Quick Start Guide

The shortest distance between download and dogfight is through the steps outlined here.  If you just can't wait long enough to read the documentation before trying Targetware, please at least read through this Quick Start Guide to avoid confusion and have the best possible initial experience.

1. Download and Install Targetware

Targetware games are made of two separate download packages: an application package, and a data package.  The application package is Targetware. The data packages are the different modules or 'mods' that can be played, such as Target Korea and Target Rabaul.

Download it here: Targetware Download Page

After downloading, double click on the Targetware installer to begin installation.  Select a location for the Targetware folder. Targetware can be installed anywhere on your computer that you like.

Once Targetware has been started, a /data/ folder will be created. This folder will hold all of the TW mods that you download (see Download Mods below). The Targetware installer does not include any mods. You must download and install one or more mods before you can play.

Linux users need only decompress the targetware file and run targetware.exe.

2.  Create a Targetware Account

To Create a Targetware Account, go to the Targetware Account Management System. Click the New Account button and follow the directions there to create an account.

3. Enter Your Settings

First, enter your Targetware username and password in the Settings section. Without this information entered, you will not be able to play Targetware online or download any mods!

From this section, you will be able to calibrate all of your devices and controls and change any keymap assignments you like. In particular, you will want to specify your Video preferences. When you're finished with that, return to the Main Menu.

4. Download a Targetware Mod.

Because Targetware mods are under continuous development, it will often be necessary to update your mods. Targetware makes this process very simple for you. You can check the status of your currently installed mods and choose to download updates in just a couple of click.

Targetware mods are made available independently from the Targetware environment. In most cases, they can be easily downloaded from within the Targetware application. Some mod makers may not make their download information available to Targetware's meta server. For those mods, you will have to download them and manually install them.

Auto-Download and Install of Mods

For mods that are set up for auto-download, the Targetware Environment will do all the work for you. Launch the Targetware application, then click the Download Mods button:

This will bring up the Download Mods screen, which displays the Name, Version and Status of all mods:

If you already have a current version of a mod, its status will show as OK. If you have installed a mod, but a newer version patch is available for download, the status will show as Patch. Click the Download button to update your installation. If you have never installed the mod, you will see Not Installed in the status column.

To install a new mod, or update an old mod, click on the Download Button. The game engine will automatically download and install the mod. In the case of a lost connection, you can resume a partial download by repeating the steps above; you do not have to start the download over from the beginning.

IMPORTANT NOTE: You must have your username and password entered into Settings or you will not be able to download any of the mods!

Manual Download and Install of Mods

Some mod makers may not make their mod information available to the Targetware meta-server. In such cases, you will have to manually download and install the mod yourself. Check with the mod makers for a download link. Once you have downloaded the .zip file containing the compressed mod data, you must decompress it using a suitable utility (examples: WinZip, Stuffit Expander), and then move it into the data folder of your Targetware folder. If you have any trouble getting a manual installation to work, please contact the mod makers, or ask on the Target X forum.

5.  Study the Default Controls

Targetware has a system of controls and inputs that you can easily modify to your own preferences using the in-game interface or just a text editor.  We strongly suggest that you print out the default controls PDF to start. Please refer to the Customizing Settings section for information on configuring your controls.

6.  Launch Targetware and Connect to a Server

All Targetware flight sims (Target Korea, Target Rabaul, etc.) use the same executable, which is called Targetware.exe for the PC, or Targetware for the Mac).  Run this executable to start the game.

You MUST have an account to log in to the meta server,

You will now see the Select Server screen.  If you do not see a list of servers after a moment, click Refresh List from the row of buttons at the bottom of the screen.

Targetware will display a list of available servers with information about them arranged in columns.

The first column lists the name of the Server owner.  The second column is the short description of the server.  If you are hosting, this text would be taking from the Server section of the Config file setting "Short Description".  Column three lists the number current players and maximum players in a ratio in the format current #/max #.  The last column displays your ping time to each server.

Note: If you select a server running a Mod that you do not have installed, you will not be able to connect. If this happens, go back to the Main Menu, and click the "Download Mods" button, then download the missing mod.

Select a server.  Click Join Game.

8. Fight!  Errr, we mean 'Test'

Select a Team, Mission, and Unit.  Read your Scenario, Team, Mission, and Unit Briefings. Have fun--and don't forget to report all bugs!