Technical Information

System Requirements

General Requirements

• English Language Version of Windows 95 or NT 4.0 with 100% compatible computer system
• Pentium 90 MHz processor (133 MHz recommended)

Memory:
• Win 95: - 16 MB RAM Required (24 MB recommended)
• Win NT 4.0 - 24 MB RAM Required

• 100% Sound Blaster-compatible sound card
• Joystick and mouse-supported (3-button mouse recommended)
• Supports LAN and Internet play using the TCP/IP protocol

Minimum Install Additional Requirements (Play from CD-ROM)
• Quad-Speed CD-ROM drive (600k/sec. sustained transfer rate)
• Hard disk drive with at least 25 MB of uncompressed space available

Normal Install Additional Requirements (Play from Hard Disk)
• Quad-Speed CD-ROM drive (600k/sec. sustained transfer rate)
• Hard disk drive with at least 250 MB of uncompressed space available

Maximum Install Additional Requirements (Play from Hard Disk)
• Dual-Speed CD-ROM drive (300k/sec. sustained transfer rate)
• Hard disk drive with at least 400 MB of uncompressed space available

GLQuake II Additional Requirements
• 24 MB RAM for all operating systems
• GLQuake II supports some OpenGL 3D accelerator cards. Consult your hardware manufacturer to determine compatibility. Latest version of Glide (2.4x) drivers can be found at www.3dfx.com.

Release Notes

Please refer to the file 'release.txt' or 'Release Notes.doc', in the 'quake2\docs' directory on your hard drive, for last minute information regarding Quake II.

About DirectX

Please note: Before installing Direct X, be warned that doing so has been known to do unusual things to computer it's being installed on. Direct X is a MICROSOFT product and is an extension to your Operating System, Windows 95 or NT, it is not an id Software product.

During the Quake II installation process the installer will determine if Microsoft DirectX 5 needs to be installed on your computer. If so, the Microsoft DirectX 5 setup program will ask you whether you would like to install the appropriate files on your computer. If you choose not to install DirectX 5, and you find that later you need to install DirectX 5, follow these directions. With the Quake II disc in your CD-ROM drive, install Microsoft DirectX 5 by right mouse clicking on the Quake II CD icon to get the Context menu. From that menu, select Install DirectX.

Quake II utilizes the DirectDraw and DirectSound components of DirectX. Certain full-screen video modes in Quake II are only available if DirectDraw is installed ON YOUR SYSTEM.
Who makes DirectX and how can I contact them?
Microsoft created DirectX. If the answer to the question you are looking for is not found on this page, you may want to contact Microsoft via mail at:
Microsoft Customer Sales and Service
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052-6399, USA
Microsoft can also be reached in the USA at (800) 426-9400, or internationally at +1(206) 882-8080.
What is DirectX and why do I need it?
Microsoft's DirectX 5 is an API (Application Programming Interface) set that increases the speed at which games play under the Windows 95 operating system. These APIs allow direct access to the enhanced features of hardware under Windows 95. With DirectX 5, a program has instant access to the hardware, allowing for advances in graphics, sound, video, 3-D, and network capabilities of games.
Since Windows 95 and DirectX 5 are relatively new in the computer world and have not achieved compatibility with some older video cards, many manufacturers are releasing updated drivers for Windows 95 to meet the DirectX standard. If you are not sure about your video card's compatibility, consult the company that makes your video card.
If the Microsoft DirectX Installer does not detect DirectX 5 on your computer, it can install DirectX 5 for you. After installation is complete, you will need to restart your computer in order for DirectX 5 to take effect.
If you have other Windows 95 games on your computer, chances are you already have an earlier version of DirectX installed on your computer. In this case, if you choose to install DirectX the Microsoft Installer will overwrite that version with DirectX 5. The DirectX installation process will then be complete. You will need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
If you already have DirectX 5 installed on your computer, the Microsoft DirectX 5 installer will detect it and not overwrite any DirectX 5 files. You will not need to restart your computer after installation in order to run Quake II.
DirectX 5 should not affect any titles designed for the original version of DirectX. Should you encounter difficulties with DirectX 5, please contact Microsoft for further information.
How do I check to see if my computer supports DirectX?
1. Place the disc in the CD-ROM drive and exit from any AutoPlay screens.
2. Double-click on "My Computer".
3. Right-click on your CD-ROM drive and choose Install DirectX.
If any of the components of DirectX are not certified, please call your hardware manufacturer for the updated drivers that support DirectX.

Here is a list of common questions and answers people have regarding Direct X.
Q: I am having problems running Quake II and think it might be related to my Direct X installation. What should I do?
A: If you experience problems running Quake II, try turning off the "Enable 3D Acceleration" option in the DirectX setup program. To disable 3D Acceleration, double click on the dxsetup icon located in Program Files\DirectX\Setup. Uncheck the option for 3D acceleration in the middle of the DXSetup window.
Q: I have heard DirectX is not compatible with some video cards. What can you tell me about that?
A: Windows 95 and DirectX are relatively new in the computer world and have not achieved compatibility with some older video cards. Many manufacturers are releasing updated drivers to meet the DirectX standard.
Q: If I don't have DirectX, will Quake II install it for me?
A: Yes. If the Microsoft DirectX Installer does not detect DirectX on your computer, it will give you the option to install DirectX. After installation is complete, you will need to restart your computer in order for DirectX to take effect.
Q: If the DirectX Installer copied over a previous version, will the UnInstaller remove DirectX 5? How will this affect my other Windows 95 games?
A: DirectX 5 will remain on your computer and you will be able to run other Windows 95 games that use Microsoft's DirectX libraries. DirectX 5 should not affect any titles designed for the original version of DirectX. Should you encounter difficulties with DirectX 5, please contact Microsoft for further information (address and phone number listed above).
Q: How do I restore my video and/or audio drivers once DirectX has been installed?
A:
1. Place the disc in the CD-ROM drive and exit from any AutoPlay screens.
2. Double-click on "My Computer".
3. Right-click on your CD-ROM drive and choose Install DirectX.
4. Choose the button that satisfies your need (e.g. Restore Audio drivers). This process will install your previous drivers and prompt you to restart Microsoft Windows.

If you need further assistance, please contact your video card manufacturer directly.

Quake II is designed to take advantage of whatever enhanced video, sound, and input capabilities (such as DirectX or VESA VBE video modes) are present, but has fallback functionality so it can run on any Win95 or NT 4.0 or later system, even if neither DirectX nor VESA VBE is available. You may experience problems running Quake II on some systems, because video driver and operating-system support for game functionality are not yet mature under Win32, and many bugs and incompatibilities remain in those components.

What is OpenGL?
About the Quake II 3D Accelerated Engine

The hardware world is changing so fast that it is impossible for us to test, or even list, every 3D accelerator card with GLQuake II support. While some cards work extremely well, we cannot guarantee that your card will work as expected.

What is OpenGL?
OpenGL is a low-level API (Application Programming Interface) that works with a compatible 3D video chipset to render top quality 3D graphics. Some of the features you will see while using OpenGL, and a compatible 3D hardware video accelerator, are 16-bit graphics, colored lighting, improved translucency and increased game speed.

How GL Works:
When you choose one of the GL options in the video selection menu, the executable relies on an OpenGL library created for a OpenGL supported chipset. In the video menu you can choose the 3Dfx GL library, the PowerVR GL library, or the default GL library that was installed with your card’s drivers.

If you would like to learn more about OpenGL check out:

http://www.sgi.com or http://www.3dfx.com.

If you are uncertain whether your card supports OpenGL or not, please consult your video card manufacturer.