The future of the LAN Link Network is at stake. Right now, we are in dire need of volunteers. The call for volunteers has been out for several years, and unfortunately this call has not been answered. If this trend continues, LAN Link will be forced to shutdown. Anyone that may be interested in becoming a LAN Link volunteer is encouraged to contact us. Please have a look at the Volunteer page if you think you may be interested in helping us out.

LAN Party Q&A

What is a 'LAN?'

The acronym 'LAN' stands for Local Area Network, which is a group of electronic devices that are often connected to each other via cables, known as 'Ethernet' cables, and 'switches'; they may also be connected wirelessly, using wireless communication adapters and/or devices. The 'LAN' acronym is often used to describe a LAN group or organisation, who provides a network for multiple electronic devices. The LAN Link Network is focused on the use of LANs for the purpose of entertainment through gaming.

What is a 'LAN Party' / 'LAN Event'?

A LAN Party involves people bringing their own electronic devices to a designated facility, linking them together through network devices and cables, and playing games either with or against each other across the resulting network. Depending on the style of a LAN party, games are played either casually, or in tournaments where prizes are often given out to the winners. Events typically use 'Personal Computer' systems (PCs) / desktop computers, but may also use laptops and video gaming consoles. These events are held in many kinds of facilities, including community halls and centres, school halls, recreation centres and gymnasiums, and churches.

Why go to a LAN Party?

If you are someone who likes to play computer games or video games, then a LAN party is definitely something to consider going to. You can play your favourite games with / against other players, meet up with friends, make new friends, and just have fun overall. When a LAN group supports it, people who are good at particular games will often participate in tournaments, with a chance of winning prizes. You may even win a "door prize" just for turning up to a LAN party!

How much does a LAN Party cost to go to?

It all depends upon the LAN party, as entry costs and other costs can vary widely. Overall, entry costs average $15, can be as high as $50, or can even be absolutely free. While tournaments can be entered into at many LANs without paying anything extra, some groups may ask you for more money on top of their entry costs to participate in their tournaments.

You may be able to save money by pre-registering and/or pre-paying before going to an event. You may also receive a discount if you bring your own games and equipment, and let other people use it. Please check each LAN party's website for its costs, discounts and payment methods, before going to an event.

Do LAN Parties offer food and drink?

Sometimes, food and drink is included in the entry cost of an event, or it may be an optional extra. Extra food and drink can usually be purchased while at LAN events. Historically, food and drink offered at LAN parties is mainly snack food related (e.g. chips, lollies, chocolate) and softdrink, so you may want to bring your own if you want to eat healthier. A small number of LANs cook healthier foods for their participants, either at extra cost, or included in the entry cost. Some LANs may not have any food or drink at all, in which case they may suggest that you to bring your own, or direct you to their local supermarket or shopping centre.

What should I bring to a LAN party?

Aside from money, food and drink, unless a LAN Party provides the games and equipment that you want to play on, you will need to bring your own along (BYO) to the event. Most LAN Parties are 'BYO', although some may provide games and equipment to a few people who ask for it.

For a PC LAN, 'equipment' means computers or laptops, and any devices that plug into them, such as a mouse, keyboard, and gamepad or joystick if necessary. For other types of events, or events that also host video games consoles, bring your own video games console (for a VGC, Xbox, Wii, or Playstation LAN), screens (TV or monitor), power cables, and signalling or data cables (RCA connector, Component video, HDMI, etc.). Note that you don't need to bring both a computer or laptop and video games console. In fact, some groups may not allow you to do this, so check first if you're thinking about bringing both along.

Some LANs may ask you to bring a power board and/or 'Ethernet' network cable (cat 5, cat 6), however most will (and should) provide these for you at the event. Check with the LAN group before you go.

If you are someone who gets sweaty a lot, consider bringing and using deoderant. Few LANs are lucky enough to have showers for use at their venue. If you are staying overnight and get sweaty, consider using a shower if it is available. Also consider bringing a fresh set of clothes to change into, before going to the event.

Some LAN parties go for more than one day, and their hosts may allow you to stay at the venue overnight. In this case, if you want to sleep overnight, you will need to bring sleeping gear, such as a pillow (at the very least), a sleeping bag, and a toothbrush / toothpaste.

What shouldn't I bring to a LAN party?

The following list is only a general guide of things that should not be brought to a LAN party or gaming event. Please check with the event's hosts if you are not sure.

• Any electrical appliance that uses a lot of electrical power, or would be likely to trip the electrical circuit of the venue (e.g. portable fridge freezer, heater, airconditioner or fan, Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS))
• Any electrical appliance that could cause a fire if left on (e.g. microwave, hair dryer, hair curling iron or straightener, toaster, waffle iron/maker)
• Any electrical appliance or object that could cause injury or death (e.g. saw, tool, weapon)
• Any electrical appliance or object that could be a nuisance to other people (e.g. drone, toy weapon)
• Illegal drugs and other illicit substances
• Pornographic material

The following list is a general guide of things that may or may not be allowed. Again, please check with the people hosting the event if you are not sure.

• Cameras (e.g. video camera, still cameras)
• Images taken from mobile phones or tablets
• Nerf guns and other similar toys
• 3D, inkjet and laser printers
• Speakers / sound systems (headphones often preferred), extra TVs or monitors
• Alcohol

What should I do before going to a LAN party?

Are you going to take a PC or laptop? Check the following list:

• Do a scan for viruses on your computer's internal drives. Make sure that you have an up-to-date anti-virus program installed. It would be bad for you to give other people a computer virus.
• Download and install as many updates to your computer's operating system as possible. This will help to protect your system against malware, and reduce the chances of a computer virus spreading across the LAN, should anyone have a virus on their computer system.
• Backup any data on your computer's internal drives that you consider to be important to you, preferrably to an external device or media, such as a USB Drive, or CD-RW. Malware or a power outage could cause data corruption.
• Do your games use a games client, such as Steam, Origin, or Ubisoft Connect? Make sure that you update the game client prior to the event. If the LAN or gaming event that you go to does not have Internet access, you may need to change it to 'Offline' mode before you leave for the event.

Taking a video games console? Check this list:

• Download and install updates for your video game console's operating system, if any exist.
• Consider engraving your name and contact number into the base or side of your video game console. If your console is lost or stolen, it increases the chances that you will get it back.
• Make sure that controllers using battery packs have their batteries charged up before you leave for the event. If you have a spare battery pack, consider fully charging and taking that with you, in case the first one runs out at the event.
• A similar thing could be said for AA (double A) or AAA (triple A) batteries. If you have a controller that needs batteries like this, take some spare batteries with you to see you through the event. Only recharge rechargeable batteries, as recharging non-rechargeable batteries could cause them to either leak acid or explode.

Regardless of whether you are taking a computer or video game console, you will need to check the following:

• Make sure that any games that you intend to play with anyone else, are up-to-date with the latest patches installed. This would greatly reduce compatibility problems between games.
• Register your interest in the event. Most LAN parties and gaming events will expect you to let them know if you are going to their event, so that they can plan the event better.
• Some LANs will offer or use seating reservations. Consider where you would like to sit at the event, using a map of the venue (they should provide this for you), and let the hosts know before you go.

Is there an age limit or age restriction on events? Can children attend?

This depends on the LAN party or gaming event. While some LAN parties or gaming groups will allow people of all ages, most groups will only allow people aged 15 years or older to attend. These groups will often ask that children under the age of 15 have a parent or guardian fill out and sign a form, before they can attend. This form would be likely to:

• inform parents/guardians about the kinds of games and other activities that their children may be exposed to
• inform parents/guardians that they must be present at all times, when their children are under a particular age
• waive certain responsibilities of event administrators (e.g. they may not be able to guarantee the safety of the children at all times)
• request medical information for the treatment of severe or life-threatening illness
• request personal contact information (e.g. mobile phone number and/or landline number)
• include a statement that all personal information will be kept confidential, and destroyed in the event that the group is closed indefinitely, or permanently
• include a statement that administrators will contact parents/guardians, should the need arise

Some events are open only to young people, usually between the ages of 15 and 25. Such events are often run in conjunction with Youth Week, and hosted by local councils in the area, or are run by charities and/or religious groups.

There are some events that serve alcohol from a bar to participants, and there are also some groups that encourage participants to bring their own alcohol to events. These events would (and should) restrict access to people under the age of 18. Anyone intending to go to such events should carry their drivers licence, or some other form of identification that displays their date of birth, otherwise they may be denied access to the event.

Coronavirus Q&A

Source: Q&A on coronaviruses, World Health Organisation

What is 'Coronavirus'?

Coronavirus is a family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. The latest virus in this family is called 'SARS-CoV-2', which originated in December 2019, in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The name of the disease caused by the virus is 'COVID-19'. In humans, this family of viruses causes respiratory infections.

There are now multiple strains (or variants) of the virus. These are variations caused by the virus mutating (or changing), which is actually normal behaviour for viruses as they spread. Each of these strains have been given letters of the Greek alphabet, the latest of which is the Omicron variant.

Although the Delta variant of the Coronavirus is quite contagious, the vaccines that have been developed for the original biological behaviour and structure of the Coronavirus are still very effective for protecting people against the Delta variant. However, it is not yet known how effective current vaccines are in protecting people against the Omicron variant. For more information on variants of the Coronavirus, please visit this link.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness, and dry cough. Some people with COVID-19 may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose, or sore throat. These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually. Some people become infected but don’t show any symptoms and don't feel unwell. Most people (about 80%) recover from the disease without needing special treatment. Around 1 out of every 6 people who gets COVID-19 becomes seriously ill and develops difficulty breathing. Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes, are more likely to develop serious illness. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

Note:We have found a mismatch of symptom information regarding diarrhea between the World Health Organisation and the Australian Government's Health Department, and have sent a enquiry to the department to have this explained. We will provide you with an update when this information becomes available.

How is SARS-CoV-2 spread?

The virus is contagious, as it can be caught from people or animals who have the virus in their bodies. This happens when droplets from the nose or mouth of those with the virus are released, and make contact with people who don't have it. This includes droplets from coughing, sneezing, or even breathing close to other people. Also, droplets can land on objects nearby an infected individual, which may then touched by other people, and the virus can then infect them that way.

What can I do to stop the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and stay safe?

• Get vaccinated. There are now four different vaccines available to Australian citizens; Vaxzevria (made by Astra Zeneca), Comirnaty (made by Pfizer), Spikevax (made by Moderna), and Nuvaxovid (made by Novavax). These are free vaccines. Your age will determine whether you are able to receive a particular vaccine or not. For more information about the vaccines, visit the Australian government's website on COVID-19 vaccines. To understand your eligibility to receive a vaccine, and to book for a vaccination, please visit the link that relates to your particular state below. Why? Getting vaccinated helps our bodies to fight the virus, making us less likely to suffer from it, and greatly improves our chances of survival. Vaccines will also help to slow the spread of the Coronavirus.
• Get a PCR or RAT test, if you believe you need one. A PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test is the gold standard of COVID-19 tests. You should take a PCR test if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
  A RAT (Rapid Antigen Test) is a fairly quick and easy way to determine whether or not you have the Coronavirus. You should take a RAT test if you have been anywhere near a COVID-19 hotspot, or in direct physical contact with anyone who has recently been found to have the virus. RAT kits can be purchased from pharmacies/chemists, some supermarkets, and some other retail stores.
  Please visit your state government's COVID-19 website for PCR test locations, booking information, and other information about how tests and testing kits should be used.
• Check with event administrators to see if you need to wear a mask. If you do, bring one and make sure to wear it at the event.
• Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water. Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.
• Maintain at least 1.5 metre distance between yourself and anyone else. This is called 'social distancing'. Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth. Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.
• Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately. Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.
• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority. Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.
• Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid travelling to places - especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease. Why? You have a higher chance of catching COVID-19 in one of these areas.
• Don't share food and drink with anyone.
• Don't share equipment.
• Listen to any instructions given to you by event administrators regarding the Coronavirus.
• If you were feeling fine before an event, but start feeling unwell at the event, let the administrators of the event know, and then try to leave the event as soon as possible. Keep away from other people as much as possible, and cough into your arm with your arm across your face, or into a issue. Place any used tissues into a bin if one is available, or else keep them in your pockets until you find a bin elsewhere.
• Download the Australian Government's "Coronavirus Australia" app, available in the Apple App Store or Google Play.
• Stay informed by visiting the government's "WhatsApp" channel on iOS or Android.

I want to go to a LAN party / video games event. What should I do?

Unfortunately, many LAN party events have had to close down, due to the latest rules from the Australian Federal Government. State governments have been put in charge with deciding when various limits can be relaxed in their own states. Some states are opening back up again, but some other states are keeping their restrictions going longer and with lower limits. You can keep up-to-date by visiting our website regularly, and checking our calendar for events in your state.

Advice for LAN party / video games event administrators

Only run events that abide by your state government's restrictions on social events.

Click here to show all of our recommendations / considerations

Please consult your state government's Coronavirus website/webpage for more information:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Tasmania
• Victoria
• Western Australia