computer-go: NNGS source code development update

[Nils Lohner <lohner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello everyone, 

 We (a few programmers, go enthusiasts and myself) have started to 
look at and update the 'No Name Go Server' (NNGS) source code.  So  
far the code has been updated to be compilable and installable using 
autoconf, so even people who are less technically inclined should 
easily be able to get a server compiled and running.

  Information on how to build and install the server is available in 
the README file linked from the homepage for this effort, as are all 
of the versions that have been released since the beginning of the 
changes.  The latest ChangeLog files should also be readable from that 
page so that people can track what is being done easily without having 
to download the source tarballs.

Here's a summary of project related info:

Project Homepage: http://people.debian.org/~lohner/nngs/
NNGS Homepage: http://nngs.cosmic.org
Current versions: nngs-1.1.5, mlrate-1.0.6
Source Code License: GPL

Basic Objectives:
- make it work with more clients
- make it easier to use in text mode
- make the code easier to understand and extend
- make the code more portable (allow it to run on more platforms)
- give people the chance to run their own server
- allow people to test clients and go programs more easily

Current Status:
- compilable and installable with minimal effort (autoconf etc.)
- runs on Linux (Debian, RH), Solaris, and Windoze (under Cygwin)
- installation instructions available in README file
- installation provides all help files and data directories
- work based on NNGS code version #1623 from late 2000 (currently 
   running)
- server has NOT been extensively tested since the recent changes
- many compiler warnings (mostly harmless) that need cleaning up


We are looking for people to help test the server (both compiling and 
running it) and to submit patches for increased functionality, bug 
fixes, etc. or to document its inner working (client communications, 
ratings system, etc.) better.  Basically: if you're interested in 
contributing, odds are there's something for you to do :)

It would also be helpful if someone could put up a 'test' version of 
the server software.  This would enable better test coverage before 
letting it go 'live' as a real server on NNGS or other sites where the 
code may be used in the future.

Please send feedback on the code (bug reports, portability problems, 
suggestions, ...) to the NNGS mailing list at <wgc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>.

Regards,
Nils.