up your browsing. Highly recommended. GRC Site - This site is devoted to research into your own personal security. It includes a "Shields up" section which will test your defences and give you a report on how susceptible you are to a net attack. |