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Hey, just wondering if you set a net connection for an ip/itcp, you can automatically play a game over the interent, or do you need a server. also, my machine does not pick up an IPX (LAN) connection, which is weird because i am on one and can play games like counter strike over LAN. by the way, if i was to sent data every loop would it use up alot of internet credit (im on a ripoff plan from my isp so i have to know). im not talking about much data every loop, just like four or five integers

cheers if you can clear my confusion

OK,
IPX is not really a standard LAN connection. Most LAN
connections are via TC/IP connections. IPX is an old protocal,
seldom used. I have a belcon USB connector that I use on rare occasions as an IPX to do a direct PC-PC link. But, now I have a router, so TC/IP works simpler for my home LAN system.

Pricing:
For a connection (PC-PC) you pay the ISP provider for bandwidth. This determines the LAG time in the game ... well, one factor anyway. During a game, this is not an issue. Where this becomes an issue is WEB HOSTING, not GAME HOSTING. A web site has a bandwidth limit. If too many users hit your website, your ISP will eather close the site or bill you for excessive bandwidth.

Hope this helps a little.

On another note, how do you determine the price of playing Half-Life
on your ISP? Or other games? The cost would be the same as any other FPS.

Edit: Forgot to mention another factor in pricing ...
Deadicated Servers cost lots of money. If you have to ask, You don't
need one. For those, the price depends on expected bandwidth, number of users, number of hours, installation size (file size) and whether you need an operator on standby ... Some are as low as $10 per user per hour.

cheers for that waffle.... also, while im in this thread, the tcp/ip option requires an adress or ip adress... does this mean that i have to have a website or server to support this? what address would i use for a LAN game? what would i need to set up for a LAN game?

the IP address is the location of the other computer. To help you understand what's going on, try this:

1 - Play MS Age of Empires
A demo can be gotten from thier gaming website.

2 - Now that you know how to play, lets set-up for online play.
Do not use GameZone, that's too easy. We need to do this the DB way.
If you go to the DB IRC thingy, it will tell you your IP address.
This you need to write down. Then, have a friend meet you in the IRC
chat room. Now, you tell your friend your IP address. You both launch AOE game. You'll select a "host game" while you friend will
"join game" and will be asked for your IP address. Then, you can play.

3 - To create a LAN system you'll need some hardware. I'm using a wireless router. It connects to the internet via cable modem. It also connects to my desktop via ethernet cable and card (where the cable modem would normally go). It connects to my laptop wirelessly.
Tada, LAN system. OK, each PC on the LAN is assigned an IP address when installed. It can be changed if you want to, but there is not much need to. Setting up a game on your LAN system would be the same as Online, except for ther would be no need to use DB-IRC because you would "know" the IP address.

all this is just the basics. Firewalls need to be setup, routers properly setup for gaming and so on. That's why I recommend playing AOE ... it works, has tech support, And DB should work about the same way ... different ports, different number of players, ....
but the procedure is the same.