Where can i get basic technical information even before i use ags?

[cassima]

Hi

I've always wanted to make a game, but have been put off by my lack of technical knowledge.

On the home page it states

"It is recommended that you have at least a basic knowledge of computers before attempting to use AGS - such as, you know what a PCX file is, you can think logically and you know the difference between your hard drive and your RAM".

While i have some basic knowledge, it is probabaly too basic as i couldn't tell you much about RAM OR PCX etc.
Does anyone know of a good resource for this sort of essential basic info, that would give me a good overview before i start to use AGS?
Do you think it would be usable even for a very limited beginner?
I'd appreciate anyones advice/help, and apologise if this question is also extremely basic.

[Ashen]

You couldn't tell us much about RAM, PCX, etc, but do you know what they are? That's really all you need to start with. (I had no real programming/techinical knowledge when I first downloaded AGS - still don't, actually - but I reckon I've got pretty handy with it.)

The best way to get an idea of what you need to know to use AGS, is to start using it. Try the tutorial in the manual (the on-line version doesn't work, but it's under 'Tutorial' > 'Starting off', in the version that came with AGS), play around with the editor, check out some of the posts in Beginners Tech Questions. (Which, by the way, wasn't really the place for this. I'll shift it so you can get more opinions, though.)

[Khris]

The emphasis clearly lies on "you can think logically".
Being able to do that, combined with some determination and effort (as opposed to opening a thread as soon as you get stuck instead of consulting the various available resources first) should definitely be enough to get you started.

[Ghost]

It's really not that hard at all to use AGS. First, downloading your version of AGS will give you a help file (well written) with a nice tutorial that covers the basics of game creation. In addition to that AGS has a logic that focuses on a few "objects", like rooms and characters. I assume anyone with a bit of common sense can get started quite soon. And, well, there's the forums, too.

I think anyone who worries if he has the knowledge to wonder if he's up to learning a toolkit, and who's decent enough to ask where to get said background info qualifies to "having common sense" 

I'd just give it a try. It's fun, and you'll find your way in easily. A warm welcome in advance!

[Darth Mandarb]

Welcome back Blaze_Mcleary!!  We missed you!!

[monkey0506]

Just for those interested, the tutorial from the manual is still available online via the AGS Wiki (here).

I would seriously laugh out loud if this actually is "Blaze". Honestly I would.

[Radiant]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PCX
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hard drive

Ta dah

[Ashen]

Just for those interested, the tutorial from the manual is still available online via the AGS Wiki

Ah, cool. Thanks for the link, I'll keep it in mind. Guess that's what I get for not actually reading the Wiki outside the BFAQ.
And if this is Blaze (the thought occured to me, too) ... well, at least he's asking specific questions this time round.

[Baron]

To be perfectly frank, I still don't know what PCX stands for, and I am too lazy to click on Radiant's link.  I agree that the ability to think logically is the only true prerequisite for using AGS.

[AGA]

Doesn't really matter since PCX support has been discontinued now anyway.

[cassima]

Hi all
Thanks for your replies. I'll check out all of the links and things and it should help, so i'll give it a go!

I wasn't sure where to post the Q, just thought this was a similar topic area, so sorry to cause you trouble. Also i did have a look around and read the rules etc before hand, but i wanted to know more about what i needed before i started not really help with ags speciifically. Again thanks for your help.

By the way, i'm a girl and am not this "Blaze" character. Sorry to disappoint!

[Tuomas]

I think the most important things are enthusiasm and imagination. The rest just follows.

* Tuomas coughs and reminds his first game is still unfinished

[monkey0506]

Oh Tuomas you damned fool...you've only been a member since August 2004...I've been a member since February 2004 and my first game is way more unfinished than yours.

As for you "cassima"...OMG Girlz Don't Exist on teh Intarweb!!!!1...unless you post some pics. Now.

Because remember!:

you're not a girl if u don't show us pics.

By which I mean Wlekome to the Forums and Wlekomme to Amgisco.

[LimpingFish]

Actually, should the AGS wiki have a glossary of the various elements that go into making a game? Something like that might be useful, and may help explain a lot.

I see that the wiki's Beginners FAQ and such contains similar information, but having a seperate simplified page explaining, for example, what an ogg/png/ico file is, might be easier to find.

Personally, I find the wiki layout a bit confusing.

[monkey0506]

Personally I find naked rats a bit disgusting, but you don't hear me constantly whining about it do you?

A simple page for "technical terms" probably would be a reasonable addition to the wiki though. Something giving a brief description of terms like "RAM", "HDD", and "PCX". Not necessarily essential for using AGS, but if provided as a resource for those unfamiliar with the terms it could be useful, say, for error reporting. "-How much RAM do you have? -Huh? No, I drive a Ford F-150." :o

[Tuomas]

Oh Tuomas you damned fool...you've only been a member since August 2004...I've been a member since February 2004 and my first game is way more unfinished than yours.

Yeah, well, get on it then biatch! (or I'll have to delay mine yet further

[Oliwerko]

Firstly,
Welcome cassima !

Secondly, my advice is: read all tutorials you find useful. Then start making a game and you will see if you can or cant. I would bet that if someone WANTS to use AGS, he/she will be able to. But you must WANT to learn. I think the technical knowledge/experience/whatever goes second. First is your will to do something.

Try it, you wont regret. Hopefully, youll become an addict like all people around here