Just joined & about to start my FSX experience - I need some mentors!

[Mobius494]

Hi everyone,

I'm in the process of ordering my first gaming computer, fully outloaded with the best CPU, video card and RAM that I can afford, and with this computer comes FSX/Accel Pack. The FIRST flight sim for the PC that I'll be experiencing since FS '95 in 1996. I'm beyond excited to start flying but I know that I'll need lots of help so I hope there are some people out there that can aid me from time to time. I heard this was the best place to meet some experienced flight simmers and talk with some very friendly people who could help a very novice pilot get started.
I'm interested in things just as downloading new aircraft and decos for them, purchasing new airports/AFBs, learing how to use FSUICP (which I've been told is a MUST have, especially with programming the G940 flight control system for 4-engine birds), and also just getting tips and tricks to make my FSX experience an amazing one every time I sit down to play it.
I have very little real-world flying experience but I'm currently enrolled in Air Force ROTC through Auburn University (WAR EAGLE!) and am on schedule to attend UPT and [hopefully] obtain a slot in either the F-15E or B-1B. I've loved aviation since I was a little kid, especially military aviation, and although I'm kept busy with schoolwork and training, I'm beyond excited to spend some evenings at the control of FSX and drift off into the splendid world of the wild blue yonder. Thanks to anyone who has taken the time to read this or respond. I'm glad to be a part of this community now and I apologize in advance for ALL of the petty and annoying questions that I'll probably be asking!

Best regards,

Todd

[llivaudais]

Welcome aboard Todd.

1. You're gonna feel like a kid in a candy store. Don't overeat. It'll all still be here next week, next year. There are so many facets to this sim - so many areas of focus - that you may need some time to explore it before committing too many additional dollars.

2. Read lots of forum topics; take notes. Browse the existing how-to's. Read the topics in the Learning Center, the topics in the website wiki.
3. Real pilots aren't made in a couple days, neither are sim pilots. Be patient with yourself.
4. The sim isn't perfect; there are glitches and shortcomings but most of us feel it's the best one yet.
5. Enjoy it - finally!

Loyd

[jetboy23]

Cool! You have come to the right place! These forums are fantastic, the file library is never-ending, and Flightsim.com is just a great place in general! FSUIPC is definitely a must-have for FSX, ESPECIALLY if you are going to get into addons or fly for a virtual airline. Feel free to ask any questions, everyone here is always more than happy to help

[Mobius494]

Thanks a lot; so glad to be here and get started!

[fxsttcb]

Welcome to the forum, Todd.

Loyd has already given you some very sage advice.

One point I may add;
I'll assume Windows 7 is going to be the operating system on a new computer, and it does have some issues with FSX(or Vice Versa).

If FSX is not already installed(crossed fingers) in the computer do NOT install it to the default location; C:\Program Files(x86).
While it will run from the default location, you have noted an interest in adding scenery and planes. That will entail changes to files located there.
Windows 7 UAC does not like changes made to files in the System folder C:\Program Files(x86) and will plague you with permission issues.
Install to the root C:\ or another drive, anywhere, outside of Program Files. The proper installation of FSX is very important to a hassle free experience.

There are plenty of threads explaining the installation sequence, from Vanilla thru Acceleration and the SDK...Don

[Mobius494]

Thanks, Don. It's subtle tips like those (not installing FSX to Program Files) that I am more than appreciative to receive. If not for that peice of advice, I would have just popped the disc in the tray and let Windows 7 take over from there for the installation.

While I'm an amateur in the FSX world, I'm also one when it comes to computers; they're not my best friends. I'll heed your advice by checking other threads for the proper installation instructions. Once again, I appreciate the advice!

Todd

[superjames1992]

Welcome to the forum, Todd.

Loyd has already given you some very sage advice.

One point I may add;
I'll assume Windows 7 is going to be the operating system on a new computer, and it does have some issues with FSX(or Vice Versa).

If FSX is not already installed(crossed fingers) in the computer do NOT install it to the default location; C:\Program Files(x86).
While it will run from the default location, you have noted an interest in adding scenery and planes. That will entail changes to files located there.
Windows 7 UAC does not like changes made to files in the System folder C:\Program Files(x86) and will plague you with permission issues.
Install to the root C:\ or another drive, anywhere, outside of Program Files. The proper installation of FSX is very important to a hassle free experience.

There are plenty of threads explaining the installation sequence, from Vanilla thru Acceleration and the SDK...Don

Good idea. I wish this was something I thought about it the beginning because it has given me some pains since. Unfortunately, since I already have FSX and numerous add-ons installed there, there's no way I'm going to go through the pain that it would take to reinstall the simulator now. The notifications Windows 7 gives you are annoying, but it isn't worth it to completely reinstall it.