madhaha

I severely doubt that. The general idea was to write something akin to an API to allow, for example, the manipulation of screen elements. The actual details of what graphics are generated are handled by the plugin but the plugin itself cannot do anything which the client does not support e.g. file manipulation. There MIGHT be the possibility of things like buffer overflow style attacks unless the coding is done very carefully. Other possibilities might be a keylogger (as the functions required by a keylogger are the same as those required for legitimate plugins) but basically NOT things which would cause major trouble. A way round this is to require all plugins to be digitally signed by the SSC before they could be used (so presumably we would need people to check the code before we authorize its use or even testing) or perhaps limit the use of plugins to SSC only zones/trusted developers. Gives the SSC something to do I guess.

Smong: This basically translates as the plugin system could be used to work out all the internal workings of Continuum for cheaters unless its VERY carefully done. Obviously this would be a bad thing.

Live in hope. I've just remembered a good anology of the system I propose: UnrealTournament's mutator system. This seems to support the idea that the model is workable if there is support on behalf of priitk but I again I can't comment on the security implications. Another question: if Priitk would agree to code this or release the code to a trusted individual in exchange for money, would people be willing to donate?

Thats good...

So let me get this straight: We can carry on as we also have done with snail paced development. If we lose contact with Priitk then we're dead in the water. We can try the plugin route and if it works as its meant to then we have collaborative development but if Priitk makes a mistake then it would mean a return to widespread cheating (would it also render clients we are using now obsolete?) OR SOMEONE codes us a new client, possibly even a new protocol. -*BAD WORD*-, the poor -*BAD WORD*-(s) would have to clone the game from scratch!

Its STILL spamming/flaming. Ban!

Zion = city of God. According to the Old Testament anyway... Blue impulse has always been a prick. I always pick on the little git when he plays to piss him off.

What would be much simpler would be a message from a bot saying: "%tickname as shield! Run for your lives!" Same effect

Nothing, thats the point. The idea is that you could completely rewrite the weapons system to do new things. What can be done with just a sandbox language? Well I was hoping that the system can partly replace the bots in the role of custom game types. For example, the warpto bots could be replaced quiet easily. Also, taking MERC Samurai as an example, you could use the system to create "environmental" effects but without the lag from running the whole show serverside. Also, the benefits of adding hardware support i.e. allowing you to ascribe actions to say mouse clicks on the interface, would open up lots of other options. In response to divine.216, if continuum was compromised then you wouldn't need a plugin system to cheat. The question is if there is a way to write the system without making continuum more vulnerable than it already is. I await coconut emulator's thoughts on this.

By tricky do you mean a "impossible" or "I haven't a clue if its possible" type situation? And is it worth giving a shot?

I'm proud to say I've gone up to 15. And lost.....

Interesting work arounds. I think the main reason why is "because thats how they did it with VIE".

Well its up to the programmers but its fairly simple to restrict the plugins to operations in the continuum folder only (and not the profiles.dat file naturally) isn't it? Akai: Exactly!

Talion: post it on the forum.

Thats what was said earlier... Basically, its impossible because of the huge lag involved (not sure if this applies with gravity turned off). I think a possible system would be to have a bot conviscate thors from people not in the duel boxes and give them back when they enter it.

After reading the dialog between Mr. Ekted and Coconut emulator, I have drawn the following conclusions on how we might extend the Continuum client code. I am not a coder however, so please point out any silly flaws in my theory. The only way we can keep the game "secure" is for the client to be programmed closed source. However, extending the code is a breathtakingly slow process which is completely reliant on one Priit Kasesalu as we want to minimize the number of people with the full source. However, would it not be possible to use third party client code in the form of a plugin system if we can validate it serverside? I know it'd be extremely difficult to actually implement but the model itself is quiet simple. We have the server code. We have Priits ultrasecret "core" code that deals with the parts that MUST be closed source. Then we use plugins to sort out the weapons code, rendering, hardware support, handling of media files etc. Collaboration between Priitk?s core code and the server ensure that only the intended plugins are used (no plugin hacking/swapping without authorization serverside!). Thats the theory. Would it be worth bugging Priitk for it and would this system work?

Please can the spambot that uses the account "Apple Pie" be banned from this forum permanently. If you search out all the articles this account has posted (top right hand side, click search), you'll notice that ALL the posts are irrelevant and provocative flames. The rules, if I remember correctly, have a zero tolerance stance against flamers, especially ones as mechanical, repetetive and stupid as this one. Thankyou for your co-operation, madhaha

I must admit that bounce is overpriced these days *mumbles about inflation*

Name your timezone.

What are you doing next?

Nice to know that x' "spamming -*BAD WORD*-" tErRaNiA is still among us. Last I heard you quit some squad to "re-evaluate your options". Don't look like you've changed much to me

OT: She's comming for you Dire... http://www.epilogue.net/cgi/database/art/v...id=9327&genre=2

Get friends.

While your at it, please make quick reply buttons for all skins. The current one sticks out like a sore thumb.

I love the way you just messed up someone elses logo and put ssforum on it. Who made you admin?