more help for the newbie?

[newpilot]

 Thank you all for your help! I'm new to using forums, so I didn't realize until later that I should post new questions as a new topic instead of as a reply to my original. Oops.
 So, I was looking into the 2004 sim., but it sounds like my computer (uses windows 95) is way too old. So my  question now is: what do you think is my next option (if the 2004 is out of the question ) ? What would be the one next best for someone looking to use it as a help for getting their private pilot's license? Like, is there one that has some of the 2004 characteristics like the control tower, weather variations, etc.? It wouldn't even have to be a Microsoft product, I guess.
 Thanks for taking the time to help!!!  

[Scottler]

Honestly with your specs, I'd say don't go any newer than FS2000...I've never HAD 2000 though - it's the only sim I skipped - so I don't know much about it.  98 is decent, but it lacks a lot of the stuff that 2002 and 2004 have.  I'm not sure if 2k2 would run on your system or not, but you could ask the guys in the 2k2 boards, they might know.

Good luck!

[Moach]

i wouldn't go for more that FS98 also... but it really doesn't have a lot of things you may want to help you get your license, such as ATC and changing weather

i would strongly advise you to get an upgrade and buy at least fs2000 or 2002.... it won't be too expensive if you don't buy top notch parts...

also, you can try researching a bit about Flight sims out there... check their system requirements and see which one would be best for you

c ya

Moach

[Wing Nut]

If you are only running Windows 95, your machine may be too old for even FS2000.

[GA_Pilot]

Another one that I used to have in the "old days" is Pro Pilot '99. I know you can still find it on ebay....

[Nav]

newpilot, first of all, yes, FS will help to develop your flying skills a bit - even though it's not entirely realistic.

Regarding versions, FS2002 is far superior to its predecessors in terms of graphics, air traffic control, realistic weather, navigation, world-wide range of airports etc.

FS2004 is better still, but mainly in terms of graphics, cloud formations etc. In pure flying terms, there isn't a lot to choose between the two versions.

Snags are - you only have Windows 95, and both 2002 and 2004 need Windows 98 as a minimum. In addition, FS2004 is VERY 'hungry' as far as computer memory etc. is concerned; it really needs a Pentium 4 or equivalent. FS2002 is a lot less so, it will run perfectly happily on a 'moderate' computer.

So my suggested solutions are:-

1. Low-cost option - shop round for an upgrade that will convert your Windows 95 to Windows 98SE (Second Edition), or ask a dealer to do it for you - then look round for a copy of FS2002 (those are certainly still available). That route shouldn't cost much at all, since both versions are reckoned to be 'out-of-date'.

2. High-cost option - get the computer upgraded to at least Pentium 3 standard, with plenty of memory, a good-quality video card, and at least Windows 98SE, preferably Windows XP - then get FS2004.

Obviously, if the expense is no problem, the second option would be best. Most of us end up as FS2004 addicts. But, if you just want to try FS, at minimum cost, you'll get plenty of fun out of FS2002 anyway.