Returning to FS after a long time, what do I need?

[someone 0]

I just built a new computer and I'm ready to get back in to flight sim. The only things I have backed up are my payware aircraft.I'll be starting from scratch, so besides reinstalling FS9 and patching it, what cloud textures, water textures and other enchancements are popular now.

[John_Cillis 2,406]

Your answers depend on who you ask :)Please feel free to try out my "Soft Horizons" environment update here in the library. It's a low bandwidth replacement set of bitmaps that make the horizon (IMHO) appear more natural. That's not to say there aren't a number of sets that are also nice, but mine is a quick install for a change of MSFS's "look".Also, take a look at this thread:http://forums.avsim.net/dcboard.php?az=sho...id=288724&page=It's a great tool, and is now as much a part of my FS2004 as is the weather in my opinion.I don't hear it mentioned as much these days, but the payware add-on USA roads is one of those must haves if you have the bandwidth to download the package.The Freeflow Florida scenery is as good as it gets.Aircraft add-ons are too numerous to mention. One of the best is a recent freeware release and is nearing another update--the recent TBM-700. Also, Bill Lyons has made a number of his aircraft available as freeware. I can't get enough of his Luscombe and Challenger!I'll let the AI folks and scenery folks chime in with suggestions of their own. I'll warn you this may end up a very long thread!!!! -John

[aerdt 0]

Highly (and almost unanimously) recommended are:- Ultimate Terrain USA/Canada- Flight Environment (water, textures, clouds)- Active Sky Enhanced (weather)- FScene or BirdsEyeView (default texture replacement and autogen)Good luck.

[Guest Pyjamas]

I don't have a windows computer at the moment so I won't be using Flight sim for a while. (D'oh)I've made a list of all the stuff I'd consider necessary to install, if/when i get back to it. Obviously, some of it might not suit you but If i had a nice system with this all set up, I'd be pretty much set for a few months.Level D Sim 767Aeroworx X-treme King Air B200Flight 1 Flight EnvironmentsFlight 1 Ulitmate Traffic (or simliar)Voice Edit for all ATC AirlinesFS Navigator (Latest version)FS Real TimeActive Sky v5Active Camera (2.1 I think - http://www.anticyclone.be/)*John Dees post - Realistic Ground friction on Avsim forumsContrail editFSUIPCDM Vickers VC-10 (http://www.dmflightsim.co.uk/)Anything by RealairFly Tampas KSEA sceneryI'd also say the recent Dreamfleet ... fleet. I haven't had a chance to try any of them out but I have no doubt they're up to par with the other high quality payware that's available.Nice stuff.

[someone 0]

I should have mentioned that I need to stick with freeware right now since I just dropped quite a load of cash on the new computer. I saw a video of FS9 with the 6-DOF TrackIR and I'm probably going to pick it up. I've got plenty of payware aircraft already, but I do plan to purchase the DF Baron.If I remember, I had FS Sky World installed for clouds, but I can't remember what else. I know I had some replacement ground, runway, taxiway, water, night textures etc. I wish I had kept a backup.