This document features hints and tips to ensure that the LAN event goes smoothly for you with minimum problems. Featured tips include pre-LAN checks, carriage, food and drink and sleeping.
NB: This document serves only to be a guide; it is not intended to provide technical insight. Some areas assume that you are confident in the use of your pc; these areas are to be attempted at the user's risk.

Organization is the key to a stress free LAN. There are many things that can be done before you set off to prevent any problems that may occur once you are at the LAN.

PC Maintenance - GameOn wants you to spend the maximum time possible enjoying the LAN, and not having to tinker with your PC. To help with this, GameOn have created a checklist for you to go by, a few days before the LAN.

Remove any unwanted programs and/or games. Be sure to remove these using the ADD/REMOVE function of Windows.

It is always worthwhile to perform a FULL SCAN a few days before the LAN, insuring connection to the GameOn LAN without problems.

If you haven't done this for a while, you may notice your computer responding slower than what would be normal. It would be worth running a Scandisk and Defrag while away from the computer as it can take time.

New hardware should be installed at least a day before the LAN, that way ensuring no problems while at the LAN. Please remember, there is NO Internet access at the LAN. Support will be limited to what is available.

As with hardware, it’s best to install this before you get to the LAN, as this ensures problems are spotted at a point where a chance of finding a solution is highest.

If you DO have a NIC (Network Interface Card) it’s best to set your system so that the network card obtains an IP address automatically and your workgroup is set to GAMEON.

We've all done it. We have left the house, got a few miles from the house and realised we have forgotten something. GameOn will have very limited resources available, and so to help, we have constructed a checklist for you to go by as you get your equipment ready.

1. PC Base unit (Obviously you wont forget this)
2. Monitor
3. Keyboard and Mouse (Please make sure these are NOT wireless, as they can interfere with other wireless devices at the events)
4. Headphones (GameOn does not allow speakers to be used at the LAN)
5. Power Cables
6. 4 Way Gang Sockets (At least 2 if you have a lot of equipment and it is also recommended that they are certified surge protectors)
7. Sleeping bag and accessories (deodorant, toothbrush etc).
8. Food and drinks
9. Labels (It is extremely recommended that you label ALL your equipment, so that nothing is missing or taken by mistake when packing up)
10. CD's, Floppies etc. (Operating system/drivers/game CD's)
11. Money for food and offsite shopping)

For those of you who wish to follow this checklist. You can get it in a printable format here.

A PC and Monitor cost can run into thousands of pounds, not to mention all the important/personal information stored on the pc. Travelling to and from a LAN is where most care must be taken with the PC to ensure that problems don't occur. Labelling - It is worth making a note of serial numbers on your equipment. This can help in identification of your material if something were to happen to your equipment. Also labelling each piece of equipment can help quicker with identification. Some regulars to the LANS have nametags on the monitor and PC base unit and have tags on the cables.

Gathering Cables - It's generally a good idea, to gather all cables, software and peripherals (i.e. mice and keyboards) and to place them all together in a single holdall, ideally a sports bag. This ensures that all your smaller bits and pieces are kept in one place until you are ready to set up

Packing the PC - (deals with travelling by car) the best policy to follow with regards to packing your PC and monitor depends on the amount of travelling space you have. If you can afford the space, its best putting your PC and Monitor back in their original packing, to ensure almost perfect safety. Failing that, follow these tips.

Place your monitor in the boot of your car with the screen facing the back seat. Place a pillow or blanket between the monitor screen and back of the seat and push the monitor right up against the seat. This ensures if you have to brake hard, the monitor hasn't got far to go. Place your base unit either on the bottom of your boot flat (on the side if it's a tower). As long as the components are screwed in, there should be no problem with things working loose. Use your proposed LAN bedding and pack as much as you can around the monitor and base unit.
If you don't have a boot or much room in the boot, there are two options depending on circumstances. Either place your monitor on the Front Passenger seat with the screen towards the back of the chair and place the seatbelt around it. Alternatively place the monitor on the rear seat, screen towards the back and place the seat belt around it. In both occasions, ensure that the seat belt is a tight fit around the monitor. You don't want that thing flying forwards when you brake. The base unit can be placed in the foot well behind the drivers or passenger seat. In any case, ensure that sufficient padding is surrounding the system. Place holdall in available space. Warning- Don't leave your system in your car overnight or in the early afternoon, extreme temperature changes can damage your system.

LAN regulars will be aware that GameOn provides food for the Event. In case this is unavailable at a LAN, we would like to advise you to bring food and drink with you.

Please note that electrical devices such as kettles, microwaves, lamps, heaters and other equipment not required for the operation of a PC are not calculated into the power requirements of GameOn events, anyone found using or attempting to use an electrical device not required for successful operation of a PC will run the risk of being removed for the event and banned from future GameOn events.

So, what does GameOn recommend?

Food: Sandwiches, Pies, Crisps, Chocolate (primarily cold food)
Drinks: Soft drinks, Energy Drinks

NB: Alcohol may only be brought to a GameOn event after approval.

At GameOn events, various sections are available as sleeping quarters. GameOn doesn't provide luxuries in that department. Comfort is something you will need to consider if you wish to attend a LAN. It is advised by GameOn regulars that purchasing an inflatable bed or lilo provides a softer alternative to wooden/carpet/concrete floors.

Once at the LAN, unpack your PC from the car and setup in your designated seat. When and ONLY WHEN the all clear has been given to power up, boot your system up. If problems are encountered, shut down and remove the case, ensure that all components are tightly fitted and adjust as necessary.
Following these basics you should have a trouble free LAN.