🚀 go-pugleaf

Well I've never seen it explained anywhere and you did such a good job
responding to the 'no CD' thing, I guess I'll try you. I haven't seen
anywhere in here or in the readme a clear explanation of exactly who
gets what kind of points to be considered for rankings (as in points for
kills of particular ranks and points deducted). There is the fluffy
description in the readme and that's it. Do you think you could add
something like that to the next faq. That would be really cool.


Flak

Moon wrote:
> 
>  Archive-name: The 'offical' Descent 3 FAQ
>  Version: 1.75
>  Posting Frequency: biweekly
>  Last Updated: 07/01/2000
> 
>  For a better reading experience this FAQ was done using a fixed-width
>  font of 70 characters/line. If your newsreader doesn't support it
>  simply save the file to your HD and view it with any text tool.
> 
>  +-------------------------------------------------------------------+
>  |                                                                   |
>  |                   The 'official' Descent 3 FAQ                    |
>  |                                                                   |
>  |                        v. 1.75 - 07/01/2000                       |
>  |                                                                   |
>  |          latest version @ http://www.descent-3.com/faq/           |
>  |   send additions, comments, corrections to Mo...@Uni-Duisburg.de   |
>  |                                                                   |
>  |-------------------------------------------------------------------|
>  |                                                                   |
>  |                          (C) 98-2000                              |
>  |                                                                   |
>  | Originally written by:                 Recompiled and extended by |
>  | ----------------------                 -------------------------- |
>  | Chris 'Gwar' Ledwith                         Joerg 'Moon' Reibert |
>  | Ken 'Prescience' Ito                      Kevin 'Sick_One' Murphy |
>  | Scott 'fathom' Roberts                           to accompany the |
>  | Wesley 'Arsentia' Fok                           1.4 patch release |
>  |                                                                   |
>  +-------------------------------------------------------------------+
> 
>  ===================
>   Table Of Contents
>  ===================
> 
>  0. What's new in this version?
> 
>  1. Introduction
> 
>   1.1  What is Descent 3 (henceforth called D3)?
>   1.2  Why didn't Parallax Software develop D3?
>   1.3  Wasn't Descent: Freespace supposed to be D3?
>   1.4  Do I need a 3D accelerator like Voodoo?
>   1.5  Is a D3 demo available?
>   1.6  What is D3 Sol Ascent?
>   1.7  What is D3 Mercenary?
>   1.8  Will there be a Mac/Linux/etc. port?
>   1.9  Is there a demo recording system in D3?
>   1.10 Will there be a Descent 4?
> 
>  2. Troubleshooting
> 
>       -> Above all: update your system to the latest drivers  <-
>       -> and especially D3 to the latest patch which is 1.4!  <-
>       -> Also check http://www.descent-3.com/support/full14/  <-
>       -> in case you can't find the answers you need below.   <-
> 
>   2.1  Starting the game brings up the message "Sorry, your computer
>        has a language not supported by this version of Descent 3" and
>        the game stops. What gives?
>   2.2  How can I check my framerate?
>   2.3  How do I know which Video API or Sound mixer to use?
>   2.4  My framerate gets choppy when there is a lot of action, what
>        can I do?
>   2.5  My framerate is always 50 fps, I hear others say they have
>        over 100?
>   2.6  I can't see through transparent windows with my ATI Rage Pro
>        Turbo AGP!
>   2.7  D3 hangs whenever I ALT-TAB out of the game into Windows on my
>        Voodoo 3!
>   2.8  What is the best configuration for my modem?
>   2.9  What can I do to improve my modem connection?
>   2.10 My in-game loss meter shows loss like 100% sometimes!
>   2.11 Help, I can't start Mercenary: "redbuddybot.oof not found"!
>   2.12 Help, I can't play D3 for the MAC on my iMac DV!
>   2.13 How do I migrate to the latest patch?
>   2.14 Why does 1.4 take significantly longer to load?
>   2.15 D3 on Win2K gets an "Error: Illegal font file: lohud.fnt"!
>   2.16 What happened to my PXO stats? Did I get demoted?
>   2.17 Is there a no-CD crack for D3?
>   2.18 Help, I lost my reticle after having patched to 1.4!
>   2.19 What patch should I use to see other players' servers?
> 
>  3. Gameplay
> 
>   3.1  What ships are available in D3?
>   3.2  What about the Guidebot and it's objectives?
>   3.3  What's this 'use item' feature I heard about?
>   3.4  What's this mouselook feature I noticed some discussion about?
>   3.5  What's a so-called 'X-Factor' that's been introduced with D3?
>   3.6  How do countermeasures work?
>   3.7  What are the new weapons in D3?
>   3.8  Where can I enter command-line parameters?
>   3.9  How can I skip the intro movie?
>   3.10 What are wind tunnels?
>   3.11 What's wrong with the new automap?
>   3.12 I just picked up a Guided Missile, why doesn't it show up when
>        I cycle through my secondary weapons?
>   3.13 How can I start D3 without having to use the launcher?
>   3.14 How can I extract the D3 music (mp3s available)?
> 
>  4. Single-Player
> 
>   4.1  What are the cheat codes and how do I activate them?
>   4.2  How many (secret) levels does D3 feature?
>   4.3  Are there any teleports and if not, how do I get to the secret
>        levels?
>   4.4  How do I free Dr. Sweitzer in level 2?
>   4.5  Help, I can't enter Dr. Sweitzer's lab in level 3.
>   4.6  Those level 4 trains keep shredding me to bits, any hints?
>   4.7  I'm not worthy to get the Priest's Icon in level 6!
>   4.8  I can't escape the firetrap at the beginning of level 12.
>   4.9  How do I disable the Aft Matcen/where are the Stormtroopers in
>        level 13?
>   4.10 Where's the trigger to activate the beam emitter in level 14?
>   4.11 Where is the key to Dravis' stronghold in level 15?
>   4.12 How can I disable the primary cooling fan in Mercenary lvl 3?
>   4.13 What about the Manual Pilot Powerup for the Guidebot?
>   4.14 I heard you could meet Jeff Slutter & Nate Goudie in Mercenary
>        level 4?
>   4.15 Help, I keep getting smacked by an invisible force in Sol
>        Ascent level 3!
>   4.16 Do you really have unlimited ships in D3?
> 
>  5. Multiplayer
> 
>   5.1  What network protocols are supported?
>   5.2  Are dedicated servers required for multiplayer games?
>   5.3  What is the maximum number of players D3 can support?
>   5.4  What Network Architecture does D3 use?
>   5.5  What is the minimum connection or modem required for play?
>   5.6  What Multiplayer modes are available?
>   5.7  How do I chat in a game?
>   5.8  How do I use text taunts?
>   5.9  How do I create and use audio taunts?
>   5.10 How do I create and use a ship logo?
>   5.11 How do I get my pilot picture to show like I see some pilots
>        have?
>   5.12 How do I select a ship and why can't I select the Black Pyro?
>   5.13 Why do my Custom\Graphics and Sound Directories have so many
>        files?
>   5.14 What about Lag and Loss while playing?
>   5.15 What packet per second setting should I use?
>   5.16 What is triple-chording and how does it effect my gameplay?
>   5.17 What's the Piggyback/observer mode?
>   5.18 Is there a way to bypass the PXO GUI?
>   5.19 How can I see what happens behind my back?
>   5.20 What are marker cameras?
>   5.21 How do I get rid of those 'you already have that weapon'-
>        messages?
>   5.22 How can I ping my opponents?
>   5.23 I heard you can 'destroy' powerups, how is it done?
>   5.24 Where can I find players when PXO is down?
>   5.25 How do I permanently override the default settings for
>        multiplayer games?
> 
>  6. Dedicated Servers
> 
>   6.1  What sort of system is required to run a dedicated server?
>   6.2  How much bandwidth do I need to run a server?
>   6.3  What sort of settings should I use in general?
>   6.4  Some people say I should disallow all the mines, why?
>   6.5  How do I know what server commands are available?
>   6.6  Can I talk to players on my dedicated server?
>   6.7  How do I get a message to appear to the players as they enter
>        the game?
>   6.8  When I use the $scores command it runs off screen, I can't see
>        anything!
>   6.9  Can I run more than one server on a single computer?
>   6.10 Can I do remote administration, if so how?
>   6.11 Can I do administration from within the game, if so how?
>   6.12 What is the MultiSettingsFile command all about?
>   6.13 Can I disallow certain ships, if so how?
> 
>  7. Linux Sever Setup
> 
>   7.1  Installing the Linux Server
>   7.2  Passing command line parameters to your D3 Linux server
>   7.3  How do I install Mercenary on the Linux server?
>   7.4  Why doesn't Mercenary support Co-Op mode for single-player
>        maps?
>   7.5  Why do I get a shared library error: "main: error in loading
>        shared libraries: undefined symbol: register_frame_info"?
>   7.6  Why does my server burn 100% CPU time during a level switch?
>   7.7  Why do I get weird port numbers associated with my server(s)
>        in GameSpy?
>   7.8  Why is it *NOT* a good idea to run the server as root?
>   7.9  Why do I get the "String Table Not Found" error?
>   7.10 Why does my server freeze during launching, or fail all
>        together?
> 
>  8. Development
> 
>   8.1 I wanna make my own levels, is an editor available?
>   8.2 Is a converter available so I can play my favourite D1/D2
>       levels in D3?
>   8.3 What assistance can I get to make my own D3 MODs?
>   8.4 What MODs are currently available and where can I get them?
> 
>  9. Other online sources of information
> 
>   9.1 Offical Sites
>   9.2 Playing D3 via Internet
>   9.3 Support, Tools, Developers & Levels
>   9.4 Forums & Discussion
>   9.5 Descent News & Headlines
>   9.6 Tactics & How-To's
>   9.7 MODs
>   9.8 Miscellaneous
> 
>  10. Credits
> 
>  11. Revision History
> 
>  =================================
>   [0] What's new in this version?
>  =================================
> 
>  added:
>  ------
> 
>  3.14 How can I extract the D3 music (mp3s available)?
>  4.17 I can't complete the shutdown engine objective in level 13!
>  8.5  How can I modify my HUD so that the text doesn't overlap the
>       rear view window?
> 
>  modified:
>  ---------
> 
>  2.11 Help, I can't start Mercenary: "redbuddybot.oof not found"!
> 
>  ==================
>   [1] Introduction
>  ==================
> 
>  [1.1] What is Descent 3 (henceforth called D3)?
>  -----------------------------------------------
> 
>  D3 is the third title in the Descent series, the line of award-
>  winning computer games created by Outrage Entertainment (former
>  Parallax Software). Like it's predecessors, D3 is an intense action-
>  oriented game set in a 3D environment which received rave reviews
>  around the planet.
> 
>  [1.2] Why didn't Parallax Software develop D3?
>  ----------------------------------------------
> 
>  Although it may not appear to be so, Parallax Software DID produce D3
>  - or rather, one half of it. Parallax Software, when originally
>  formed in 1993, had people in two locations (Ann Arbor, Michigan and
>  Champaign, Illinois).
> 
>  For Descent, work was done in Champaign while the company searched
>  for a mutual central location. After failing to find one, it was
>  decided to reorganize Parallax into two companies, Outrage (Ann
>  Arbor) and Volition Inc. (Champaign). Both companies still maintain
>  strong links to each other.
> 
>  [1.3] Wasn't Descent: Freespace supposed to be D3?
>  --------------------------------------------------
> 
>  No! Volition Inc. planned to release their space-flightsim-combat-
>  game under the name 'Freespace' but a disk compression utility had
>  the name already registered in North America.
> 
>  So Volition changed the name to 'Descent: Freespace' which has been
>  altered to 'Conflict: Freespace' in Europe since Descent
>  (incomprehensibly enough) did not sell so well in Europe.
> 
>  [1.4] Do I need a 3d accelerator like Voodoo?
>  ---------------------------------------------
> 
>  As minimum requirements state, you will need a Direct3D compatible
>  3D accelerator with at least 4 MB of onboard memory. In other words,
>  you'll need a 3D accelerator card, and a fairly good one too - a
>  Voodoo card is a good place to start, and was the target accelerator
>  for D3.
> 
>  However, you do not need a Voodoo card if you already have a 3D
>  accelerator that meets the minimum system requirements (i.e. a
>  Riva128 video card). Other 3D accelerators such as the
> RivaTNT/Geforce
>  and such also work fine with D3 as they are Direct3D compatible.
> 
>  D3 supports Direct3D, OpenGL, and Glide APIs (Glide is a 3Dfx-
>  specific API, so if you have a Voodoo you'd probably use that).
> 
>  [1.5] Is a D3 demo available?
>  -----------------------------
> 
>  Yes, there are even two of them which are approx. 35 MB each (MAC:
>  one demo of approx. 48 MB).
> 
>  Demo 1 features level 3, Piccu Station of the full version plus 2
>  multiplayer levels, The Core (2-8 players) and Polaris (16+ players).
>  Demo 2 features level 1, Deimos of the retail version, both multi-
>  player levels of Demo 1 plus an additional very cool multiplayer
>  level called Taurus (4-16 players).
> 
>  It's your decision which to try out. You can get them at these
>  locations:
> 
>  PC
>  http://descent-3.com/shareware/d3/
>  http://www.outrage.com/4_downloads.html#d3_demos
>  http://www.interplay.com/descent3/fdemos.html
> 
>  MAC
>  http://www.imgmagazine.com/downloads/demos/99/descent3/
> 
>  [1.6] What is D3 Sol Ascent?
>  ----------------------------
> 
>  D3 Sol Ascent is an OEM version (i.e. commercial version, no demo) of
>  the D3 retail. It features levels 1-5 of the retail version whereas
>  level 1: Deimos is also available for download as D3 Demo 2 and
>  level 3: Piccu Station as D3 Demo 1. Sol Ascent also covers the
> multi-
>  player levels of both D3 demos: The Core, Polaris & Taurus. However,
>  this OEM-version version is only available bundled with Voodoo 3
>  (3000 not 2000!) boards and does *not* run on other boards!
> 
>  There've been some unconfirmed rumours that this version has been
>  bundled with other hardware recently which would indicate that you
>  could run it on other graphics boards as well. However, I personally
>  doubt it and if you're interested in playtesting the game I'd still
>  recommend the demos since Sol Ascent is very buggy and Outrage will
>  not release any patches for it.
> 
>  [1.7] What is D3 Mercenary?
>  ---------------------------
> 
>  Mercenary is an offical addon to D3 from the Outrage developers
>  themselves. It features 7 gigantic single-player levels and a bunch
>  of really weird multiplayer levels. As well you pilot a new ship:
>  the Black Pyro which fires 2 missiles at once but can't fire
>  secondaries when there's only 1 missile (of Concs, Homing or
>  Cyclone) left. As well it features a different storyline, this
>  time you're a Mercenary that's working for Dravis.
> 
>  Some people complained about this one as a cheap ripoff with not
>  enough new features but I must say that levels 3 and 4 are the
>  coolest Descent levels I've ever played.
> 
>  [1.8] Will there be a Mac/Linux/etc. port?
>  ------------------------------------------
> 
>  Yes, the Mac port has been released already and you can download a
>  Linux dedicated server. As well, it's definite that there will be a
>  Linux client! It's not sure when it will be released though.
> 
>  Get the Linux server here: http://www.outrage.com/4_downloads.html.
> 
>  [1.9] Is there a demo recording system in D3?
>  ---------------------------------------------
> 
>  Yes! D3 has a new demo recording system, so you can continue to watch
>  the exploits of your friends blasting robots (or yourself blasting
>  your friends or yourself getting blasted by your friends) into
>  oblivion. However, due to the way the system works it's recommended
>  to record and playback the demo on the same framerate. Otherwise
>  you'd get really weird results, e.g. a demo  recorded on 30 fps
>  (frames per second) and played back on 90 fps would look as if
>  someone would hold down the fast forward key.
> 
>  A good compromise would be to record the demo on 50 fps which should
>  be achievable on any system that is capable of making D3 run at an
>  acceptable speed; as well the demo does not get too large
>  (nevertheless always zip it before sending it to someone!). This is
>  the default fps setting so you do not have to change anything unless
>  you didn't fiddled with the framecap parameter (which in that case
>  would have to be adjusted as explained in section [3.8]).
> 
>  [1.10] Will there be a Descent 4?
>  ---------------------------------
> 
>  In the near future NO and it's not too sure if there ever will be
>  one. Despite it's rave reviews around the planet and overwhelming
>  community response D3 failed to sell as good as expected. On the
>  contrary Outrage even lost about 500,000 USD in the process.
> 
>  So it's no surprise that Volition Inc. changed the focus of the game
>  they've already been working on for about 18 months (and which was
>  supposed to be Descent 4) to a more mass compatible FPS a la Quake &
>  Co.
> 
>  As finally has been revealed on the E3 on May the 12th 2000 the game
>  will be called 'Red Faction' (http://www.redfaction.com) and it will
>  come with some really interesting features:
> 
>  - Geo-Mod technology: real-time, arbitrary geometry modification
>    capability which means that you can shoot through walls and
>    actually change the shape of a level
>  - movement by feet, multiple vehicles, submarines and in the air (!)
> 
>  Most time of the game (about 75%) you'll be on the ground like in
>  other FPS games so it's very likely the game won't be close enough to
>  that kind of gameplay Descenters are used to.
> 
>  There's been a lot of discussion in the Descent community about this
>  and finally a bunch of people decided to make their own Descent 4,
>  maybe even 'donating' the final product to Interplay. Personally I
>  don't doubt that mixing up all the creativity that's coming from the
>  community (once you managed organizing it) will result in an addon /
>  MOD that can be compared to the quality standards of the retail
>  version (or the cooler Mercenary levels) and which exploits D3 to
>  it's full potential that we just haven't seen yet.
> 
>  Nevertheless people seem to fail to take into account that it's the
>  engine that would make for a new Descent. As long as you don't come
>  up with a totally new engine which can do more and larger polygons
>  and stuff (and a lot of things that will only be possible on newer
>  graphics boards to be released in the future) it can't - by
>  definition - be more than an addon/MOD to Descent 3 using 'old'
>  technology.
> 
>  However, Interplay owns the rights to the Descent series and
>  everything that's connected with it like 'Pyro', 'PTMC' and stuff.
>  Thus it might be possible that some day they will offer the license
>  to another game developer and we'll get to see a Descent 4.
> 
>  ======================
>   [2] Troubleshooting
>  ======================
> 
>  [2.1] Starting the game brings up the message "Sorry, your computer
>  ----- has a language not supported by this version of Descent 3"
>        and the game stops.
> 
>  Update the game to the latest patch, this will remove the language
>  check.
> 
>  [2.2] How can I check my framerate?
>  -----------------------------------
> 
>  D3 allows a few options for checking and testing performance.
> 
>  While in the game to see a real time framerate meter simply type
>  "frametime" or "framelength" (without the quotes). A framerate meter
>  will appear in the upper left corner of the screen (reenter to turn
>  it off).
> 
>  To test your system's performance and framerate against other systems
>  a command line option (see section [3.8] on where to add them) is
>  available for use.
> 
>  The -timetest <filename.dem> command allows D3 to run through a pre-
>  recorded  demo file, and places the full results in the D3 directory
>  in a file called fps.txt. In the command line box enter
> 
>  -timetest <filename>.dem  (don't forget the hyphen!)
> 
>  <filename> is any valid demo file. D3 includes a demo file called
>  'secret2.dem'. This file does not include any outdoor areas, but
>  serves as a basic test. For example, in the command line enter
> 
>  -timetest secret2.dem -framecap 999
> 
>  Then click the 'OK' button, and  click 'Play'. It is important to
>  include the -framecap 999 command. If this is not done the demo will
>  run at the maximum default framecap of 50fps.
> 
>  D3 will run the demo and create the file fps.txt.
> 
>  For a more advanced and complex standard file which includes some
>  outdoor areas, and is likely a better indicator of performance,
>  check the D3 performance tests site at
>  http://www.descent-3.com/support/fpstest/.
> 
>  [2.3] How do I know which Video API or Sound mixer to use?
>  ----------------------------------------------------------
> 
>  Always try to use the best video API and sound mixer for your system.
>  This will vary depending on the amount of RAM, speed of the CPU, the
>  type of video card, and sound card in the system.
> 
>  If the 3D game card is from the 3DFX Voodoo line then Glide (Voodoo
>  family) will always offer the best performance. Other video cards
>  that don't support Glide normally support a minimum of Direct3D (as
>  a subset of Direct X). Some cards may also support OpenGl. In
>  general Direct3D will work the best although some people find better
>  performance using OpenGl. This varies from card to card, and even
>  between driver revisions. The choice of which graphics API the game
>  will use is found in the setup menu under the video tab.
> 
>  Choose a graphics detail level in the game that makes sense. If you
>  are running D3 on a Pentium 233, don't expect good performance at a
>  high resolution with high detail. Choose an appropriate resolution
>  for the game.
> 
>  D3 also offers a variety of 'sound mixers'. These are found in the
>  setup menu under the audio tab. The mixer types supported are:
> 
>  Software Mixer: This is generally the best choice for performance. It
>  mixes the sound internally and passes the mixed sounds to the sound
>  card.
> 
>  Direct Sound: This is another common choice, and in some case will
>  improve performance if the system does not have enough RAM. In this
>  case the sounds are sent individually and the sound card mixes them.
>  This reduces the required RAM and reduces the CPU load slightly, but
>  will cause more transactions on the bus to the sound card.
> 
>  Direct Sound 3D: This is the Direct X version of 3D sound. If the
>  card supports the feature it offers a slightly more 3D effect. It
>  will also require more CPU power. On a lower end system this is not a
>  good choice.
> 
>  Aureal 3D Sound: This is Aureal's proprietary 3D sound. If you have a
>  sound card that supports the feature it offers a fairly good 3D sound
>  effect. It will however use the most CPU overhead of any of the
>  mixers. If you choose this option, please visit Aureal's web site and
>  get the latest drivers. They have reduced CPU overhead quite a bit.
> 
>  Creative EAX: This is Creative labs proprietary 3D sound. It also
>  offers fairly good 3D sound. It requires less CPU overhead than the
>  Aureal, but is still power hungry.
> 
>  In general most systems will find that either the software mixer or
>  the Direct sound will offer the best performance. The different 3D
>  sound mixers offer a slighly more interesting experience, but at a
>  cost. Unless you have a powerful system stick with a basic mixer.
> 
>  [2.4] My framerate gets choppy when there is a lot of action,
>  ----- what can I do?
> 
>  Make sure all the video and sound card driver are up to date.
> 
>  If you find that during game play, and heavy battles the video and/or
>  sound get choppy or slows down, make sure you are using either the
>  Software or Direct sound mixer. Also you may consider adding more
>  RAM.
> 
>  Try reducing screen resolution to 640 x 480, or even 512 x 384.
>  Disable some of the 'eye candy' in the details menu.
> 
>  Try using the command line options -lowmem or -superlowmem. These can
>  be very helpful if the system doesn't have much RAM. As a rule of
>  thumb a realistic minimum system is a 333MHz cpu with 64megs of RAM,
>  and a Voodoo 2 or TNT card. For truly good performace a 500MHz+ CPU,
>  128 megs of RAM, and a Voodoo 3 or TNT2 is a good starting point.
> 
>  [2.5] My framerate is always 50 fps, I hear others say they have
>  ----- over 100?
> 
>  D3 has a default framerate cap of 50 fps. This is done to help
>  slower computers maintain a more constant framerate during play. In
>  short, by only trying to render a maximum of 50 fps more power is
>  left for each frame.
> 
>  If you have a powerful system you can uncap the framerate, or you
>  may want to alter the maximum framecap. For example on a low end
>  system you may want to use 30. A high end system maybe 100, or have
>  removed the cap altogether.
> 
>  The framecap is controlled with the -framecap xxx command. Where xxx
>  is the desired cap. For example  -framecap 30, or -framcap 80. If the
>  number used is 999, the framecap is removed altogether (see section
>  [3.8] on how to enter these).
> 
>  Many players also find that the video seems smoother if Vsync is
>  disabled in the video options of the main menu.
> 
>  [2.6] I can't see through transparent windows with my ATI Rage Pro
>  ----- Turbo AGP!
> 
>  This is a known bug with some ATI Rage Pro Turbo AGP graphic boards
>  (and even some others) which is related to the board's drivers.
>  Since the 1.1 patch Outrage used a workaround: add the command line
>  switch -NoRenderWindows (as explained in section [3.8]) which makes
>  those windows become fully transparent.
> 
>  [2.7] D3 hangs whenever I ALT-TAB out of the game into Windows on my
>  ----- Voodoo 3!
> 
>  This is a bug in the Voodoo drivers, update to the latest drivers!
>  However, in some cases and system configurations this may still be a
>  problem.
> 
>  [2.8] What is the best configuration for my modem?
>  --------------------------------------------------
> 
>  Always set the modem correctly according to the type you have. Trying
>  to force more packets per second than the modem can handle will never
>  help.
> 
>  Insure that any modem drivers are up to date. Insure that the modem
>  is properly configured for windows. Note: See the following section
>  for possible modem configuration and tips.
> 
>  [2.9] What can I do to improve my modem connection?
>  ---------------------------------------------------
> 
>  There are a number of different types and brands of analog dial in
>  modems. Many computers come with 'software' modems such as the
>  USRobtics Winmodem. Many if not most other brands offer a software
>  modem of some kind. They are not a good choice for gaming.
> 
>  Basically they depend on the computer to handle many of the modem
>  tasks in  software rather than having dedicated hardware for the
>  purpose. They are less expensive than a hardware based modem, but
>  tend to have higher loss, and higher pings. A hardware based modem is
>  always better. In many cases it will shave 100ms off ping times. The
>  preferred modem is the USRobotics Sportster or their new Gaming
>  modem.
> 
>  A digital connection is of course the best: ISDN, xDSL, or a cable
>  modem.
> 
>  If you have an analog modem, there are some things that you can try
>  to improve gameplay. Some of the suggestions may seem contrary to
>  what you might think, but prove true for many players, especially if
>  using a software based modem. There are certain settings that can be
>  found in the windows control panel under the modem icon.
> 
>  In Win98 for example, but similar in all win9x version:
>    - Select the modem
>    - Select Properties
>    - Set the 'Maximum speed' to 57600 rather than 115200
>      (this is the speed the computer talks to the modem, not the
>       connection speed of the modem)
> 
>    - Select the connection Tab
>    - Click 'Port settings'
>    - Set the Transmit Buffer FIFO to 3/4 setting rather than the
>      default FULL (both Rx/Tx should be at 3/4)
>    - Click OK
> 
>    - Click the 'Advanced' Button
>    - In the upper left area is a check box for 'Compress data'
>    - In most cases games will play best with this disabled, you need
>      to test  both ways, default is enabled. Enabled is clearly
>      better for downloading and web browsing. In the case of games,
>      sending a lot of small packets it will tend to be smoother play
>      if it is disabled.
> 
>  [2.10] My in-game loss meter shows loss like 100% sometimes!
>  ------------------------------------------------------------
> 
>  The in game loss meter is an indicator, and nothing more. Due to the
>  method used it will sometimes give an inaccurate number. These seem
>  to be a few specific numbers. So if from time to time the loss is
>  reported as one of the following percentages it is likely a false
>  indicator.
> 
>  11%, 14%, 25% 33%, 50%, 66%, 75%, 83% 100%. There may be a few
>  others, but these are known. It is also a clear indication when you
>  see for example 0% loss, then 100%, then 0% most of the time, that
>  the 100% loss is false. If the loss was accurate you would notice
>  that all other players 'floated' during the prior 3 seconds, that you
>  were unable to gather powerups, etc.
> 
>  The way D3 determines the loss, is that over a 3 second period the
>  client keeps track of how many packets/bytes it received. At the end
>  of that 3 second period the server will send a packet telling the
>  client how many packets/bytes were actually sent. The client
>  determines the loss and then displays the percentage of loss from
>  that period until the next 3 second sample replaces it.
> 
>  True loss will tend to have a much greater variety of percentage
>  displayed and be more constant.