[Guide] Which Core Is Right For You?

[Xicon]

Xicon's Choosing a Core - Which Server Is Right for You?

I remember that a while ago, my friends and I set out to create a private server for WoW. After much internet surfing, we found a multitude of repacks and guides.

So, I decided to create this guide so no one has to go through the same headache we went through.

Option One: MaNGOS

MaNGOS servers are very popular. They are mostly popular for one reason: simplicity.

If you have absolutely no experience in Emulator Servers, MaNGOS is the way to start out. It is the most simply understood emulator and is good to build up your knowledge. We all have to start out as newbs at one point, and MaNGOS helps you learn and advance in your abilities as a server designer.

The MaNGOS SQL core is also very easy to work with. There are many MANY tools to use that do it for you, although it is HIGHLY recommended that you familiarize yourself with Navicat. Navicat is the foundation for database editing for other emulators, and if you wish to learn, you must know what you are doing and how to do it.

Setting Up A MaNGOS Server:

Because MaNGOS is beginner level, not many emulator specialists pay attention to it.(no offense guys) This is probably the best MaNGOS repack you will find: Projec t Silvermoon There isn't much help on how to set it up, so if you can't find any help just PM me, I'm sort of a master in MaNGOS matters.

Option Two: Ascent/Antrix

Ascent/Antrix cores are the best cores out there at the moment. They run much more smoothly than MaNGOS and offer much more power in customization.

Use caution: Most Antrix and Ascent servers are not easy at all to setup. There are some, such as 2dgreengiant and Chrispee's Repack that require only a few clicks and patience. But others, namely the ones you control almost entirely, are much more difficult.

The Antrix/Ascent core SQL are different. They are both the same in essence, but names and tables are different. As of now, there is no official release of an Antrix/Ascent database handler. There are a few beta versions, but they have bugs and errors that need to be ironed out. Your best bet is Navicat, as it is easy in itself.

Setting Up An Antrix/Ascent Server:

ASCENT:

There are two options in setting up an Ascent server. You may use 2dgreengiant and Chrispee's repack (link above), or you may use the Full Setup Method, in which you setup everything (mafiaboy's repack and Zackala's guide used). For those looking to set up a good, one-night-stand server, 2d and Chrispee is the way to go. For those looking to set up a very customizable server, the second method is the way to go.

ANTRIX:

Antrix servers are HARD. They are very difficult to set up if you are an emulator newb, so continue at your own risk. The best guide I could find is Herleybob's 2.1.3 Guide. Nice guide, should be fairly easy to understand.

Acknowledgments and Links

Special thanks to:
gastricpenguin for being uber and very helpful even though he didn't know it.
All the guides and links posted throughout the guide. You guys rock!
2dgreengiant and Chrispee for their awesome emulator work!

LINKS:

PROGRAMS YOU WILL NEED:

Navicat: Navicat - the World's Best MySQL Front End for Windows, Linux & Mac OS X
MySQL: MySQL AB :: MySQL Downloads
WinRAR: WinRAR archiver, a powerful tool to process RAR and ZIP files (the WinRAR link at the top of the page)

USEFUL PROGRAMS AND DOWNLOADS:

MaNGOS Database Handler: Bluesailor


Copyright Xicon 2007; MMOwned.com

[Le Froid]

Ascent/Antrix cores are the best cores out there at the moment.

MaNGOS servers are very popular. They are most popular for one reason: simplicity.

Rarely anybody uses mangos anymore :P How are they most popular if 95% of servers are ascent.
Otherwise its nice to new pple

[HumanAlien]

Nice guide

[Xicon]

I intended it to say

They are mostly popular

And just because most people on MMOwned use MaNGOS doesn't mean there aren't those who have little experience. You aren't the only person working on Emulator Servers.