I just got a new computer, 3.06, 1.5gig ram, 1. I need to know is there any files I need to download before I Install FS2004 in this computer?2. I have seen many screen shots of some beautifull scenery, is this MS or other?3. Same question with clouds?4. What to watch out for when installing (problems)?I was very dissapointed with FS2002 so I hope this version is better.Thanks to anyone that might reply.....

Well Nick, The main thing is to be sure that everything on your computer is up to date. Use Windows Update and make sure your operating system is current. Check your video card drivers and be sure they are current. After that, install FS2004 and have fun. It's difficult to say if the beautiful scenery you are referring to is MS or other, as we don't know which scenery you are referring to. There is some great stuff right out of the box. There are of course some great add-on sceneries as well. There is not much in the way of cloud alternatives currently. There is a set of less-detailed clouds available here at Avsim that could help with frame rates, but I just run default currently. There shouldn't be any tricks to installing.I am a little concerned as to what you expect out of FS2004 if you were disappointed in FS2002. The family resemblence between the two is very strong. There are many that say FS2002 is better than FS2004, though for me I disagree. Have Fun!Tony

Tony - Thanks for the reply.About the scenery, I have been at the screenshot area and it is nice to see airports with buildings that look correct not to mention the surrounding areas look populated now.I spent 4 months detailing Rochester NY with a LAT/LONG map for Building and road placement and it turned out nice, I am hoping MS2004 scenery is better than 2002.

Hey Nick, I agree with most of what Tony said. Try it out of the box and get it tuned before you start adding anything! Addons are what ruin the performance and it is a lot nicer out of the box than FS2002. I was never happy with the performance of FS2002 on my system and FS9 is a lot better performance wise for me!Good luck and let us know how it goes!Regards, Michaelhttp://mysite.verizon.net/res052cd/mybannercva1.jpgCalVirAir International VAwww.calvirair.comCougar Mountain Helicopters & Aviationwww.cgrmtnhelos.com

Nick has a good point about staying with what's "in the box" for awhile. Much of what comes with FS2004 is pretty cool. I enjoy many of the default aircraft. Much of the scenery, particuarly with the enhanced autogen and textures, is also good. Take it slow and enjoy what you already have. Then, over time, you can add things as you go. You may find you like much of what is already there. If you want to make changes, make them slowly. You will have a better chance of trouble shooting a problem if one crops up.Tony