1 FICSFAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
3 The admins at this site can be very busy so, if you find a bug or have
4 questions, read this file first:
7 Read the "register" help file -- "help register".
9 2> What is network vs local:
10 It has to do with distributed ratings -- contact an admin if you get this
13 3> Can I have more than one account?
14 Only if for blind/computer/admin/team reasons.
16 4> Can I register more than one computer?
19 5> Can I have more than one person using my email?
22 6> Can more than one person share an account for team games?
23 Yes, WEENIES is an example.
26 Read the "admin-new" help file -- "help admin-new".
28 8> Can I help with programming.
32 Dan/DAV/foxbat/grimm/hawk/Len/Mann/Shane,etc
33 Thanks to Friar for some help files.
34 And Cthulu(clong) for ECO database - coming soon.
35 Thanks to Richard Nash (red) and Michael Moore for the old fics code.
37 10> Where else can I play FREE chess?
38 ics.onenet.net 5000 helium.daimi.aau.dk 5000
39 pitt.chess.edu 5000 anemone.daimi.aau.dk 5000
40 arapaho.cse.ucsc.edu 5000
41 If you know of more FREE sites tell us.
43 11> Where do I get an interface from?
44 pub/chess on ftp ics.onenet.net (use anonynous ftp)
46 12> Where can I get the latest code from.
47 pub/chess/Unix on ftp ics.onenet.net (use anonynous ftp)
48 help files are in the oldest version FICS.tar.gz
50 13> I don't like admin x. Admin y is treating me badly.
51 See Sparky (onenet) and hawk (helium)
53 14> Darooha, arcsin and POTZY have come for a peek. What gives?
54 Sometimes people pretend to be them.
55 Do not abuse them if they log on.
56 Our code is GNU - they can use our ideas and code on ICC if they
57 want. Remember who wrote it first.
60 Don't ask -- no free advertising -- you pay $49 for chess there. :)
62 16> Can I shout about ICC?
63 Yes, sure. Given a choice to pay $49 or $0. I'd take the $0.
65 17> Should I advertise FICS?
66 Yes do so. Watch you don't get nuked on ICC, though. Do help ads there.
67 Remember, Burger King burgers are free. :)
70 Are you unreg or have you been muzzled?
72 19> I can't play rated.
73 Have both of you set rated 1?
74 Have you got the network vs local bug.
76 20> How do I use the -->name thing I see displayed?
77 Use "it" "i" or ":" followed by a message
79 21> The Hormone channel(51) has been reinstated I notice.
80 Yes, but cleanish language only. This is a family server.
81 Don't say something you wouldn't say in front of someone's kids.
82 But maybe you would :)
84 22> The board is the wrong way up:
85 Problem flip in style 12 -- old ZIICS and SLICS are affected.
87 23> Can't promote (xboard).
90 24> How do I continue a game that was adjourned?
91 "match" the player again, and it will resume the game if the player
94 25> I can't castle after king takeback.
97 26> I can castle through check.
98 This has been observed once.
100 27> Takeback gives wrong lastmove info.
103 28> Simuls don't work.
104 They were broken once; they should be okay now.
106 29> My rating is over/under inflated
107 There may be a bug somewhere.
109 30> +alias/+censor etc don't work.
110 Try alias/unalias and censor/uncensor for now.
112 31> I've got an old account here, I can't remember my password.
113 Ask an admin for help -- be ready to verify your email address.
115 34> Stats gives silly info.
118 35> Is there any wild?
119 Yes .. and rated, too.
121 36> Zippy won't shut up, too many shouts.
122 Use censor [name], cshout (sshout on ICC) is coming.
124 37> How many channels can I be in?
125 As many as you like, don't be in too many though as this takes
126 up file space; do "help channel" for predefined ones.
128 39> The "who" listing appears staggered.
131 40> How do I withdraw a match request?
134 41> I'm getting lag -- what can I do?
135 Either Ctrl C to escape or use adjourn.
136 Otherwise get your opponent to do "moretime #" where # <= 600 seconds.
138 42> I suddenly got a Connection closed message.
139 1> There has been a shutdown
140 2> There has been a crash -- please bear with us.
141 3> The server dumped you for some reason.
144 43> How long do shutdowns last and why?
146 Sometimes we need to add new code or fix bugs -- please bear with us.
148 44> I get unprintable characters / delete don't work.
151 45> How do I get further help?
154 (b) "tell 1 help me!"
155 (c) When you are done, you can type "channel 1" exit this channel.
157 46> How do I pause a long file from scrolling?
158 Use ctrl q and ctrl s -- or use your scroll bar.
159 Also, "set height ##" fixes how many lines will be displayed at a time.