Version 1 Release COMPLETE!

Got the version 1 server loaded and fully functional on Saturday, 19 November 2011.

 Immediately had an issue granting WHITELISTED players permissions - it was the old remote-authentication problem that we had earlier, so I took our server "off-line".  As a direct result, the MineCraft Server no longer checks with MineCraft.Net every time a player wishes to log on - it simply checks to see if they're supposed to be here, then grants (or denies) permission/connections accordingly.

Mojang has a nice idea, a bit like any Microsoft (or Electronic Arts) product you've ever encountered: when you log in to your game initially, it cheecks with Mojang at MineCraft.Net to make sure you're supposed to be "in".  The Mojang server grants you a (semi-random) ID number for that particular login.  THEN, when you connect to a server, the server gets your name and login ID (that semi-random ID number) and checks with the MineCraft.Net systems to make sure that you're using a legal login.  In our case, if your initial "ID Check" passes muster, the server checks to see if you're on the 'White List' (we deny all extraneous connections - either you're one of us, or you might as well stay home), and if you're on the list you get access, otherwise it denies connection.  From there the game gets played, or not.

Our server used to play by the rules, but Mojang can't seem to keep their end of the service functioning.  When their lack of performance affects my priovision of service, they get cut out of the equation.  (WARNING: As a seasoned Systems Admininstrator I have the skills and experience to make this judgement call.  If anyone from Mojang would like some professional assistance at server load-balancing and performance I'm available, with technique directly proportional to compensation.)  I'll wait a while and see if they ever catch up, then may re-insert them into the equation if for no other reason than to keep all of my logins legal.

But the server is back up, running well, and as usual when we install new software, the world is fresh and new - ready for a whole new adventure!