Create a new text document in "C:\Program Files\Valve\Steam\SteamApps\<your steam username>\half-life 2\hl2\cfg" (or wherever you installed HL2) called "autoexec.cfg".

Open this file in notepad, and add the following lines:
snd_mixahead "0.7" (Reduces audio stuttering.)
sv_autosave "0" (Disables autosaves at start of level.)
sv_forcepreload "1" (Preloads game assets at start of level.)
cl_forcepreload "1" (Preloads game assets at start of level.)
cl_smooth "0" (Disables client-side smoothing.)
cl_ragdoll_collide 1 (Enables collision detection between ragdoll models.)

Is there was a way to check server settings without using HLSW or being an admin - like on an away server?

Type in console:  "differences"

That will output into your console every CVAR which is loaded at other than the Valve default. You can easily check particular server settings in that list. Very useful for Clan matches on away servers.

coming soon...

1. Full List of TF2 Server Variables (CVARS)