Server Basics
A server is simply a computer upon which players can connect to and play games. The typical server is a computer connected to the internet through a digital connection, and can be found running continually at the same Internet Protocol (IP) address. An IP address is a four-part number, each part numbered 0 to 255, that is assigned to every computer that is attached to the internet. Servers can be visited by directing your computer to the IP address of the server or to a name assigned to those numbers..
In Quake, and other games based on the same technology, there are three ways of connecting to a known server. First, you can begin an internet game by executing the "q95.bat" file, and then select "multi-player game", "TCP/IP Connection", and then manually add the IP address. Second, you can use the console within the game and tell Quake to "connect 0.0.0.0", where "0.0.0.0" obviously represents the IP address. The third way, and the preferable method, is to use a program called "server finder" or "Quake frontend" to find the server and connect for you.
All Quake servers are, by definition, running some version of the game Quake. However, many also run levels and server modifications that are not part of the regular game of Quake. Pay special attention to the introductory screen when you first log onto a server. This should tell you what modifications are running. There are some servers running minor modifications of Quake, modification allowed within the game of itself and technically not "Mods." A list of important variations available in "regular" Quake can be found in the Setting Up a Server section.
In addition to these setting, you should also be aware of whether or not you are playing on a "listen server." The distinction between a "-listen" server and a regular server is that one player is actually playing the game on the actual computer that is operating as a server. I would not recommend playing against players who are operating a listen server. They have an unbelievable speed advantage over other players, and it is quite easy for them to cheat.
Last update: November 16, 1997
This page is maintained by Darren L. Tabor,
aka DaKoTa