Computer Preparation*


Hints and tips on what you should do to get your PC in tip-top condition before the event, instructions on preparing your LAN adapter for use on the network, as well as suggestions for security and virus protection

Warning - Take care when taking the case off of your PC
Look what happened to Charlie:

Charlie looking a bit upset after losing one of his 9 lives

Backing up your PC

Your data should be backed up in some way, shape or form before you turn up - just in case something terrible happens at the LAN Party.

Optimising your PC (scandisk and defrag)

In order to get the most out of your PC (and the edge on your opposition) you should make sure your hard disk(s) are in tip-top condition. This is very easy to do. From Windows Explorer just right click on the C:\ and select Properties. Then go to the Tools tab and select Scandisk. Once this is complete do the same, but select Defrag instead of Scandisk. Repeat this process for each of your hard disks (most people only have 1 hard disk inside their PC).

Basically speaking Scandisk makes sure the data on your PC and the physical disk itself is working reliably without any errors, if it does find any errors it can try to fix them for you. Defrag organises the data on your hard disk, making it faster to access.

Drivers (Direct X, video and audio drivers, game drivers, etc)

System drivers such as video, audio, CD-ROM, etc drivers are required to operate the hardware in your PC. The later the driver the more reliable and more features it will have. 

Game patches are sadly a necessity although they shouldn't really be needed. Most of the patches are bought out by the companies who made the game to fix bugs (problems with the game). They also often add a few new features, such as new maps and characters. Everyone playing the game has to be on the same version of the game - so make sure you have the latest patch!

How to install and set up a LAN card

Read Paul Richardsons excellent step-by-step guide on setting up a LAN (Local Area Network)

How to configure your LAN card for the LAN Party (including how to set up your PC to use the shared Internet connection)

Details how to configure your network card for the LAN Party

How secure is your PC?

If you want to make sure that no-one but you has access to the data on your PC you need to install some type of firewall software.

File and printer sharing - here is how you do it: Setting up a LAN by Paul Richardson

Virus protection - keep the bugs out

Viruses are the computer equivalent of germs. To make sure your computer doesn't catch a cold you should install and run some sort of anti-virus software before and after the LAN Party.

 

* To most people 'computer' will mean PC, but to some it may mean something obscure (such as the Apple Macintosh, or perhaps a computer running LINUX). All these are welcome to the LAN Parties but may not be supported in full or compatible with the games. If in doubt, please contact the event organisers