Go to
http://www.chocolatesoftware.com/fshostspy/ and download FSHostSpy. It gives you a list of servers for FS2002/2004, tells you how many people are using each one at that moment, and how fast each server is responding (ping). When you select a server, it tells you the IP address which you simply copy and paste into the multiplayer window of FS and away you go. You can also follow the link to each server's homepage, where it gives you the details of everyone flying there (aircraft, altitude, airspeed, direction, nearest airport, etc). A very useful bit of freeware! (Actually it's postcardware, you are encouraged to send a postcard to the developer just to let them know you like their product.)
Gryshnak