Afghanistan Server

[jeewiz]

Hey all, I'm currently deployed for the next year to Afghanistan and I'm interested in setting up an EQ server out here for a handful of us to play on. Our internet out here is basically awful, so a locally hosted server would be ideal. I'm a Linux Engineer by trade, but I plan to set up a Windows server on a spare laptop. I'm a bit confused though as there's many guides on how to set up the server, each of which seem quite dated. So here's some of the questions I have:

1- Is it possible to set up a server with the SoD expansion to allow for mercenaries?

2- Which guide is the most accurate or up to date that I can go off?

3- Which version of EQ do I need to buy and/or download? (I've seen 5 referenced)

4- I hope to do mostly grinding in some of my favorite zones, with 2-3 boxes open and some mercs. How can I maintain a good balance of challenge with the grinding, but enable myself to complete raid bosses as well?

5- I've seen the guide of GM commands, is there a more comprehensive listing of admin commands (with descriptions)?

Thanks!