S.M.U.G. is an Apple-Certified Macintosh User group. Contributing members of Sim-Net are automatically given a membership in S.M.U.G. Members of S.M.U.G. recieve awesome product discounts, special deals, and much more!
The Sim-Net FirstClass server is run on a Power Macintosh 8100 with 32 megabytes of ram and 4 gigabyte hard disk. Sim-Net is using the latest in FirstClass server software.
The Sim-Net Unix Server is a Silicon Graphics workstation with a 200mhz MIPPS processor. This server is running the IPRemote ARNS.
Sim-Net's internet connection is a high-speed T1 connected to MCI's 3000 megabit backbone. Sim-Net uses a CISCO 2504 Router. This line is shared by both the UNIX and FirstClass servers.
Sim-Net currently has over 350 contributing members and more than 300 new guests try out Sim-Net every month! Sim-Net's membership multiplies rapidly every day!
In November of 1994, Sim-Net first opened it's doors to the public. With a 12 Port Appletalk Remote Access server, Sim-Net was named OMNI Games (Online Macintosh Network Interactive Games). Cyber-Pilots from around the USA dialed directly in to OMNI in San Jose to fly with the best of the best, indifferent to long distance charges and the $15 a month membership fee. OMNI's membership reached approximately 130 members and new memberships were acquired slowly.
In April 1995, OMNI Games switched from then SnapMail to the FirstClass server as it appears today. After many delays, members were able to connect through ARA, and log on to FirstClass through AppleTalk. OMNI's reach was to a local crowd of enthused pilots, as well as a few long distance callers. Something had to be done to reduce the costs to the end users.
Later in August 1995, OMNI Games made the transition to Sim-Net. An extensive campaign was started to bring Sim-Net to the internet. Sim-Net installed a T1 line for internet connections to the server. Later in the year, Sim-Net purchased a UNIX server to ensure that the utmost quality in online gaming was provided.
Months later, in May 1996, Sim-Net announced that PC users would also be able to take advantage of this solitary oasis on the scorched plains of the internet.
Today, Sim-Net is still expanding. With the support of contributing members, Sim-Net has been able to make constant upgrades in hardware and software. Along with the owners Mark Payne and Ken Green, a staff of hard-working volunteers works 'round-the-clock to make sure that members are having as fun and enjoyable time as possible.
For only pennies per day, contributing members take full advantage of the Sim-Net server. Contributing members gain unlimited access to both the Sim-Net FirstClass server as well as the ARNS and Kali servers, PLUS are given a free membership in S.M.U.G! Please see the sign-up page for more information!
The Sim-Net System Administrators ary the primary operators of Sim-Net. Mark Payne and Ken Green are the owners and founder of Sim-Net. They can be reached at the following addresses:
For your friend to experience Sim-Net at the most reasonable rates, s/he needs a PPP or SLIP connection. In order to find a service provider in your friend's area, we recommend you check out TheList.
Sim-Net provides both a Japanese FirstClass Server and a Japanese web page for our Japanese members. For more information, please see the Japanese Sim-Net web page.
Yes. As a limited guest on Sim-Net, you can get a glimpse at what being a member is like. Guests on Sim-Net recieve 30 days free (limited to 90 minutes a day) on the Sim-Net FirstClass server. Guests cannot write their résumé and have limited time to access the game servers. The major drawback of only being a guest is that guests cannot participate in tournaments or get ranked/win prizes. Some other restrictions apply.
Effective 3/1/96, Sim-Net charges on a yearly basis. For a one-year price of $75 ($6.25 a month!), contributers get unlimited access to the servers plus additional benefits, such as membership in SMUG, with no additional charges outside of your intermet service provider.
Sim-Net's philosophy has never been 'pay-to-play'. Contributors to Sim-Net help the service grow. Through its comtributors, Sim-Net has been able to upgrade the servers and connections for faster, smoother gameplay. In return, contributors gain unlimited access to the server they helped build.
Unfortunately, Sim-Net only accepts Credit Cards at this time. Sim-Net is exploring other billing options, but at this time, virtual money is not accepted.
In order to access Sim-Net, you need a PPP, SLIP, or greater connection to the internet. Sim-Net reccomends using a 28.8kbps modem for best results, however, 14.4kbps users will get acceptable gameplay rates.
Yes and No. You need a direct connection to the internet through an Internet Service Provider. If you'd like to find a service provider in your area, we reccomend visitng The List.If you are a PC user and have the latest version of AOL software, you can connect to Sim-Net and play games as any other member using a direct ISP.
Aside from the software you use to connect to the internet, which varies with your platform and connection type, the components needed are listed below.
Sim-Net currently supports the following Macintosh Compatible games for gameplay on SIm-Net. Note that support here means that Sim-Net officially recognizes that particular game for use on Sim-Net, and most likely supports tournaments and challenges in it. Get more details online.
Of course we're nuts! But that's beside the point! Please remember that new games are released quite often. The chances are that this FAQ has not been updated with a new game list. For more information on games supported, please see the "Online Games" folder once you're online.
Absoulutely! Sim-Net provides challenge ladders for most supported games. Members can challenge other members with the chance of increasing their rank. Sim-Net's ranking system is based on actual kills of another pilot. See who's really the best of the best! Ranking and tournaments are only available to contributing members.
Sim-Net maintains both a MacOS file library as well as a seperate PC File library. Both members and guests can download the latest and greatest in Sim-Net Software, game demos, system updates, and much more!
At this time, Sim-Net does not offer internet e-mail to members and guests. Sim-Net is currently experimenting with setting up internet e-mail for members. Please check back here at a later date.
Written by Mike Wakerly
Last Update: 2-24-97