Gmax Texture rendering

[deadthunder2_0]

I am a really big noob at 3d so i will ask a lot of questions, but here is my first one-
How do you view textures that are applied to a model in TGA format?

[King Class Scout]

some art programs can look at them  i believe most people around here us Photoshop.  you can also look at TGA textures with irfanview, but be prepared to ONLY see the windows, bussards, plasma vents, and flood lights.  it reads the Alpha Channels

[deadthunder2_0]

no, i need to render the textures on the model, not view and edit them

[King Class Scout]

ah.  baz can explain it better than I can.  since your using Gmax, I'll warn you now about the mess you might end up with.  that's why I couldn't get the Firesteel textures to you the first time.

[deadthunder2_0]

Ah, i need a few renders though, and i figured that i need to learn to do them my self!

[Villain]

I'm not even sure gmax likes targa images.  Perhaps try putting them through a converter (DDS converter is good and free, supports targa, can output to typical filetypes) and then slapping the new filetype on? I used to have the same issue with LW7 back in the day. Either way, if it doesn't work then no doubt there's a plugin for it.

...I really need to familiarize myself with the more common programs. 

[King Class Scout]

I just gave my copy of Gmax a once over.  it's missing quite a bit compared to full on 3dsmax, including the ability to make renders.  about the only "benefit" i've seen, besides being easier and quicker to use, is that it has a very obvious polygon counter.