1. Databases contain all the information needed to make your server run, minus character models, classes, spells, and quests. They contain item information, npc data, loot data, zone data, tradeskill data, account information, character information, and every other piece of static information the server might need to load.
2. Boot5zones.bat is a Batch file. Batch files have code in them that MSDOS recognizes. This was basically the original operating system that was available to PCs, it was created by Microsoft. Basically what it does is it creates 5 instances of zone.exe, each using a different port. Each zone.exe can hold one booted zone, when you zone into something in game, the zone you're trying to enter is loaded in one of the free zone.exes. It doesnt matter how many START ZONE . blah blah lines you have, I only use 3 in mine. You can add or subtract lines, as long as each one uses a different port (the middle number, four digit number.)
Also, notice the Period after START ZONE in each of those lines, that period signifies a sleeping zone, this means that when it is loaded it will remain open to load a zone when you zone in game. However, when you zone out a zone in game, whatever zone.exe had that zone loaded will unload that zone and return to a sleeping state. Whenever a zone is reloaded, it ignores all mobs you may have killed, and regenerates all of the loot on the mobs in the zone. This is fine if you dont care, however if you want it to keep all the changes, you need to keep the zone static. You can do this in game, or you can also do it out of game by replacing the period in each start zone line with the short name of whatever zone you want to remain static. Static zones will NOT return to a sleeping state unless you type #zoneshutdown from inside the game. Static zones will also not unload their zone in favor of a zone request inside game, so make sure you have at least one free sleeping zone at all times to zone freely around.
3. Unfortunately, no. Perl is the ONLY way to code quests at this time. They are NOT contained in the database, but in a separate folder in your EQEmu Folder. If you wish to learn how to set up this folder, view my tutorial for setting up a server, skipping to the part about perl.
4. Minilogin allows you to play over a Local Area Network instead of using the official login server that public servers use. By Using minilogin, you and your friends can play over a network, and not worry about other people intruding in on you. Yes you can use your 2 computer setup for this, you just need to repeat the step about inserting account information into the database twice (I'm not sure exactly what it is, read Spike's Tutorial.)
Good luck.
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