Add-ons

**kwash55** · 08-09-2008, 09:18 AM

On my original thread about how to find reliable easy to follow directions for adding aircraft to FS2004 several folks were kind enough to give me some helpful informaton as well as websites to go to. Just to give you an example how the smallest thing can trip up a novice . I went to one of these sites that detailed step by step procedures . One of the very first things this individual stressed was that you have to know how to create a " directory" because you have to download these new add on files in to these new " directories" to simplify and avoid confusion . He said " If you dont know how to create a directory , Stop and go buy a copy of " An Idiots Guide to Vista " Now this immediately puzzled me because if my memory is correct and from another site I just looked at , it stated " create two " files or folders " on desktop. Creating a new file or folder on desktop is not a problem. Creating a " directory " is another matter . Or is a directory the same as a file or folder???. If so you kind of have to wonder why there isnt a consistent use of the same terms. I allways thought a directory contained files and files contained folders yet one site says create 2 folders on desktop while another says create 2 directories on desktop. Anyhow just a comment , I'm going out to buy " An Idiots Guide To Vista "
Actually even if I felt comfortable downloading add-ons I probabily would only add a cessna 150 ( the aircraft I fly ) I'm pretty satisfied with the standard FS 2004 aircraft list and at the moment Im running all the sliders at max with the exception of " water " and it runs great even with AOL online and Virus scan enabled.

Kent

**Asad Khawer** · 08-09-2008, 10:10 AM

Folder > File.

Directory is just another name for a sequence of folders and files, for example, C:/Program Files is a folder, but also a directory since it contains /Microsoft Games/Flight Simulator 9. A file is contained inside a folder. For example C:/Program Files/Microsoft Games/Flight Simulator 9/fs9.exe is a file. Or, My Documents/Asad/sample.doc is a file. But /Asad is a folder, and My Documents is a directory.

**opaplano** · 08-09-2008, 12:28 PM

I personally do not like the term "directory" - much prefer Folder.

If you Right click on your Desktop (which is a Folder by the way), and select NEW, you have the choice to make a new Folder or Shortcut or several other options. No where does it offer you the choice to make a new Directory.

You can make as many sub folders under a parent folder as need be.

Look at your Flight Simulator 9 Folder for example. There are at least 30 subfolders (Addon scenery, Aircraft. Gauges, Sound and so on). Each of those Folders may have other subfolders and additional layers of subfolders.

There will be "files" of one kind or another in many of the Folders and/or subfolders but the difference should be obvious.

I just think it it easier to think in terms of Folders and subfolders.

EDIT ADDED: These thoughts are for XP - I understand VISTA may do things somewhat differently.

Hope this is helpful.

**kwash55** · 08-09-2008, 12:38 PM

Thats pretty much how I thought of it ( accept I guess I reversed the folder file order) but the point I meant to make was that because he used the term " directory " and then implied by the comment " if you dont know how to create a directory " that somehow it was a different and more complex process than simply creating a " folder " on desktop . That immediately made me hesitate and ask " why didnt he simply say create two folders ??? Of course I just went to desktop and right clicked expecting to get a window pop up with a simple " create folder " but alas no such easy step in Vista . So its begginning to sound like the " vista for idiots " book is looking like the way to go.

Kent

**kwash55** · 08-09-2008, 01:03 PM

I no sooner sent that reply to Asad about not finding the " create folder " then I went back to desktop and right clicked and then clicked on ' New " I just forgot it was under " new" . Then I saw your post

Also your point about "create directory" not showing anywhere is another reason I was puzzled as I couldnt figure why a person with so much experience suddenly change from folder to directory knowing full well when the newbie went to try and create it all he would see is " create folder " and come to a screeching
halt.
On a side note: It amazes me that microsoft doesnt enter in to an agreement with WinZip to include this in thier OS software ( perhaps they have but I have searched all over Vista with no luck ) I can remember downloading it for free when I had Mellinium and using it .Perhaps it was Pk. zip I cant remember .

Kent

**opaplano** · 08-09-2008, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by kwash55

I no sooner sent that reply to Asad about not finding the " create folder " then I went back to desktop and right clicked and then clicked on ' New " I just forgot it was under " new" . Then I saw your post

Also your point about "create directory" not showing anywhere is another reason I was puzzled as I couldnt figure why a person with so much experience suddenly change from folder to directory knowing full well when the newbie went to try and create it all he would see is " create folder " and come to a screeching
halt.
On a side note: It amazes me that microsoft doesnt enter in to an agreement with WinZip to include this in thier OS software ( perhaps they have but I have searched all over Vista with no luck ) I can remember downloading it for free when I had Mellinium and using it .Perhaps it was Pk. zip I cant remember .

Kent

I have used Winzip for years as I find the one (which may be a clone of it's functions) which is built into XP, very user unfriendly - that is just a personal opionion.

If you need a good, easy to use, FREE zip/unzipping program, check out this link:

http://www.altools.com/Downloads/ALZip.aspx

It is called ALzip and works very well in XP - Vista, of course, may be another story.

**Asad Khawer** · 08-09-2008, 03:03 PM

I personally use WinRAR for all my compression needs. kwash, creating a folder is as simple as right click, then 'New > Folder'. That's the 'root' of your directory which means the first folder, or the base folder of your directory.

I've also noticed that some developers use the word directory just to sound educated, perhaps to give themselves an ego boost. In my point of view, they just go lower. Instructions should always be simple, shouldn't they?

If you need ANY help don't hesitate to post here or PM me.

P.S : David, that works for Vista to. Both OS'es are based on the same Windows NT structure, so principles are the same.

**kwash55** · 08-09-2008, 08:43 PM

Thanks guys . I have put the Alzip on my favorites and the site for downloading a plane- add on as well.

Kent

**DHC120** · 08-10-2008, 01:10 PM

Originally Posted by kwash55

On a side note: It amazes me that microsoft doesnt enter in to an agreement with WinZip to include this in thier OS software ( perhaps they have but I have searched all over Vista with no luck ) I can remember downloading it for free when I had Mellinium and using it .Perhaps it was Pk. zip I cant remember .

Kent

Kent;
When I first got a computer, an H-P 6470Z with Win98 (not even 98SE!) WinZip (by brand) was free for the downloading (I believe it was v3.1 or so).. I recall it being a simple "unzipping" program, one could not use it to "zip" files, tho...
Things have changed since then..
Chas.