quake/articles/1996/art-253
Path: mantis!not-for-mail
From: Bob Jamison
Newsgroups: rec.games.computer.quake.announce,rec.games.computer.quake.servers
Subject: ANN: -Rift- : A Quake Server Tool and Game Launcher
Date: 23 Jul 1996 17:04:38 +0100
Organization: LinCom
Lines: 105
Sender: tony@mantis.co.uk
Approved: quake@mantis.co.uk
Message-ID: <31F40A8B.4DAA423A@gothamcity.jsc.nasa.gov>
-Rift- : A Quake Server Tool and Game Launcher
Get it at---> http://www.phoenix.net/~ishmal/rift
The Problem
===========
On these news groups, and on the IRC #Quake channels, by far the most commonly
heard question is: "can someone give me a good server address?" After hearing
this question enough times, it occurred to me that a small chunk of software
could do the answering for me. ;-)
What is Rift
============
Rift is a simple (only two weeks old) application for Windows 95 that does a very
simple function: it checks a list of Quake servers to see how playable they are.
But there are a some features that really improve on that basic idea:
o Multiple server list sources. Rift obtains its server names from:
a) A local data file
b) WWW.Stomped.Com's server list
c) ][ronman's server list
d) (soon) a Rift server
o Server status polling. Rift does not use the status information from
Stomped or ][ronman, just the names and locations. All server queries
are done right there on your PC; this is by far the best way to get an
accurate view of the Quake server world.
o Server pinging. A running average of ping times of all servers that have
responded is performed in the background. A button is also supplied to
execute a 4-ping average.
o DNS pre-lookup. All domain names are converted to IP addresses at startup
time in order to speed up Rift enormously afterwards.
o Reverse DNS lookup of addresses in dot notation 'xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx' -> domain name
This provides a wealth of information to those assembling server lists
or just needing to know where a server might be. This can be turned
off if not desired.
o LAUNCHES QUAKE. If installed in your Quake directory, Rift will launch
Quake, connecting to the selected server.
o PROVIDES A SERVER LIST TO THE QUAKE CONSOLE. A sublist of the Rift list is
provided to the Quake console. The hotkey 'R' (or whatever you want it
to be) stops your current game session and brings up a list of quake
servers, along with the aliased shortcuts to the servers.
What Else?
==========
There are also some quality factors that it MUST have, as far as I'm
concerned:
o Small - it last weighed in at 220k bytes.
o Simple - no complicated instructions, no big install
o Works independently - if Stomped or ][ronman are not available, Rift
will still operate.
o Non-intrusive - can't damage Quake or any of your files
"Why 0.4.9? Why not 1.0 or 2.0?"
=================================
I don't think Rift, or any software really deserves to have a full version
number until it fairly well meets its requirements. Basically, Rift
will receive a 1.0 when I feel good about it. ;-)
Rift's features and appearance are rather fluid right now, as I am always
striving to make it as good as it can be, and to best serve the users'
needs. Check the web site often to see what new things have happend to
it.
Where to Get It
===============
The latest copy of Rift is always available at:
http://www.phoenix.net/~ishmal/rift
It can also be found in the Files section of WWW.Stomped.Com.
How to Get in Touch With Me
===========================
I always welcome comments, suggestion, and bug reports. I have already
incorporated MANY fixes and new features originating from user comments,
and I am grateful for them. Keep the cards and letters coming, and
this programmer will be happy to serve!!
Robert Jamison
http://www.phoenix.net/~ishmal
ishmal@phoenix.net
rjamison@lincom-asg.com
--
==================================================
= Bob Jamison 713-244-5769 = ishmal@phoenix.net =
==================================================