Local Area Network Parties

My friends and I all love LAN gaming, and it's nice to try and get together once a month and have a LAN party. Where, when, and who hosts changes for each event, and just how many people show up changes too, but it's always fun and worth attending. Often, smaller LAN parties are going on every weekend in addition to the general major event every four weeks or so. So if you love gaming this is a good way to see more lag-free action.

If you would be interested in gaming with us in the Austin area, please subscribe to the mailing list. Once you have joined the list, you can post about LAN parties being planned by you or someone you know, and you will always receive notice of such events every time you check your email. The list can also be used to ask for help about computer stuff in general.

In case you were wondering, the type of games we usually play are first-person shooters (FPS like Quake II or Half-Life) and real-time strategy (RTS like Starcraft or Total Annihilation). Of course suggestions for other games are always welcome.

LAN FAQ

What do I need to play?

You'll need your own computer with all its peripherals (monitor, power strip, etc.). You don't need to bring printers, scanners and other non-gaming stuff.
Your computer must have Win95-OSR2, Win98, or NT4 sp5 installed.
Your computer must be equipped with a 10Mbs or 10/100Mbs network card, PCI preferred. The card must have an RJ45 input (also called twisted pair or ethernet). This input looks like a phone jack, but bigger. The other type of input is for coax which looks like a tv cable connector. We do not run coax networks because they are slower, less reliable, and more of a hassle.
You need the game CDs for the games you plan to play. This isn't necessarily true in all cases, but please bring what you have anyway.

I want to contribute more. What should I bring?

Everyone likes sodas and snacks. Sometimes a LAN host will provide these commodities; other times players must supply themselves.
If you have your own hub, you could bring it just in case.
If you have RJ45 wires (ethernet cables), especially long ones, please bring them if it's not too much trouble. A LAN host should guarantee that everyone who planned to attend will be able to join the network, but you never know...
Extra tables and chairs (like card tables and easy-folding chairs) are always helpful at larger events.

Any tips?

Don't bring subwoofers or other large speaker systems for your computer. I know you love the sound, but when lots of people are together you're going to have less space for these, and you'll probably disturb other people with your loud sound effects. Headphones are the preferred speakers.
Remember your power strip (surge protector). These not only help protect your computer, but they act as outlet mutlipliers so we don't run out of plugs.
We rarely play games that require the joystick. You might not want to bring yours (they are often shaped in a manner that doesn't pack well).
When traveling, put your monitor in a seat and strap it in with the seatbelt.
Bring cash. The party might order pizza or something midway through, and you know you'll want some.
Bring a boot disk for your computer. That way if your system fails for some reason, you can work on it and re-install stuff so that you can play again (instead of having to go home and miss the rest of the party).
Make sure you have directions to the place of the LAN before the day of the event (everyone might be too busy to answer the phone or check email when you ask for directions).
Come to every LAN event you can. Then you'll become an awesome player and you can brag and taunt when you start kicking ass.

This LAN Party Ring site owned by Redscull Interactive.