A few questions...

[zRush]

Hi folks...
I have perusing the forums here for a while now and I still have a few questions. It would be really nice if someone would take a moment and answer them.

I notice much of this board is old. Is the EQEmu community still alive and well? Are the servers still up and running for the most part?

Is running your own server the same (for the most part) as running the live server as of that time? Is EQEmu still being updated?
I know what emulation means, but is this completely written from the ground up or is it, what?

I am very interested in getting my own server up and running. But I want to check out some of the other public servers as well. The question here is: Is it a legal issue to buy a new copy of Underfoot or is it more of a file compatibility issue? Would I have to buy an extra copy for every account I want to play and for each server? Or can I run multiple instances of the one copy for multiple characters on as many servers I play on?

And as for Steam.. I am concerned about their application and their service. I am wary of anyone that insists you use their software for something like that. In my experience, everyone is trying to get their hands in your computer these days.. and it's not because they are trying to do you any favors. So, when you download the software form them, in what format do you get it? Is it a big zip type file that you can manage in whatever way you decide, or do they install it with their app and make you keep their app on your computer to keep using it? I know, paranoid. But just because I am paranoid doesn't mean there aren't a ton of jackholes out there trying to take advantage of us.

Anyway, thank you for taking the time to read this and even more thanks to whomever will try to help me out with some answers.

Cheers
Randall

P.S. I began playing EQ back when Kunark came out. I played pretty hard core for about 9 years. I have since went on to other games but I always have used EQ as a comparison for everything else. Unfortunately, nothing else has even come close. My nostalgia for the good old days is getting stronger and stronger. Getting together with 72 good friends and taking down a major encounter... well.. there is just nothing else like it. I know those days are probably gone forever, but I still long for the game world I spent so much time in. Like running through Kithicor at night whilst doing the Stein of Moggok quest when I was lvl 16. Or running from Cazel in Oasis of Marr and getting my ass handed to me yet again! Good times!
Toons of preference: Bard, Necro and Druid.

Anyway, I look forward to coming back and seeing you all in game. Ciao!