FS 2002 vs FS 2004

[carmac]

Hi
I purchased FS 2002 for my hubby for Christmas, and it seems to hang a lot.  In lesson 2 when he is turning to the right he can turn right forever and the instructor never comes back on.....
Each time he goes into the program he has to re-calibrate the joystick....he is using the Logitech Wingman Force something.....
He wants to return the program and upgrade to 2004?  Any suggestions?  I need an answer soon cuz the 30 day return policy is almost up.  Thanks

[4_Series_Scania]

Hmm, I don't think upping to 2k4 will sort your problem sounds like something (I don't know what!) is not configured correctly with your machine.

I never use the lessons in 2k2, far too cheesy, I just laugh !

[WebbPA]

Send us your system specifications and we can help you better.  If your system can't handle '04 there is no reason to upgrade.

Neither of your problems sounds like an problem inherent in FS2002.  I don't remember the lesson but it may be that the instructor will never tell you to stop turning.  Some of the early lessons are pretty free form.  They just want to get you in the air.

The stick sounds like a Windows problem.  If you decide to  stick with '02 I can pretty much guarantee that someone here can fix the calibration problem.

[carmac]

Thanks for your reply...my husband's system is a Compaq Deskpro Pentium II 450 Mhz, 384 Mg RAM.  The program does the same thing on my system which is a Pentium 4 - 2.4 with 512 Mb RAM...

[BFMF]

I wouldn't bother getting FS2004 unless it's for your Pentium 4, as it will more then likely not run well on your Pentium 2

[paulb]

Hi

For a PII 450, I would seriously suggest looking at FS98. BTW, I am not trying to be 'clever' with that suggestion.

I ran FS98 ( very happily  ;D) for a few years on a PII 300.

Fluid frame rates are, IMHO, critical for a flight sim. With FS98, you will get great frame rates on your husband's pc. FS98 is still an excellent programme and there is a huge range of freeware and payware add-ons for it.

Whilst the 'latest' is usually the 'best', in real terms I think it is far better to use a version which is well suited to the pc that you have.

BTW, I first started flying FS in 1986, and I can assure you that FS98 is a HUGE advance on 1986  ;).

Cheers Paul

[lib319]

Hi

For a PII 450, I would seriously suggest looking at FS98.

Totally agree, the freeware Fsnavigator will run on 98, all the same navigational aspects will be there.  No ATC or the visuals of '02 or 04 even though I think (although this may be rose tinted glasses!)that the winter night time textures haven't been bettered since98.... controversial I know!

[Scottler]

The bugs in the checkrides have nothing to do with which version of FS you've got.  FS is notoriously bad when it comes to checkrides.  

The problem with the lessons, however, is that it's a computer running them.  Any time you've got a computer running things, you're subject to the parameters of the program itself.  If your husband is even .00001 outside of those parameters, the computer won't recognize it and they'll think he's off doing some Ozzy style flying somewhere.

The lessons, though, are great, and I'd definitely recommend them.

I think you'll be okay with 2k2.  I personally loved 2k2, and would not have upgraded were it not for Christmas.  lol