The tracker is used to show a list of currently running Hotline servers with which you can connect. It is optional for servers to register with a tracker, and there are several addresses to use. However, most servers choose to register with a tracker and with any address you use, you will be able to find many servers.
Tracker Addresses
The first step is identifying a tracker address in the Option window (you may wish to try tracker.omnimac.com). Next, click the Save button to save your Options. Now, choose Tracker from the Hotline menu or the Toolbar, and you should be presented with a list of servers. If the tracker is not connecting, try "selecting all" (command-A) in the tracker text are, then typing in an address, sometimes you can accidentally paste in a "null character" such as a "carriage return" that is invisible, but will keep the address from connecting.
The Tracker Window
It is simple to use the Tracker window. It is shown by clicking the "Tracker" button on the Toolbar or by choosing "Show Tracker" from the Hotline menu. The first time this window is opened during a Hotline session, a list of available servers will be fetched. If the window is opened again, the list will not be fetched, but it can be by clicking the Re-List servers button (see below). This will be shown in the tasks window. Now the window should contain names, number of connected users, and descriptions of servers. If you want to connect to a server, simply double-click the line its name is on in the window.
╩
Click the left-most button to Connect to the selected server. This has the same effect as double-clicking. Power User Tip: By Option-clicking the connect button, you will get the standard Connect dialog box. However, this will contain the server's address. This is especially useful if you have an account on a server in the Tracker window. Put in your account information and click "Connect". You can also make a bookmark for this server with your account information in it by clicking the "Save" button.
The middle button is the Make Bookmark button. This makes a permanent bookmark for the selected server. This button, when clicked, will give you a standard save dialog box. This will let you choose where you want to save the bookmark for this server. Remember to save it in the "Servers' folder if you want to see it from within Hotline.
The button on the right is the Refresh Server List button. This will get the current list of servers from the Tracker with updated server information.
