Cyclone, for people who want step by step help, it is generally recommended to use IRC for obtaining guidance [ #esf-help @ GamesNET ].
As for your queries, I'll answer them all:
> LAN [ Local Area Network ] Games are games created using protocols that work on a 'Local Network' as the name suggests. This can be via direct link, computers running on the same ethernet network, LPT-to-LPT DCC or LAN connection via male-to-male direct wire between 2 pc's.
> You can make 2 types of servers. 1.) Listen Server - which is a server in which you are in the game as well. When you close the game, you are closing the server as well and it will obviously dissappear along with you. You cannot keep your server on the net with this. 2.) Dedicated Server[/url] - is a server which you cannot join from the same IP/PC, don't try it. When you run this option using CREATE GAME (with 'dedicated server' checked), ESF (HL.exe) will shut down and start the hlds.exe excecutable and now all you will see is a DOS console through which you can control your server. You cannot join this or watch people play in your server through hlds.
> You don't necessarily need a shortcut to create a dedicated server, you can simply do so by going to MULTIPLAYER > INTERNET GAMES > CREATE GAME > check 'dedicated server', choose settings > OK; via HL/CS and ESF. I would recommend that you take this path rather than mess with shortcuts since you are obviously not understanding how to use and change shortcut properties.
All of your questions have been answered, if you have other specific queries - feel free to make another thread. But my personal recommendation to you would be to get on IRC and ask for live help from one of our helpful personelle's.
Closed.