Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
- What is the PLAN?
- What is a LAN party?
- What should I bring?
- Will my stuff be safe?
- What if I don't have any of the games?
- Will there be food available?
- Where can I park while I'm at the LAN?
PLAN 9 Questions
General Questions
What is the PLAN?
The PLAN (or Parkview LAN) is a LAN party hosted by the Computer Club of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Inspired by the new, state-of-the-art Parkview campus, which has ample high-speed computing resources including gigabit ethernet wired throughout the building, several students at WMU wanted to do something extra with the technology. It wasn't long before we thought of hosting a LAN party and soon, the first PLAN was born. PLAN 1 was held in March of 2004 and, despite the limited advertising, saw over 40 people throughout the day. After that, we continued to spread the word and attracted more people for PLAN 2, 3, A (the summer PLAN), and 4.
What is a LAN party?
A LAN (or Local Area Network) party is a gathering of 2 or more people with computers at one location, usually for the purpose of playing games. The parkview lan (or plan, if you haven't figured that out by now) has seen in excess of 60 people in attendance playing a huge variety of games, from quake 3 to counterstrike to serious sam and everything in between. (click here for a semi-complete game list). starting with plan 2, we also host a 1v1 deathmatch tournament with prizes for the winners. for more general information on lan parties, check out the wikipedia page here.
What should I bring?
- Power Strip: there are only 2 plugs for every 2 seats so unless you're using an imac, you'll probably need more outlets. even better, bring a surge supressor.
- Computer w/ Network Card: make it a point to *test* these things before you show up. if something is broken, get it fixed BEFORE the lan party. even though there will be people that *can* help you fix things, they probably won't *want* to.
- Network Cable: don't forget this either. Make sure it works and make sure it's a regular ethernet cable as opposed to a crossover cable. Some routers automatically reverse a crossover cable, ours do not.
- Monitor: 21" crt monitors, as you may know, are ridiculously large. there is only room for a monitor this large in the front row so, if those seats are taken, you may be stuck holding your keyboard in your lap as your monitor will be taking up all your desk space. In other words, if you've got a smaller monitor, especially an lcd screen, consider bringing that instead.
- Headphones: if you've been to a lan party before, you probably know that it's a very good idea to bring headphones instead of speakers. we do not currently prohibit you from bringing speakers but we may ask you to turn them down if they are disturbing others. basically: bring headphones, save everyone the hassle.
- Input Devices: keyboard, mouse. don't forget these! yes parkview has an endless supply of them hooked up to the massive amount of computers but they aren't for you. wireless devices are ok because most of them can switch channels in order to avoid interference with other users. wired devices are more reliable if you don't mind the extra cords.
- Software: bring what you need. bring ut2k4, counterstrike: source, quake 4, or battlefield 2 if you want to play in the tournaments. anything else is up to you, bring what you usually play and you'll probably find other people that play the same games.
- Money: you will need money to get in ($10 if you register) and for concessions so make sure you have enough.
Will my stuff be safe?
In short, yes. Security is taken very seriously at Parkview and there are cameras and motion detectors throughout the building. For our part, we will make sure equipment is only brought in and out in an organized manner. If you see anyone walking around who doesn't look like they should be there, or you see someone obviously trying to take something please either confront them and ask to see their badge, or come to the front desk and report it.
What if I don't have any of the games?
Come anyway! Many of the games we play have excellent demo versions that allow you to play on a network. That said, we recommend that you look into getting at least one or two popular games (unreal tournament 2004, call of duty, and quake 3 are all good choices and are relatively cheap now) before you come so you won't have any problems playing on the official servers that we will have set up. The Xbox section will be set up again for those without computers or those who just want to take a break from pc gaming.
Will there be food available?
There are many restaurants and fast-food establishments within a 5 minute drive of parkview campus. Additionally, the Computer Club will be selling hot pockets, burritos, chips, candy, cookies, brownies, lots of pop (including bawls) and much more.
Where can I park while I'm at the LAN?
There is free parking right in front of the building. Just pull up to the doors and unload your stuff, then park in any of the spots available.
PLAN 9 Questions
What games will be played?
- Call of Duty 1 and 2 - As well as the official expansion United Offensive
- Counterstrike - Still one of the most popular shooter games played all over the world.
- Command and Conquer: Generals - Real-time Strategy with great graphics and fun multiplayer.
- Doom 3 - If you've got a computer that can handle it. :)
- Half-life 2 - As well as counterstrike: source and other mods.
- Quake 4 - Fast-paced with tons of user-created mods and maps.
- RTCW - Return to Castle Wolfenstein.
- Serious Sam 2 - A great co-op game. Perfect for lan parties :)
- UT2k4 - Unreal Tournament 2004. Tons of fun in onslaught mode.
- Warcraft 3 - Warcraft 3 is always a great multiplayer LAN game.
- World of Warcraft - Not really a "lan" game but many attendees play this in-between other games.
Can I bring my Xbox?
Yes. Don't forget all the extras but, for the first time, you don't need to bring a TV! Again, remember controllers, cables, especially a NETWORK CABLE if you want to use the system link feature.
Got an Xbox 360? Bring it! We'd love to see what one of these looks like on the big screen :)
Other questions?
Send an email to hacknight@yakko.cs.wmich.edu if you have any more questions.