how do make light shine through wnidow

How do I make light shine through a open window, as if your in a dark
hall with 4 or so open windows with the light shining through hitting
the ground/wall?

Just make sure you have a light_environment entity set somewhere in the map, and adjust the angle, color, and brightness. You can check out the tutorials on the site to change skyboxes and see which looks best.

Additionally, if you want the light streak effect, its a default model, maybe in the effects directory. I'm not too sure about the exact folder, but if you look you'll find it.

Edit: The sky tutorial I mentioned is by OtZman, and can be found here: http://www.snarkpit.net/editing.php?page=tutorials&game=HL2&id=185

And a really really helpful resource is this one: http://developer.valvesoftware.com/wiki/Sky_List

That will show you what light_environment settings work the best with each skybox.

Also, if this was an answer to your question, please mark it correct so others can use this thread later.

Several ways.

You'll want, I imagine, to use a point_spotlight to get a nice glow effect (think light in fog)

Then just use a spot light, or even a normal light ... unless it isn't actually an open window ... and it's a texture! In that case follow this tutorial:

http://www.snarkpit.net/editing.php?page=tutorials&game=HL2&id=176
Make sure to read all the comments. There's some good insight on how the method can be improved.

Some other tutorials that may interest you:

http://www.snarkpit.net/editing.php?page=tutorials&game=HL2&id=137
http://www.snarkpit.net/editing.php?page=tutorials&game=HL2&id=194

Edit
That damn link took too long to find.

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Blame it on Microsoft, God does.