If you know the people you’re going to fly with, everyone can connect directly to the host's computer (instead of using Gamespy).

The host must first tell everyone his or her IP address. An IP address identifies a computer that is connected to the Internet or a network. An IP address usually consists of four groups of numbers separated by periods, such as 192.200.44.69.

To find your computer's IP address:

1. Click Start.
2. Click Run.
3. In the text box, type cmd.
4. Click OK.
5. In the command window, type ipconfig.
6. Press Enter.

Your computer's IP address and associated information will be displayed. The IP address will be displayed in the line labeled "IP Address" (Windows XP) or "IPV4 IP Address" (Windows Vista).

Once the host knows his IP address, he can share it (via email, chat, or telephone) with the other session participants. They can then use it to connect directly to the host's computer.

To host a Direct Connection session:

1. On the main menu, click Multiplayer.
2. In the "Connection options" area, select Local network (LAN).
3. Enter a Player name in the text box.
4. Click Sign In.
5. Click Host a Session.
6. In the "Session Type" area, select "Free Flight" or "Mission."
7. In the "Session Information" area, enter a session name, description, and password (optional: if you set one, be sure to send it to participants!).
8. In the "Session Availability" area, select "Make this session visible to everyone," and select the "On your Local Area Network (LAN)" checkbox.
9. Click Next and proceed through the rest of the screens as you normally would.

To join a Direct Connection session:

1. On the main menu, click Multiplayer.
2. In the "Connection options" area, select Local network (LAN).
3. Enter a Player name in the text box.
4. Click Sign In.
5. Click Connect Directly.
6. Enter the IP Address of the host's computer.
7. Click Find Sessions.
8. If prompted, enter the password the host provided.
9. Select the sesssion, click Join, and proceed through the rest of the screens as you normally would.

If you don't have time to complete a Mission, you can save it in progress and fly the rest of it later. On the Flights menu, click Save. Type a title and description, and click OK.

You can find your saved mission on the main Missions screen by selecting the Show saved Missions check box.