Add help docs on connectivity issues

[allejo]

It's a common problem for newer players with firewalls or parental controls on their systems to have connection issues to the server list or servers. There should be an official doc with common troubleshooting steps per OS.

[Zehra]

I would be willing to write documentation on the subject.
I also wish to inquire if there is any specifications I should be aware of as well.

[allejo]

@blast007, mind chiming in on common Windows troubleshooting? From memory, I just know things like Net Nanny and Windows Firewall have caused issues. Sometimes antiviruses too...? What were some solutions to these things?

For macOS, the only things that come to mind would be the macOS firewall and programs like Little Snitch.

[The-Noah]

For Net Nanny, you are able to connect, send messages, and even spawn and play. But as soon as you shoot you get disconnected for not using UDP. Note that it might vary depending on Net Nanny's settings.

[blast007]

Windows Firewall in Windows 7 seems to be a joke. I can join a server and play like normal, only to close the client and see a "Do you want to allow BZFlag to access the Internet?" dialog. Yeah, I think it was doing that just fine, Windows Firewall... Maybe it's better in later Windows versions.

Ten years ago, at least, NOD32 would incorrectly identify BZFlag as a web browser (because of our initial HTTP connection to get the MOTD) and would then block any UDP traffic (because why would a web browser need UDP!). I do not know if this still occurs.

[Zehra]

My apologies for the late notice.
I will likely be unable to complete documentation on connectivity issues due to time constraints.
Recommending someone else be found to complete it.