Returning to the game: q about servers and mods

[FS~Daedalus]

The dedicated server version is for setting up an IL2 server, those who want to play on that server then need the same game-version patched with the client-version of the patch. The server-version does not require special hardware, its just not the patch you want to install unless you run a game-server.

If Sir Arthur purchased IL-2 via steam all patches should be available there I suppose. All that is needed in addition is a hotfix for the steam-variant, fixing some issue with briefing-screen if I am right...
If he purchased the DVD the patch is in a folder on that DVD. It does not install automatically, it needs to be installed manually after the game has been installed.