• Many LAN parties use a basic 10Base-T Ethernet network configuration, which allows data transmission rates up to 10 Mbps (megabits per second). To get on the network, your PC must have a network interface card. NetGear (netgear .com) and D-Link (dlink.com) sell cards for about $25.

• Take your own gaming software to parties. Most games tend to be testosterone-heavy fighting or car-racing titles with mature ratings (age 17 or older). The most popular games: "Quake 3" ($29.99 at amazon.com); "Unreal Tournament" ($19.99 at gamestop.com); "Half-Life: Counterstrike" ($29.99 at ebgames.com), and "Return to Castle Wolfenstein" ($49.99 at bestbuy.com).

• Take a sleeping bag and toothbrush. Many LAN parties start on Friday nights and continue until Sunday or even Monday if it's a holiday weekend.

For hosts

• A 10Base-T Ethernet hub to connect gaming computers is recommended. A Linksys (linksys.com) 5-port hub (enough to network five computers) costs $49.99 at CompUSA. If you're planning a larger party, you may want to get a 24-port hub or connect several hubs together by stringing a cable between each.

• You'll need network cables to wire the hubs to the computers. Save money by buying a 100-foot spool of Category 5 10Base-T cable for about $30, instead of two-feet cable packages for about $5 a pop, hosts said. You'll need a special "crimping" tool and network connectors to attach to the cable if you go with a 100-foot spool.

• If you're planning a small party, think about getting a network starter kit, which party devotees call "LAN parties in a box." For instance Netgear (netgear.com) offers the $79.99 SB104 Starter Kit that comes with a four-port hub, 25 feet of cable and two network cards.

• Several power strips with surge protection so there are enough electrical outlets for computers.

• If you are holding a larger party, you may also want to use one computer as a dedicated server to keep the gaming network stable. The dedicated server should be at least a Pentium II with a 400 megahertz processor.

• Avoid player burnout by scheduling breaks during parties that stretch out over several days. Nathan Elliott at Insane LAN Party in Alaska runs games until midnight the first day and then makes players go home, rest, and come back at 8 a.m. the next day.

• Budget several hundred dollars for food and beverages, party fliers and invites, name tags and tin foil, which is used to cover windows and reduce glare. Also consider getting a corporate sponsor to help with supplies. LAN party veteran Toby Cherasaro said Bawls has donated free caffeine drinks and Sisac.com, a New Jersey technology company, provided network equipment.

LAN party dos and don'ts:

• Take headphones. Some LAN parties and official gaming competitions prefer a quiet gaming atmosphere.

• Don't touch anyone's equipment, software or other belongings without permission. In fact, some hosts automatically boot partygoers who violate this rule.

• Be considerate of space. Put your computer on the floor to save table space.

• Scan your computer for viruses before going to the party. Spreading a virus at a party is the ultimate uncool act, Cherasaro said.

• Don't make your first party big. Just invite a few friends so you can practice setting up the network.

• Rent a local hall or hotel suite if you want a larger party, because LAN parties can be noisy and disturb neighbors. And check with these facilities to make sure they have adequate electrical wiring and cooling (computers generate heat).

• Be considerate of guests. Hold parties in places with good public transportation. Also, make sure there are enough bathrooms for guests and a room where they can rest and watch television between game sessions.

• Don't let software, headphones, game controllers and other accessories out of sight because thieves go to LAN parties, too. If the LAN party lasts several days with sleeping breaks, make sure the room where your equipment is stored is locked.

• Invite parents to visit or monitor LAN parties where there will be teenagers. Reputable LAN party hosts will not allow drugs, alcohol or cyber porn to be traded during a party, said Andrew Gearhart, director LANParty.com.

• On the Web

PlanetLAN features interactive U.S. map with party locations and party photos:

planetlan.com

LANParty.com has party locations and news, reviews and advice for holding parties: