        ==================================
        Descent: FreeSpace - The Great War
          Readme for full version 1.05
        ==================================

For the latest information on FreeSpace, please
visit the Volition, Inc. homepage:
     http://www.volition-inc.com

For all Tech Support on Parallax Online (PXO), please
visit PXO:
     http://www.parallaxonline.com/support.html

For non-PXO tech support issues, please see the Tech
Support section of your FreeSpace manual.


-----------------
Table of Contents
-----------------

1.  Version Changes

2.  Manual Addenda (Single Player)
   2a. Direct3D Support
   2b. FRED (Mission Editor) Issues
   2c. Programmable Joystick Issues
   2d. Technical Database
   2e. Detail Level changes
   2f. Briefing changes
   2g. HUD changes

3.  Manual Addenda (Multi-Player)
   3a. Known problems
   3b. Undocumented features
   3c. Multi-player modes
   3d. IPX/Adding TCP/IP
   3e. Parallax Online (PXO)
   3f. Standalone (Dedicated) Servers
   3g. Server Listing Additions
   3h. Pilot Images
   3i. Microphone setup

4.  FreeSpace Web Links

5.  Interplay Demos

6.  Troubleshooting
   6a. DirectX
   6b. Audio
   6c. Video
   6d. Joysticks

7.  Contacting Technical Support

8.  Legal Stuff / Software License

9.  Copyright Information


------------------
1. Version Changes
------------------
NOTE:  Multiplayer games are NOT compatible between major
versions.  If a game server using a different version is
running on PXO, you will not see it in the Games list.

== 1.05 ==
Changes:
   - Fixed missing pilot callsigns in PXO chat screens
   - Fixed skill scaling bug for scores granted on PXO missions
   - Reworked warning about losing stats when mixing PXO and
     non-PXO with same pilot
   - Fixed minor bugs in "Secret Recovery" Silent Threat mission
   - Fixed minor problem with Silent Threat campaign file
   - Prevented weapons cheat from carrying over to multiplayer pilot
   - Tweaked kill-score values for several ship classes
   - Fixed music track ordering in interface screens
   - Fixed bug in score granting for mission Events
   - Changed default URL for FS Pilot Rankings page

== 1.04 ==
Changes:
   - Added Interlaced Cutscene option to Launcher, for people
     experiencing throughput problems during playback
   - Added icons to mission screens indicating if a mission is a:
        - Volition-made mission
        - mission using Silent Threat ships/weapons
        - validated mission
   - Added ST icon to callsign lists, indicating if user has
     Silent Threat installed
   - Added skill scaling to all score awards

   Parallax Online:
   - Added Validated Mission support (PXO pilot stats are not
     updated if the mission is not validated.  See Section 3e)
   - Added warning about losing stats when going from non-PXO
     to PXO games with same pilot
   - Fixed numerous PXO stats-related bugs

   FRED:
   - Fixed cause of reverting-nebula color problem
   - Campaign Editor now warns when you have unsaved changes
   - Now writes out sexpression node usage comment in FSM file
   - Added help for several sexpressions
   - Added save warning when mission includes Silent Threat-only
     ships or weapons
   - Fixed problem causing diacritics characters to get
     trashed after reloading mission

   Standalone Server:
   - Fixed crash when any client did anin-game join when
     certain missions were being played.
   - Added "-ipaddr" command line option to force the host
     computer to use a certain IP address when identifying himself to
     other clients in the game (see below)
   - Added "-multilog" parameter for logging server events

== 1.03.01 ==
Changes:
   - Fixed "Alpha wing waves" problem in some missions
   - Fixed problem when updating read-only FreeSpace.exe

== 1.03 ==
Major Changes:
   - Overhauled object update system, bandwidth needs are now lower.
   - Better interpolation/object updates.
   - Improved latency compensation on clients.
   - Homing weapons tracked on client-side now, much smoother.  Server
     still does final collision check.
   - Added more Network Connection choices in FS Launcher.
   - Added server's connection speed to Games list.

Minor Changes:
   Parallax Online:
   - PXO now forces users to use latest version of FS, but won't force
     updates until next one after 1.04 or later.
   - PXO chat screen crash caused by split chat lines in
     software mode.
   - PXO stats bug causing complete wipes to zero when being a client
     after having been a host.
   - Fixed statistics bug that caused primary and secondary hit
     percentages to be well over 100%.
   - PXO now autojoins correctly so that you are not in a limbo state
     before the channel list comes in.
   - Fixed PXO bug that required joining a channel twice to take effect.
   - PXO chat screen now preserves MOTD.
   - Removed the flood of "leaving channel" messages when you change
     channels on PXO
   - Minor PXO message changes.

   Standalone Server:
   - Fixed standalone timer bug causing Launch to fail if server had been
     running for a long time.
   - Fixed standalone bug where the host clicks on the "closed" button
     and it unclicks itself.
   - Fixed standalone bug where the host doesn't see mission descriptions.
   - Fixed bug that would cause standalone servers to leave one player
     connected, even though all had left.  This should make the PXO
     games count more accurate.
   - Various standalone crash bugs
   - Fixed purging problem with players who never quite "joined" a
     game causing phantom people on standalones, and the mysterious
     "already another person in the game with this name" message.

   Misc. Multiplayer:
   - Object updates sorted by distance to client.  Will behave better
     if client datarate is being capped.
   - Bundle button info with control info at 15x/second.
   - Fixed a minor bug in bandwidth limiting 
   - Various ADSL, proxy server, and NAT problems believed to be
     responsible for players not seeing games, or having problems
     hosting and chatting.
   - Fixed crash bug where empty missions would bomb when starting a 
     multiplayer game, or crash in the tech room. 
   - Fixed bug where game would run out of observer slots.

   Misc. Single player:
   - Tech Room bug causing a blank weapon slot in Database.
   - Tech Room bug causing some multi pilots to have no weapons listed.
   - Fixed crash when trying to load mission with sexp tree of ( ).
   - improved handling for pilots with an active campaign that no
     longer exists.
   - various spelling errors in missions
   - various balance tweaks in missions
   - fixed docking approach paths on several ships

   FRED:
   - Fixed version numbering on FRED.EXE
   - Added vertical scroll bar to initial weapons listing in
     Campaign Editor.
   - Fixed insert/delete stage bug that caused debriefing
     formulas to get cleared to true.
   - Fixed bug causing disable subsystem order to be
     ineffective on rows 3-5 of Orders list.
   - Fixed bug where pressing the 'update stuff' button in event
     editor wiped out changes to fields that hadn't been updated yet.
   - Changed create wing dialog to disallow blank wing name.
   - Fixed bug where having jump nodes in a mission trashed indexing
     order of 'point at' list in the object orientation editor.
   - now saves/restores INI settings for gridline options
   - added & improved several error dialogs


== 1.02 ==
Fixes:
   - Significantly reduced multiplayer client upstream bandwidth.
     This improves firing times, and countermeasure times.  Packet
     flooding should be minimal now.
   - Fixed lockups when using voice on some machines, should work
     for all versions of Winsock
   - Fixed problem with mouse not working at all on some machines
   - Fixed problem with sound causing hangs on some machines.
   - Fixed truncated text in debriefing popup that is displayed when 
     player chooses to replay a mission.
   - Fixed "Communicate" mission where B-path became unpassable
   - Fixed bug with Launcher not closing failed patch downloads

Additions:
   - Added bandwidth division in multiplayer.  Details follow:
     Server's Object Update setting now determines the maximum
     TOTAL bandwidth divided up between clients:
         low    = 2000 total bytes/sec default
         medium = 4000 total bytes/sec default
         high   = 11000 total bytes/sec default
     However, users can specify a datarate limit as high as they want
     in the LAST LINE of the PXO.CFG file. If unspecified, the
     default is used.  If manually specified with a High setting, values
     below 4000 are ignored, as this would put you in the Medium range.
   - Added STD.CFG option to set Object Updates overrides on
     Standalone servers:
         +low_update
         +medium_update
         +high_update
     In the case of the High update level, the same scheme for
     determining the bandwidth applies as above.
   - Added front-end warnings when Creating multiplayer games
     with Object Updates set to Medium or Low
   - Added server ping indicator to upper right corner of HUD
     (measures your ping time to server only)
   - Added system to disable FSM file transfers between US and
     localized overseas versions, keeping localization intact

NOTE TO MODEM USERS:  You must make sure your Object Update
setting is correct under Options/Multi, the game will not be able
to set it for you automatically.  Here are the guidelines:
  28.8K modem users         = LOW setting
  56K modem users           = LOW-MEDIUM setting
  ISDN/T1/T3, LAN users     = HIGH setting


== 1.01 ==
Fixes:
   - now playable on 28.8 and faster modems (see note to
     modem users below)
   - wingman dots gauge not working in multi
   - 'G' targeting key not working in multi
   - updated PXO 'no pilot' dialog
   - PXO bug where you saw no text until you typed
   - improved PXO Help
   - fixed auto-update progress bar (won't be noticible until
     next update is published)


---------------------------------
2. Manual Addenda (Single Player)
---------------------------------

2a. Direct3D Support --------------------------------------
FreeSpace supports the following chipsets under Direct3D:
 - 3dfx
    Voodoo
    Voodoo Rush
    Voodoo2
 - Rendition
 - Matrox MGA-G200
 - NVidia
 - Intel 740
 - ATI Rage
 - 3D Labs Permedia2
 
Cards not currently supported under Direct3D:
 - S3 Virge (sometimes works)
 - PowerVR (works but not complete)
 - Oak Warp 5 (untested)
 - Chromatic Mpact2 (untested)
 - Matrox Mystique/Millenium II (unsupported)

2b. FRED (Mission Editor) ---------------------------------
The FreeSpace Mission editor contains everything you need to create
fully-featured single- or multi-player missions for FreeSpace.  For
documentation on FRED, please see the FRED.RTF file located in
your FreeSpace directory.

If you wish to add voice to your missions (briefing, debriefing,
or in-mission voice), you can create 8b 11K PCM .wav files and
place them in your FreeSpace\data folder under the following
subdirectories:
  \voice\briefings   - briefing voice
  \voice\debriefings - debriefing voice
  \voice\special     - all in-game messages
While FreeSpace will automatically transfer your .FSM mission files
to multi-players who do not have it, it will not transfer voice .WAV
files.  You will need to distribute these manually for the time being.

2c. Programmable Joystick Issues --------------------------
If you have a programmable joysick, you should not bind it to the
ALT, CTRL, or SHIFT keys.  Doing so while using certain key
combinations will cause Windows to stop FreeSpace or minimize it
unexpectedly.

2d. Technical Database ------------------------------------
Not mentioned in the manual is a section of the Tech Room called
the Technical Database.  This contains images, specs, and other
information for each ship, weapon, and species in the game.

2e. Detail Level Changes ----------------------------------
The Weapons Rendering slider under Options/Detail now changes
how close lasers are drawn using non-textured polygons.  This
change was made after the manual went to print.

2f. Briefing Changes --------------------------------------
The Briefing and Command Briefing screens now contain Pause buttons
that may be used to halt/resume the playback of the Briefing stages.

2g. HUD Changes -------------------------------------------
A new indicator will appear by default to the right of the target
brackets.  The dots that appear there indicate how many of your
wingmen are currently attacking that target.  If you have more than
one or two wingmen attacking your target, you may wish to choose
another target or order them to ignore it and take it yourself.


--------------------------------
3. Manual Addenda (Multi-Player)
--------------------------------

3a. Known Problems ----------------------------------------
The following are known bugs/problems with multi-player games.
We will do our best to address these issues in an update as soon
as possible.

- Internet playability over modems -
There are latency issues with modem-based Internet games.  Users 
with 28.8K modems need to make sure their Object Update setting is
LOW.  56K modem users should use LOW or MEDIUM.  This setting is
found in the Options/Multi screen inside FreeSpace.  Users with
slower modems will also be helped by playing on standlone servers
using a lower Frame Cap setting.

Volition will be releasing updates to FreeSpace, and improving Internet
playability for modem users is our highest priority.  Up-to-date
information on FreeSpace updates can be found on the Volition/Interplay
websites:
  http://www.volition-inc.com
  http://www.parallaxonline.com
  http://www.interplay.com

If you've electronically registered FreeSpace and have an email account,
Interplay will send you a courtesy email when FreeSpace updates are
released.  You may automatically download and apply FreeSpace updates
by pressing the Update FreeSpace in the FreeSpace Launcher.

Other known multi-player problems:
- Join-in-progress is currently not supported in Team vs. Team games,
  but works properly in Cooperative games.
- Join-in-progress is not fully supported in missions with
  asteroid fields.  Clients will be able to join, but the asteroid
  locations will be incorrect.
- The Host of a game sometimes does not receive mission/campaign
  descriptions.  The clients do, however.
- The +ban option for the std.cfg Standalone file does not keep
  banned players from joining as Host.  If they attempt to join a
  game hosted by someone else, it will ban them properly.
- Big ships (cruisers, capitals, etc) have some minor rotational
  update packet problems.  You may notice their rotation "twitching"
  every few seconds.
- Observer mode rotational updates are not always sent.  When in
  observer/third-person view, ships may appear to move sideways for
  a short time.  This will not happen from the standard ship views.
- Standalone servers sometimes do not shut down properly.  Users
  should use Task Manager to verify that the FS process is removed
  when shutting the standalone down.
- When connecting to Parallax Online, you should wait for the
  channel list to appear, and to be actually placed in a channel
  before going to the Games list.

Again, we will be addressing these issues as soon as possible.

3b. Undocumented features ---------------------------------
- In the multi-player Join screen, you can hit the 'P' key to
  re-ping all the servers in the list.  The Refresh button will
  only get a new server list, and will not do the pings.  Do not
  hit the P key too often, or your system may get bogged down with
  incoming ping packets.

3c. Multi-player modes ------------------------------------
FreeSpace supports Cooperative and Team vs. Team games.  It does
not support the Dogfight mode referred to in the FreeSpace manual.

3d. IPX support/Adding TCP/IP -----------------------------
FreeSpace does NOT support IPX networks.  It fully supports TCP/IP
LAN and Internet games, however.  Any Ethernet LAN can be
configured for TCP/IP play by installing the TCP/IP Protocol under
Control Panel/Network.  Things to note in doing this:

- Install TCP/IP Protocol on all LAN machines you wish to use
- Give each a specific IP address in the format 192.168.x.y
  where the x value is the same on all machines and the y
  value is greater than 0, and unique to each machine.
  Also, the y value may not be 255.
- Set the Subnet Mask for 255.255.255.0
- Set the Default Gateway to the IP address of one of your
  LAN machines
- Make sure DNS is off

If you have the machines configured correctly, you should be able
to open an MS-DOS Prompt and type "ping 192.168.x.y" using the
IP address of any machine and receive a ping response from it.

These guidelines are very rough, PLEASE consult your network
administrator before attempting anything like this.

3e. Parallax Online (PXO) ---------------------------------
Parallax Online has undergone many changes and additions since the
FS manual went to print.  For basic information, see the Help
screens found in the PXO Chat screen inside FreeSpace.  It will help
you with the basics of multi-player gaming through PXO.

Other PXO issues & information:

- PXO Support/Problems -
For all Tech Support on playing FreeSpace under Parallax Online
(PXO), please visit the support page: 
http://www.parallaxonline.com/support.html
PXO is run solely by Volition, and Interplay Support will >not<
be able to help you with PXO problems.


- Validated Missions -
As of version 1.04, we have implemented a "validated" mission
system on PXO.  This simply means your pilot's PXO statistics,
rank, and medals will only be updated if the mission is validated.
You're free to play any non-validated mission on PXO, your stats
will simply not update unless it's one that's marked as valid.

All Volition-made missions are validated by default, including
all missions in the Silent Threat expansion disk.  User-made
missions will be validated by Volition in (hopefully) a timely
manner.  Details on how to submit a mission for validation can be
found on our website:
   http://www.parallaxonline.com/submitmission.html


- General Information -
Parallax Online is a free online gaming service provided by
Volition, Inc. and Outrage Entertainment.  FreeSpace is the
first game to be supported by PXO, but more will be added
soon (such as Descent 3).


- PXO Registration -
If you create a multi-player pilot and enter the Ready Room, you
will be asked if you wish to register with Parallax Online.  Doing
so will launch your default web browser and take you to the
registration page.

NOTE: You must have an Internet Service Provider (ISP), a web browser
and a valid email address before registering with Parallax Online.


- Statistics -
All pilots playing via PXO will have their running statistics
uploaded to during each mission.  Each time you enter the PXO screens,
it will download your "official" stats, and make sure your local stats
are up-to-date.  For planet-wide rankings of FreeSpace pilots, visit
http://www.parallaxonline.com, or click on the Web Ranking button in
the PXO chat screen.

Unlike FreeSpace multi-player games over a LAN where you need to
hit Accept in Debriefing for your mission stats to take effect, every
mission flown on PXO updates your statistics (accepted OR replayed).


3f. Standalone (Dedicated) Servers ------------------------
In FreeSpace multi-player, if you choose to "Create Game" in the
Ready Room, you are acting as a Non-Dedicated Game Server.  Your
machine will not only run your local game simulation, but will also
simulate the game for all other players in your game.  By doing both
tasks, the other players in your game may see performance problems,
especially if you have 5 or more players in the game.

One way to combat this is to run a Standalone Game Server.  This
enables one machine to >only< run the game simulation, not allowing
someone to also play on it.  By not doing game rendering, it allows
more people to use the game server with little/no performance hit.

NOTE:  For FreeSpace games with 5 or more players, it's STRONGLY
recommended that you use a Standlone/Dedicated Server.  Non-Dedicated
servers will not handle 8-12 people reliably.  It's also STRONGLY
recommended that anyone running a Standalone Server be connected to
at least a dual-channel ISDN line, and preferrably a T1.


- Starting a Standalone Server -
To run FreeSpace as a Standalone Game Server, open an MS-DOS Prompt
to your FreeSpace directory and type:

  FS -standalone

A Windows dialog will come up with a tabbed interface with your
Standalone Server options.  Once the default Server Name has been
filled in, the server is up and running.  You may change the Server
Name field and it will update it on players' Join screens.

Most of the interface options on the Standalone are self-explanatory.
Lowering the "Frame Cap" slider may provide better performance
if many of your players are using slower (28.8) modems.

To shut down the server, press "Shut Down" or simply close the
application.

NOTE: FreeSpace Standalone servers perform better under Windows NT
than under Windows95/98.

==NOTE TO ADSL USERS==
By default, any client playing with a host on ADSL or a proxy will
think that the host wasn't part of the game.  The problem is that
 clients think that the host is on a different IP address than the
host thinks he is on.  In order to correct this problem, we have
added a temporary command line switch to force the host to use
a certain IP address when identifying himself to the clients in
the game.  Use of this switch requires knowledge of the actual
IP address of the host machine (actual IP address as opposed to
a placeholder IP address that is sometimes needed to complete
TCP/IP configuration. The actual IP address will be dynamically
allocated to the machine when connecting to the Internet).  The
command line switch is:

-ipaddr "a.b.c.d"

Where a.b.c.d is the actual IP address of the host machine.  Only
the host of a game needs to use this command line option.  Client
configuration remains unchanged.  Please note that this solution
in temporary, and a new solution is in place for 1.04, and for
future releases of FS-server.  If you host games on an ADSL, you'll
need to use this option for it to work correctly.

- Standalone Config File -
There's a file in your FreeSpace\data directory called "std.cfg"
which determines the default options used when you run a standalone
server.  The following options are currently supported:

+name <servername>
  Sets the servername that appears in the games list.

+pxo <channelname>
  Makes your server appear on Parallax Online.  The server will then
  appear in the specified channel's games listing, and will upload
  player statistics for anyone who plays on it.  Public channelnames
  must be prefixed by a "#" and private channels by "+".
  Examples:
    +pxo #Team_Games   - puts server in the public Team_Games channel
    +pxo +Biffs_Games  - creates private channel "Biffs_Games" and
	                      places this server in it.
  NOTE: If you use a public channel, the name >must< match one of the
  default public channel names.  If it does not match, it will not be
  placed in any channel, and won't be visible by anyone.

  The +pxo option is on by default in the std.cfg file, assigned to a
  Lobby Channel.  If you do not use PXO with your Standalone Game
  Server, it will still show up on the player's game lists if it's 
  local to them, and they have the "Broadcast Locally" option ON
  under Options/Multi.  If it's not local to a player, he may still
  Join your non-PXO server by manually entering your server's IP
  address under Options/Multi.

+max_players #
  Sets the maximum allowed players on your server.  It's recommended
  that you keep this at a reasonable limit based on your server's
  internet connection type.  The max supported players is 12.

+ban <callsign>
  Ban's a given player.  Up to 50 banned players are supported.

+passwd <password>
  Sets the host password.  The first person connecting to the server
  is required to enter this before being granted hostship.  Following
  players joining do not need the password.

These can be entered in any order and in any combination, with repeats
overriding the previously entered values.


- Standalone Servers & Mission Files -
Any FreeSpace missions/campaigns appearing in your \data\missions
directory will be available for players to use on your
Standalone Server.  If a player does not have the mission file,
the server will automatically transfer it.  Players are not able
to upload missions to your server, however, so you have total
control over what missions (and what type of missions) your
Standalone Server provides.

More information regarding Standalone Servers will be posted
frequently at http://www.volition-inc.com


3g. Server Listing Additions ------------------------------
Two symbols have been added to the server listings that appear in
the Join/Create game screen.  An asterisk (*) appears next to
Standalone servers.  Regular, non-dedicated servers will have no
asterisk.

If a "C" appears next to the server name, it is currently running
a Campaign mission (as opposed to a single non-campaign mission).


3h. Pilot Images ------------------------------------------
Players (single or multiplayer) may create their own pilot
images to use in the Barracks screen.  In order for FreeSpace
to load it in the Barracks screen, it needs to be a 160x120
resolution, 256 color PCX file placed in your \players\images
directory.

If you use a custom pilot image for a multi-player pilot, that
image will be automatically transferred to all other players
in your game.

We hope to add support for Squadron logos soon as well.


3i. Microphone Setup --------------------------------------
FreeSpace multi-player supports the use of real-time voice
messaging between players.

NOTE:  Real-time voice sending is NOT supported under Windows NT,
only Windows 95/98.  You will be able to receive realtime voice
in both Windows NT and Windows 95/98.  Voice sending will not be
supported in Windows NT until DirectX 5.0 support is added (i.e.,
NT 5.0).

If you do not have a microphone connected (or are having
troubles with your connected microphone), follow these steps:

1. Make sure the mic is plugged into the mic port on
your sound card.

2. Open Multimedia under the Windows Control Panel, found
under the Start Menu in Settings/Control Panel/Multimedia.

3. In the Audio tab, in the recording field, select your
sound card from the pull down menu under "Preferred device".

4. Click Apply.

5. Double-click the speaker icon in the Tool Tray on your
Windows 95 task bar.

6. From the Options menu, choose "Properties".

7. Click on the "Recording" radio button.

8. In the lower field, enable 'Microphone' checkbox.

9. Click "OK".

10. Under "Microphone", enable the Select checkbox.

11. Make sure the Microphone Volume slider is above
zero.  Somewhere around 50% is usually ideal.

12. Speak into your microphone.  You should be able to
hear your voice through your speakers/headphones.

13. Run FreeSpace, and try the Mic Test under Options/
Multi/Voice.


----------------------
4. FreeSpace Web Links
----------------------

If you're interested in FreeSpace-related web
sites and information, here are some great places
to start.

Volition, Inc. homepage
  http://www.volition-inc.com

Parallax Online
  http://www.parallaxonline.com

Interplay Productions
  http://www.interplay.com

FreeSpace Command
  http://freespace.questgate.net

Terran Tactical Database
  http://freespace.logicquest.com

Descent Network FreeSpace page
  http://www.descent-freespace.com

The FreeSpace Forum (weboard)
  http://www.netsquads.com/freespaceforum

The FreeSpace Webring Homepage
  http://www.warcenter.com/freespace/webring/

Strobe
  http://www.sentry-tech.com/arsentia/strobe

Descent: FreeSpace - Central Intelligence
  http://home.ica.net/~wave/descent

Descent: FreeSpace webring homepage
  http://www.geocities.com/~genshepd/freespace/webring

FreeSpace HQ
  http://www.free-space.com

The FreeSpace Pages
  http://www.barrysworld.com/freespace

The Equinox FreeSpace page/Dutch Devils Squadron
  http://www.equinox.demon.nl/dds/

------------------
5. Interplay Demos
------------------
Demos of other Interplay games can be found on FreeSpace CD #2.
Open Explorer and browse into the \demos directory and you'll
find demos for:
  - Baldur's Gate
  - Die by the Sword
  - VR Powerboat

If you have the Silent Threat CD, you can check out even more
demos in the \demos directory:
  - MAX 2 (does not work with DirectX 6.0)
  - Secret of Vulcan Fury
  - Mindspring (ISP)

------------------
6. Troubleshooting
------------------
These commonly-asked Questions and answers do not appear in
the FreeSpace manual.  Please consult your FreeSpace manual for
further Troubleshooting and Technical Support information.

NOTE: For all Tech Support on Parallax Online (PXO), please
visit the support page: http://www.parallaxonline.com/support.html
Interplay will >not< be able to help you with PXO problems.

Common Questions & Answers

3a. DirectX -----------------------------------------------

Q: I'm having mysterious video/audio/input problems.

A:  A lot of problems can be attributed to out-of-date DirectX
drivers.  If you're running Windows 95/98, make sure you're running
DirectX 5.0 (or better).  If you're running under Windows NT
4.0, you must have DirectX 3.0/Service Pack 3.

You can obtain the latest drivers at:
  Windows 95 - http://www.microsoft.com/msdownload/directx/dxf/enduser5.0/default.htm
  Windows NT - http://backoffice.microsoft.com/downtrial/moreinfo/nt4sp3.asp


3b. Audio -------------------------------------------------

Q:  I get a warning about not having the Audio Compression Manager
  (ACM) installed.
A:  You need to install an ACM on your machine.  Follow these steps
  for installing it:
  1) First check if you have the Microsoft ADPCM installed:
	a) Click on the 'Multimedia' icon in your Control Panel
	b) Click the Advanced Tab, and expand the Audio Compression
	   Codecs list
	c) If you see 'Microsoft ADPCM Codec', then you have the 
	   required ACM codec
  2) If you see the correct ACM codec installed, there are two possible
     reasons why the ACM is not working in the game:
	a) You don't have msacm32.dll in your path
	b) Your ACM version is not 3.5 or higher
  3) If see the ACM codec is not installed, then follow these steps to
     install it:
	a) Click on the 'Add New Hardware' icon in your Control Panel
	b) Select 'No' when asked if Microsoft should search for new
	   hardware (Click Next)
	c) Select 'Sound, video and game controllers' from the
	   Hardware Types list (Click next)
	d) Select 'Microsoft Audio Codecs' from the Manuf. list
	e) From the list of codecs on the right, select 'Microsoft
	   ADPCM CODEC' (Click Next)
	f) Reboot for the changes to take effect

3c. Video -------------------------------------------------

Q:  I have a 3DFX card, and it says "Expected VXD version 1.2, got
  V1.1".  What do I do?
A:  This is caused by one of the following:
  1) Your \windows\system\fxmemmap.vxd file is out of date.  Getting
     and installing the latest Glide drivers *should* fix this 
     according to 3DFX.  Or, simply copy the fxmemmap.vxd into your 
     windows\system directory.
  2) There is an out of date fxmemmap.vxd somewhere beside
     windows\system directory.  You should find all versions of this
     file on your drive and put the latest one in windows\system.
     Delete all other versions of it.

3d. Joysticks ---------------------------------------------

Q:  My ForceFX Force Feedback joystick does not appear to work.

A: Do the following things:
   1) Make sure you have the latest version of DirectInput.

   2) Make sure you set up the joystick properly in the Windows 95 control
   panel.  You should select "CH ForceFx Joystick for DX5 (Serial)".  Do
   not use "CH Forece FX Joystick (analog mode)", as this doesn't
   support Force Feedback.


-------------------------------
7. Contacting Technical Support
-------------------------------

United States
-------------
Interplay Customer Service

Telephone: (949) 553-6678
           (714) 553-6678

Fax: (949) 252-2820
     (714) 252-2820
Attn: Customer Service

E-Mail: support@interplay.com

World Wide Web: http://www.interplay.com

BBS: Telnet to bbs.interplay.com
BBS: Modem Phone Number: (949) 252-2822
                         (714) 252-2822

America Online: E-mail IPTECH

Compuserve: GO GAMBPUB or E-mail 76702,1342

FTP Site: ftp.interplay.com

US Mail: Interplay Customer Service
         16815 Von Karman
         Irvine, CA 92606


United Kingdom / Europe
-----------------------
Interplay Customer Service in the UK and Europe:

Write to: Customer Support
          Interplay Productions, Ltd.
          Harleyford Manor
          Harleyford
          Henley Road
          Marlow
          Buckinghamshire
          SL7 2DX
          ENGLAND

Tel: +44 (0) 1628 423723
Fax: +44 (0) 1628 487777

Email: Europe@interplay-uk.com


--------------
8. Legal Stuff
--------------
SOFTWARE USE LIMITATIONS AND LIMITED LICENSE

General Product License. This copy of Descent: FreeSpace
(the Software) is intended solely for your personal 
noncommercial home entertainment use. You may not 
decompile, reverse engineer, or disassemble the Software, 
except as permitted by law. Interplay Productions and
Volition, Inc. retain all right, title and interest 
in the Software including all intellectual property 
rights embodied therein and derivatives thereof. The 
Software, including, without limitation, all code, data 
structures, characters, images, sounds, text, screens, 
game play, derivative works and all other elements of 
the Software may not be copied, resold, rented, leased, 
distributed (electronically or otherwise), used on 
pay-per-play, coin-op or other for-charge basis, or 
for any commercial purpose. Any permissions granted 
herein are provided on a temporary basis and can be 
withdrawn by Interplay Productions at any time. All 
rights not expressly granted are reserved.

Modem and Network Play. If the Software contains 
modem or network play, you may play the Software via 
modem transmission with another person or persons 
directly without transmission through a third party 
service or indirectly through a third party service 
only if such service is an authorized licensee of 
Interplay. For the purposes of this license, a third 
party service refers to any third party service 
which provides a connection between two or more 
users of the Software, manages, organizes, or 
facilitates game play, translates protocols, or 
otherwise provides a service which commercially 
exploits the Software, but does not include a third 
party service which merely provides a telephonic 
connection (and nothing more) for modem or network 
play. Authorized licensee services are listed on 
the Interplay Productions World Wide Web Site located 
at http://www.interplay.com. This limited right to 
transmit the Software expressly excludes any 
transmission of the Software or any data streams 
thereof on a commercial basis, including, without 
limitation, transmitting the Software by way of a 
commercial service (excepting those specific 
commercial services licensed by Interplay) which 
translates the protocols or manages or organizes 
game play sessions. If you would like information 
about obtaining a pay-for-play or commercial 
license to the Software, please call Interplay 
Productions in the US at +(949) 553-6655.

Acceptance of License Terms. By acquiring and 
retaining this Software, you assent to the terms 
and restrictions of this limited license. If you 
do not accept the terms of this limited license, 
you must return the Software together with all 
packaging, manuals and other material contained 
therein to the store where you acquired the 
Software for a full refund.


SOFTWARE USE LIMITATIONS AND LIMITED LICENSE
(FRED Mission Builder)

This Descent: FreeSpace FRED Mission Editor (the 
Software) is intended solely for your personal 
noncommercial home entertainment use. You may not 
decompile, reverse engineer, or disassemble the 
Software, except as permitted by law. Interplay 
Productions and Volition, Inc. retain all rights 
and title in the Software including all 
intellectual property rights embodied therein and 
derivatives thereof. The Software, including, 
without limitation, all code, data structures, 
characters, images, sounds, text, screens, game 
play, derivative works and all other elements of 
the Software may not be copied, resold, rented, 
leased, distributed (electronically or otherwise), 
used on pay-per-play, coin-op or other for-charge 
basis, or for any commercial purpose. Any 
permissions granted herein are provided on a 
temporary basis and can be withdrawn by Interplay 
Productions at any time. All rights not expressly 
granted are reserved.

You are granted a revocable, nonassignable limited 
license to create new missions to play and distribute 
using the Software (the Missions) solely for your own 
personal noncommercial home entertainment use. You 
may provide public access to the Missions you create 
[by posting them on a Web page with all notices and 
restrictions intact, provided that you shall not be 
permitted to use the Missions or allow any other party 
(except Interplay Productions and its authorized 
licensees) to use any Missions for any commercial 
purpose. The Missions may not be copied (except as 
provided below), resold, rented, leased, distributed 
(electronically or otherwise), used on pay-per-play, 
coin-op or other for-charge basis, or for any 
commercial purpose. You may make copies of the 
Missions for your personal noncommercial home 
entertainment use and to give to friends and 
acquaintances on a no cost noncommercial basis. This 
limited right to copy or provide public access to 
the Missions expressly excludes any copying, access 
or distribution of the Missions on a commercial 
basis, including, without limitation, bundling the 
Missions with any other product or service, providing 
access to or facilitating the access to the Missions 
on a commercial network or online service and any 
give away of the Missions in connection with another 
product or service. Any permissions granted herein 
are provided on a temporary basis and can be 
withdrawn by Interplay Productions at any time. All 
rights not expressly granted are reserved.

All Missions shall be derivative works and shall be 
owned exclusively by Volition, Inc. and subject to the 
exclusive license of Interplay Productions. As a 
material term and condition to your being granted this 
limited right to use the Software to create Missions 
to Descent: FreeSpace (i) you hereby relinquish, release
and assign all rights in and title to any Missions to 
Interplay Productions and Volition, Inc., (ii) you 
further agree to assist Interplay Productions and 
Volition, Inc. in formalizing their rights to any 
Missions, including executing documentation evidencing 
your relinquishment of such rights, (iii) you grant to 
Interplay Productions and Volition, Inc. a limited 
power of attorney to sign on your behalf any 
documents required to effectuate your release and 
assignment of rights to any Level and (iv) you agree 
that Interplay Productions may, in its sole discretion, 
use any or all of the Missions, or any portion thereof, 
for any purpose, including, without limitation, use in 
subsequent versions of Descent: FreeSpace, in 
compilations of Descent: FreeSpace missions, and in 
advertising and promotions without any further 
compensation to you.


------------------------
9. Copyright Information
------------------------

Descent: FreeSpace - The Great War
(and release version) (c) 1998 by Volition, Inc.
All rights reserved.   Portions (c) 1998 Interplay
Productions.  All rights reserved.
Descent, Descent: FreeSpace - The Great War, Interplay,
the Interplay Logo, and "By Gamers. For Gamers." are
trademarks of Interplay Productions. Windows(r) 95 is a
registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All
rights reserved.  Exclusively licensed and distributed 
by Interplay Productions.  All other trademarks are 
the property of their respective owners.


----
End of file
