This is a cheap worthwhile fix for many computer problems, flight simulator problems, software problems, or intermittent shutdowns and lockouts.

One of the first things to look for if you are getting intermittent problems with any computer has always been to check to see if the processor (CPU) fan is working properly.

Heat is a problem with computer systems, not like it was in the early days of computers..Heat continues to be a problem, but not as discenible as it was in the past. Many computer problems are the direct result of heat or cold, but fortunately most computer users aren't coming close to maximizing their computer capacity, as gamers. The average computer user is plunking the Word Processor, Spreadsheets, etc. which allows for long periods of inactivity resulting in very little real use of the processing ability of the computer.

I was influenced to take action when I realized how hot my computer, cards and chips were getting just with the computer running. When I removed cards from my computer immediately after I shut the computer down. The cards were frequently so hot...I'd wait until the card cooled to pull it. Heat sinks and fans are now common on many computer cards and chips, which kinda ran the flag up as well.

I have experienced a myriad of problems running FS. I have a 450 PII, 700+ Meg Ram, 64Meg GeForce3 ti200,FF2 JoyS, 19"Monitor.

Here is a fix I haven't seen, with which I have had a great deal of success.

I have a 110-120VAC powered 4-5/8" Diamater fan placed just to the side of my computer. The computer side panels are removed, and the fan is pushing air across my MB all the time. I don't just run the fan on FS. I picked the fan up at a computer salvage store for $15, it looks like a large processor fan. I made a plug cord for it from an old toaster. It works great!

A final point. Solid state computer chips all have heat specs. High tolerance to heat and cold has always been a problem. The best most expensive chips have always been military spec type, because their heat operating range is large. Military chips have also been expensive...so real quality chips are just not used in computers, that is, consistently.

One final way to look at it is...If a chip or board has a heat sink...it really needs a fan.

Paradox..How can you fly when your grounded?