Supreme Cmdr

quote: Originally posted by Charles Lindsey: quote:These three choices (broadband only, dial-up only, mixed) should probably help even things out. That seems very generous and seems like it would be a hit. I had planned on getting cable for multiplay but this would be great for those who just can't get it yet. Remember that just because a server will only allow 56K clients, doesn't mean that the game will be as smooth as broadband clients running on a broadband server. The purpose of this restriction is allow gamers with like connections to have the same or similar experience without having to hardcode and throttle the connection to take into account HPBs playing on servers with LPBs.

quote: Originally posted by Epsilon 5: Very nice idea - an innovation indeed. But it'll require more than choosing your connection in a box to prevent cheating My guess is there will still be a ping filter? The architecture is client/server with server side authentication and anti-sniff/scan checks. Cheating is going to be practically non-existent.

quote: Originally posted by Tac: Will you also be allowing the server operators to configure the game so that the server god can set the server to deny people with certain pings OR kick out those who'se ping has gone beyond the limit? The server op will do this by either setting the ping threshold or the serve will auto-run a ping test on any client that tries to connect. We are working on other tricks that I cannot reveal or, naturally, they would be circumvented. BCM is sending a lot of info across the connection (it is a large game!) and the packets are likely to get quite large - especially since parts of the packet require guaranteed sends. This is why I came up with this idea in order to minimize the amount of aggravation I'm going to get once people without broadband start b*tching about bad connection performance. In fact, if it pans out, I may increase the public connection threshold to 32 (will still be 64 on official fleet servers - which will definitely be broadband only) in the BCM mp patch. The limit is going to be 64 in BCG mp for public servers and 128 for official fleet servers). ...then by next year when the BCO server stress test opens, I'll start cramming 1000 people into special BCG fleet servers which will be running the newer and more advanced mp code developed for BCO. [ 06-15-2002, 09:31: Message edited by: Supreme Cmdr ]

We already know that in the upcoming BCM mp patch (and BCG itself), you cannot host a Net server unless you are behind a broadband connection or running a local LAN game. So, this poll is to find the average connection for BC gamers in order to see how far the packet trimming priorities should be pushed. We all know that 56K connections suck for games. Big time. But not everyone has broadband (cable or xDSL) at this time. Which means that in the event that you are playing on a 56K dial-up connection against broadband users, you can and will experience problems (the same as other games). One idea I'm toying with, is to have server operators configure their servers to allow or dis-allow broadband users. e.g. you can run a game on your DSL connection, but only allow 56K dial-up users to play. This way, everyone on the server has a fairly similar experience. And if you have broadband, you can play on a server which only supports broadband users. These three choices (broadband only, dial-up only, mixed) should probably help even things out.

quote: Originally posted by Remo Williams: We in the states do though because of our position in the world community. So I believe what their worried about is our enemies using Canadian territory to try and get at us. Which we would never stand for. Correct. And thats what that article also aludes to. The fact is, with American borders getting tighter (since 9/11), terrorists will most definitely try to use either Mexico or Canada, as a point of entry. At least for those who aren't already in the country.

quote: Originally posted by Tac: man you're a wuss Yeah, I know

quote: Originally posted by Steve Schacher: There was a time when that area was exclusive. You had Inverrary just down the road (Jackie Gleason lived there and hosted his annual PGA tournament there). heh, I know nothing about neighborhoods. Not a damn thing. When I moved from Miami back in 1998 to Fort Lauderdale (we can blame hurricane Andrew and congestion for that one), my realtor told me that Sunrise would provide to me all the privacy I needed (since I worked from home). It was either there or Plantation. Naturally, as soon as I moved, it seemed like a few months later, everyone else moved! Before I knew it, there were new strip malls where dense vegetation used to be!! I swear, the intersection of Flamingo Rd and Sunrise Bld was literally empty when I moved up here. Before long, two malls became totally developed and then Best Buy, CompUSA, Computer City etc, expanded. Now, Bellsouth and a bunch of developers have constructed hotels, buildings etc from that intersection all the way down to 136th Ave where the Sawgrass Biz Park is (where I later moved to). So I moved further West into Sunrise (and behind the Sawgrass Mills Mall) in early 2000. Though this particular move was primarily because one of my Usenet stalkers happened to find out where I lived and actually posted an accounting of a much discussed sighting of me. Seeing that he was supposedly given this particular assignment (to find out where I lived) by the leader (Huffman) of the pack, I came under pressure (by my attorney, family etc) to just move to a more secure location. So, I moved further West to a more secure location, complete with fence, security gate (unmanned) etc. Before and after the baby (now a toddler), we weren't particularly pressed for space - except for the fact that since I moved from Miami, I ceased to operate a separate office space. Seeing that we needed to share the baby's duties, I had to be home too (though I do have external office space where I go for peace and quiet, hosting biz visitors etc). Now that the toddler has discovered more inventive ways to expand, her room has become too small. Naturally, since I occupy two of four rooms ( ) all to myself, I got ousted. We couldnt' switch because I literally had to tear down the wall shared by these two rooms, in order to create a wider space. So, the only option was to move. And this time, even with more space in mind, security and exclusivity also became a priority. So, where I moved now, the security gates are manned by humans (Wackenhaut no less), it is a lot more private and you can't get on my property (at all) without having security personnel (and the Weston police, if you trip the perimeter alarm I had ADT install prior to the move-in) bear down on you. And the design of the house (this time, it is two floors instead of one) gives me a completely separate section as a work area and completely cordoned off. I think I'm set....at least until the next time I get ousted by a woman, a toddler and a baby. Did I mention that I hate moving?

quote: Originally posted by Soback: But, I can disprove that idea very easily. As a pilot I know about navigation, and guess what, the planes don't take a direct route from NY to Europe, they actually *bend* their course towards the northern pole because of the roundness of the Earth, and it would take less time (distance) to travel from North America to Europe if you are closer to the pole as upposed taking a course that would be closer to the equator (more distance/time). As you can see the picture of their flat Earth, taking a course along the northern pole (toward greenland)is unnecesarily bending a direct route and would actually make the trip longer, so therefore their theory doesn't work. Rubbish!!! You are just part of this stupid conspiracy to make us believe that the Earth isn't flat!!

ROTFLMAO!!!! Damnit Tac, I has a mouthful of coffee when I started watching that. Too funny. Damnit, how do you find this stuff?

quote: Originally posted by Tac: "Besides, its florida, derek should be used to warm pools by now. Right? Warm?? heh, not this one, pal. Last time I was in it, the first plunge in felt like my entire brain had frozen and taken my limbs with it. ...then again, maybe that because it was Sunday morning and the breeze was blowing from the lake (the house+pool are on the lake front) ? Dunno, but I remember looking for a blow dryer when I finally came out.

quote: Originally posted by Race Bannon IV: SC, Congrats on the move. Personally I'd never piss in your pool, but I am concerned the chlorine would play havoc with my colostomy bag. aha, thats how the excuses start! quote: I'll be waiting for my invite as me and the brood are on our way to the Keys for a little R&R. Send me email. Can't promise anything, since my home is my private sanctuary....that and the fact that we've still got boxes everywhere quote: By the way no longer in Sunrise? how bout updating your profilesig yer hypocrite!!!!!heh, thanks for reminding me

quote: Originally posted by Steve Schacher: Now that you're in the exclusive part of town, I'll have to look you up next time! Sure thin....oh wait!! what are you trying to say!? That you did'nt come to visit me in Sunrise because it wasn't an exclusive area? You bastard! To tell you the truth, I moved because we ran out of space and the equity helped in getting a bigger place. Nothing major really, since I don't get out much anyway. Besides, it wasn't my idea. I was lazying about (as usual) minding my own business, when a woman and a toddler sauntered into my office, complete with plans they had drawn up to evict me from one of the rooms my stuff occupied, because they needed it. That and a list of questions as to why did I have two rooms with my crap? Oh, and something about women's rights and all that jazz. ...a month later, their plan came to fruition and I found myself signing papers, talking to movers etc etc. heh, now we know who calls the shots around here - and it sure as hell doesn't look like its me, does it?

Something to keep a close eye on. These two buzzards have found a way to wave ride the 802.11b protocol. Boy, are the ISPs going to be pissed. [ 06-12-2002, 16:15: Message edited by: Supreme Cmdr ]

quote: Originally posted by Soback: Congratulations with the move. I know how that can be a pain, packing, unpacking, ugh..... Anyhow, whens the housewarming party? I *hate* moving. With a passion. As for house warming; if think I'm looking forward to anyone coming to piss in my pool, you've gotta be joking

quote: Originally posted by Tac: "YEP!, your CO is wired for DSL from one or more DSL networks. Unfortunately, Since you appear to be more than 18000 feet from the CO, your option may only be slower, IDSL service, if IDSL is available. ' ...and that there is exactly my problem. Which is why am waiting for the phone company to build and install new CO units where I live.

quote: Originally posted by Remo Williams: I didn't see the broadcast your speaking about but it is a proven fact these acts of terrorism were commited by individuals of arabic decent. Well thats just great. Here I was thinking it was the French.

Seeing that we took this thread off-topic, I figured we might as well continue it here. Anyway... I recently moved from Sunrise to Weston. New location is bigger (and I have a separate office!), better, nicer, more exclusive and more secure - now that the baby is growing up faster than I'd first anticipated . Weston is about 15 mins from Sunrise. And about 75% of the city's communities are without DSL service!!! For awhile after I moved, I was on a 56K connection. Lets put it this way, being on 56K DialUP felt like I had a perpetual dental appointment. For a root canal. With a plumber. Who does landscaping on the side. While on toffee flavoured crack. Now am back on cable (Advanced Cable finished the install yesterday morning) while waiting for Mindspring to bring xDSL to this area (they're threatening to get it up by the end of the year). When I first moved to Sunrise from Miami, I was on cable (was MediaOne now ATT Broadband). Then I moved to DSL (was Mindspring now Earthlink) because I didn't want to share bandwidth with anyone. Now am back on cable (1.5 Mbps / 128 Kbps) and have no choice. The good thing is that I'm the only geek on my street, so I'm probably OK for awhile. The tests I ran over at www.dslreports.com show that my up/down stream are very very fast for my new zip code (33331), so, I'm happy. But as soon as DSL comes here, I'm switching again. Whats odd is that this is a fairly new housing community built in 1999 and this entire Weston city is a pretty upscale and exclusive neighborhood. As such, you'd think that it would have all the high-end works - seeing that a lot of large companies have their home offices (and employee housing complexes) here (and in Sunrise). The Weston HOA tells me that because some of these developments are new (built in 1999) and because the residents have not put in DSL requests, that is why Advanced Cable (the only cable operator in this territory) has the monopoly on cable TV and NET connections. Now they're telling me that the phone company (Bellsouth) is going to speed up their DSL initiative by installing stations within range of all newer communities (which is why only some of the older ones have DSL while others in newer communities, don't). Once the phone company does this, they too can offer DSL (via www.bellsouth.net) and third-party companies (e.g. www.earthlink.net) who lease lines for selling, can also get on the bandwagon. Until then, if I want DSL, I have to go with Earthlink's DirectWay DSL satellite service which only offers 144 Kbps / 144 Kbps. I passed on that one - especially since it would have cost me upwards of $300-$500 in installation costs. For $49.95 and about $50 in installation costs, I've got broadband cable. Dunno how they [Earthlink] figured that getting me to switch to DirectWay (when I called up to cancel* my DSL service prior to my move) was something I'd do. Talk about clueless. * I still kept my dial-Up service as backup though. You never know when you'd need to get online if the cable service is down.

quote: Originally posted by Tac: Thats why Im asking about the DSL... I really dont care if its a bit slower than cable, im interested in the ping times. Go to www.dslreports.com And while we're at it, I am creating a new topic on the General Discussions forum for this; now that we've all taken this off-topic. [ 06-11-2002, 17:04: Message edited by: Supreme Cmdr ]

quote: Originally posted by Rosko: Remember I live in Australia, ...lemme guess, you folks don't know how to frigging use paragraphs either? *sheesh*

heh, I don't care how long it takes, as long as they release the damn thing already.

quote: Originally posted by Dragon Lady: The one thing I thought was missing was a hard copy of the appendixes. ...only a complete idiot would waste money printing appendix info in a manual. And you wonder why the cost of games remains high?

quote: Originally posted by Unforgiven_Killer: man I wish i had somehting more then 56k...but where I live we cant get any service....the only thing would be Direct TV DSL...but it cost $500 for the dish,modem, and all the other stuff..and $50 per month...just not worth it. I just moved during the middle of May and I've been in DialUP since 5/24. While they did tell me that this area offered DSL; it turns out that it doesn't! At least not yet. As such, I'm going back to cable (1.5 Mbps down / 128 Kbps up) which is being installed this week, until DSL comes to this area. heh, Mindspring/Earthlink tried to sell me theirDirectWay DSL satellite service (144Kbps / 144Kbps)for $300 in equipment costs and about $125/mnth!!! As opposed to cable which costs me $49.95 per mnth and free installation. When DSL comes, I'm switching again of course, as I don't bloody want to keep sharing the frigging connection with my probable porn+MP3 downloading neighbors. Man, I'd forgotten how excrutiating 56K was (I barely get 44Kbps on connect) was until these past weeks. It's nerve shattering to say the least. [ 06-10-2002, 11:03: Message edited by: Supreme Cmdr ]

uhm, whats wrong with the current hard copy manual? If you're talking about the changes to the game which are in the VCF but not in the manual, then I see what you mean. Just know that since BCG is built on BCM tech, all the changes in the VCF for BCM will be in the new printed BCG manual. ...and of course, once I start making significant changes to BCG, then the VCF will get bloated again. Its Murphy's fault.

quote: Originally posted by Tac: Derek finished that patch long ago. He's just putting in the final touches to his personal Death Star battlewagon so he can survive Day 1. LOL!!! Damnit, I'm sooooo busted. Tac you b*astard! No seriously though, the mp patch is going to make the waiting worth it. Just trust me on this. Its not something we're just hacking together so that we can say we have mp. Once the next patch is out, you can literally count the weeks to the first Beta mp release.

quote: Originally posted by Epsilon 5: quote:ts not silly. If you don't think that in 3010AD Earth would be subject to radiation (considering whats going on today in 2002AD), then you don't know squat. Siddown! Then why is the grass still green? ..because its a game, fool.