Simviation Forums

 I've been looking into getting my private pilot's license and heard about the Microsoft simulator 2004 and thought it sounded like a great thing to get. After doing a bit of research on it, I've kind-of gotten scared about buying it because it sounds like it can give lots of problems.
 I'm not in any way a game pro.- it's been years since I even played anything! So, I'm not really concerned about coloring or other effects. Just so long as I can fly the thing realistically. I don't really even care that much if it looks really fake.
 I guess my questions are:
Is this something that a newbie like me can use? Or am I going to end up so confused (and writing a million topics on this forum  :))?
Also, if I get this, am I going to have to get one and a hundred other things to make it more effective? Say I go to Staples and get the simulator and I've already ordered the yoke, is there a whole lot more I'll have to get or download or buy to get a lot out of it?
And, what all is involved in running the flight sim 2004 decently? I am so ignorant to all the terms and everything. All I know is that I have Windows 95 and that our computer's somewhat outdated. I couldn't even tell you what our computer is. I know some of you must be laughing, so consider me your laugh of the day!
 I'd be so grateful for your help!!!!!

Hi newpilot and welcome to SimV.
Okay you're running Win 95, so that is a bit old! Do you know any of your system specs at all? Just they may not be able to support FS9, however there are many versions of FS. And older ones that may run on your machine are lovely and cheap right now
FS is a fantastic program (a few wee bugs like the lessons have problems, but we here have the solutions ).
You can up the realism as your skill improves and its a great training aid. Useful for everything from flight planning to navigation, take-off and landings and getting the hang of the instruments.
Its a MUST for doing your PPL I'd say. If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask, we're glad to help
You might want to look at getting some pedals to go with the yoke as well

Ozzy

FS9 as a training aid is an invaluable tool.

You might be able to get FS98 in the $5.99 bin at any computer store. Ill bet FS2000, or even 2002 would run OK on your system.

 Hey guys, thanks so much for your help! When I saw I had a few replies, I thought "yes!"  ;D
 So, do you think I should just opt for an older sim, or get a better set up? We've kind-of been thinking of upgrading. If I got a newer computor, do you think I'd be OK ? Sorry, don't know the specs. right now- have to ask.
 Do you think an older sim. version would be just as good for getting my ppl? Sounded to me like the 2004 sim was a little better- with lessons, control tower, etc.
 Also, I had forgotten to ask earlier: are there many modern planes on the 2004- one I'd use in real flight? Or are they easy to download?
 You don't know how I appreciate your help!!! I was feeling like I was plopped in a maze and the directions to get out of it were in Chinese!
 

There are TONS of planes to download.  The install is pretty straight forward, and more so once you get used to it.  lol

As for upgrading or getting an older sim..it would really depend on your finances.  If you're considering upgrading anyway, I'd say go for it.  To be honest, I'd probably recommend that regardless with a windows 95 machine.

If you do upgrade, I'd stay away from anything less than a 2.0GHz processor, an absolute MINIMUM of 512KB of RAM (though 1GB would be best), and a nice solid video card.  (Opinions vary there, so I won't go near it.  lol)

FS9 is a very system heavy program, but I absolutely love it.  And that's coming from someone who has flown every sim with the exception of FS2000...

Hi newpilot,

Welcome to SimV.

I'm not to good with 'system specs', but as Scottler say's - if your going to upgrade anyway then it is definatley worth considering going for a machine that can handle FS2004.

In the meantime, have you considered looking on ebay for one of the less demanding simulators (FS2000 or FS2002 for example), you can pick these up really cheap there, so if you find that your system has difficulty running, say FS2002, then you won't have lost a great deal of money (

Well technically....lol  

you wont even begin to fathom the amount of people who put effort into all the simulators. I just saw a last week some new 737's for FS98. so your not left in the dark

and like others have said, we are here to help, cuase we've probably seen it before.


Dell computers are on sale. even a celeron would do fine if you want to budget. have fun and good luck!!

newpilot here again-
theysellcoke- thanks for your offer on the FS98, but I live in the states.
 I doubt we'll be updating our computer (but I'll look into that sale- thanks), so what do you all think I should do? Sounds like the 2004 is out of the question. Do any of the other versions (or if there's some other simulator that's not microsoft) that would have some of the things 2004 has that are nice for someone getting their ppl (like the control tower, weather situations, lessons,etc.) ? Or is there any way the 2004 would work on my computer??  ???
 Boy, these forums are a big help!! Thanks!

Wassup newpilot?!
FS is definitely not quite as real as the real thing, but back when I was just starting lessons, I did get to play with an early version of the sim and found it was useful for a few things: visualization and sequencing tasks are probably the top two. The way I like to think of it now is "enhanced chair flying". Not that I'm against just sitting and going through flight procedures mentally, but it definitely adds a dimension. I'm planning to brush the dust off this summer after a long hiatus, and I've been preparing for the upcoming dual review flights with pattern work in FS9, flying Cessnas.
 A yoke or more simple joystick controller will definitely help. As for running into problems: if you keep it simple at first, and focus on using the sim to augment your real-life training, you should find it very beneficial. Problems tend to pop up when you get into add-ons and tweaking- but they're usually not a big deal, just time-consuming. FS9 out-of-the-box is pretty solid as programs go.
 There are more savvy hardware gurus here, but I'd definitely advise you to upgrade your system- just don't spend too much of themoney you could use for flying lessons!!

Shame you're in the States newpilot, no worries on the FS98 offer - it's always nice to able to help out my fellow simmers a bit if I can.

Cheers,

TSC.

Depending on your computer specs i would suggest you keep an eye out in computer mags that sell secondhand systems and parts and shops they may have an older version on the shelf gathering dust that will suit your computer. don't take any notice of the minimum specs on the box. my computer is  5 times  the minimum and it can slow down if everything is turned up fully.
Happy Simming Allen