.Map :: MoHAA Mapping

First off, how long does it take to compile the average map? I've got a 1.4 266fsb amd, with 512 megs or ram. I just started to make maps and almost have my first one done. I started to compile it last night and it still has not finished and is at 73% right now. Is that normal or is something wrong with the way I made my map. I have used some prefabs from the web that have given some errors in the compiler that say degenerate plane or mirror plane. Is that what is taking so long??? I believe I have somewhere around 2000 to 3000 brushes total, and only ambient light.
Ok next, I saw that there is a plugin you can download to help get rid of errors. I cant remember its name but its posted on the compiler error page. Anyway what are the file extensions suppose to be and where do you put them. When I got the file it is called Plugins.ace . What do you do with that???
Lastly, can you hide things from your views when you dont want to see them while you create the rest of your map. Say for instance a tank that comes with the program or chairs or the like. If you cant hide them can you at least turn off the feature that draws the chair like a preview when you get close with the camera???

Thanks to anyone who can help me out.
Daniel

i don't know about other machines but my map, supply wharehouse took me about 25 seconds.

Where is it in the compile? If it is in the last stage "light" it will take a long time if you have a leak in your skybox. If it is in the VIS compile (all those cansee/mightsee things) it will take a long time if you have not made anything "detail" in your map--like steps and ladders.

To open up the plugins.ace file you will need winace - it's a compression program like winzip and winrar (winrar might also open it, or is it the other way around - winace opens rar's? Oh it's just so confusing!)
To remove items from your map that are annoying you during creation go to the VIEW menu item, and then select FILTER and then which item you want to filter out e.g. -STATIC MODELS - which will get rid of your tank that's bugging you. To return them just do it again and re-select them.

he doesnt have problems with the view he has problems with compile time. a good map should compile at a max of a few hours.

If you read his full post Alcoholic he also has problems with a few other things including things being viewed in MOHRadiant.

My experience with my maps: ALL with fast VIS (lots of VIS leaf groups though) and with FAST light:::
Tractor Works +/- 25 minutes >4800k
Gun Assault +/- 25 minutes <2400k
Street of Stalingrad +/- 30 minutes >2700k

Doing 'final/full' light will really add time, say about 90-120 minutes for mine.

o well i was too lazy to read...