There are two ways you can configure and personalize your Netrek to work better for you.

1. Press Shift O (after starting the game) This will give you the options menu and allow you to make changes to the look and feel of your Netrek environment

2. Make changes to your config file (netrekrc or .xtrekrc) This is actually the better way to make changes to the look and feel of your netrek environment because you only need to make the changes once. Where as when you make changes in the options menu you need to make them every time you start the game. For a detailed list of the code options check your client documentation.

In your configuration file you may have any or part of the following three areas.

1. Basic startup configuration,
2. Window placement,
3. New keyboard mapping, and
4. Macro definitions.

Basic startup configuration options:

How to re-map your keyboard:
I think most players, at some time or other, would like to define some of their own netrek keys. In spite of the fact that there are so many commands, this is surprisingly easy.

To redefine the keys you must looks in your netrekrc file for a tab called "keymap:". If it isn't there, add it. The "keymap:" tag allows you to change key definitions. An example would be:

keymap:q6

where the q is the new definition and the 6 is the old one. The old one will still work unless you remap it too. In this case 6 is a speed definition and q is assigned to that as well. You can change any definitions that way.

keymap:q6w4e9

Here is an example of the keys I use. Remember, they are case sensitive.

Keymap:A#ZlvCjrrDKeq6 dw4e%dptTafftnwftgyxx

a=plasma
s=shields on/off
d=torps
f=phasors
g=pressor
t=tractor
j=refit
Q=quit
q=speed of 6
w=speed of 4
e=max speed
R=repair
Z or l=lock on to planet, base, ship
z=drop armies
x=pick up armies
c=cloak on/off
b=bomb

How to write macros: