I usually find it interesting how a post by one person can get morphed into something barely recognizable by other posts.Everyone has their own look on life, computers, operating systems, and programs. Girls, food, cars - the list can go on for days, if not years.
I think that gordie's first sentence really states his case."I need to express my disappointment and frustration with Microsoft and its FSX."If there is anyone who hasn't had some kind of a problem that was caused by Microsoft (Apple, Linux, Atari, Commodore PET, etc.), let me say
Welcome to your first five minutes with a computer.
As to FSX. Again, anyone who hasn't had teething problems learning to get it to look and behave "just right"?
"I am a retired pastor; a computer USER not a computer DEVELOPER."Retired. Many of us here are "retired". Probably not much money to spend?
And when you do spend it on a new computer, you don't have a lot of extra money to buy new programs to replace obsolete programs that will no longer work because of new hardware/software.
"...a computer USER not a computer DEVELOPER."I've been working with computers as an enthusiast from about 1985-88, and in a small IT department until I became unemployable due to age (in my late 40's).
But a lot of people just want to use a computer, not learn all there is to know about one.
All in all, I can see that it's pretty easy to become frustrated as he said.
Please give this a tryIf you have your old hard drive, and it works.Contact a local computer store
(NOT one of the big companies). Ask them if they can clone your old drive onto a NEW drive and put it in your new computer.
If you want some assurance, ask if they'll agree to NOT CHARGE you if it doesn't work out.People who are used to doing it should easily say Yes. If they san No, go somewhere else.
If it works,
and it should, you'll have to pay for another hard drive. That may be anywhere between
$50 and $80. Remember, although you can get it cheaper, they have to make some kind of a profit on it to stay in business.
Also expect to pay for the time to clone & install your new drive. It usually takes me an hour or less. If they need to read the instructions, it may take longer.
SIDE NOTE - BEFORE YOU GET YOUR DRIVE CLONED: 1) Run your antivirus program
2) Delete any programs that you don't want/need.
3) Download and run
CCleaner free edition. Use the Cleaner and the Registry checker.
4) Defragment your hard drive
5) Error Check your drive through My Computer
What you'll end up with is your old drive, along with your old data & programs.
You'll ALSO have the drive that came with your new computer. You can keep it as insurance against your new hard drive being wiped out.
If you think that you need far more drive space, use it as a second drive in your new computer.
Me? I have three solid state drives, and one regular hard drive.
There is an alternative that could cost you less, but that will be up to you. As garymbuska said you can try
Megasceneryearth.
Megasceneryearth is about as close as you can get to flying over your own house. The problem is, is that it looks best from 2,000 feet and higher. Generally, around 3,000 to 4,000 is very
good.
Megasceneryearth Wisconsin - $19.97[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZreAiJq3Dw[/youtube]
Megasceneryearth Illinois - $39.95[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq7nw6I_qgU[/youtube]
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