OK, I hope you dont mind me posting here, this group seems very knowledable and helpful (plus it does realate to RC3 a bit)Here are my setupsCOMP1 (new)AMD 2100XP, 512ram, 40gHD, XPSP1, FS2k2, RC3, FSMeteo, ADVdisplay(download;offline), FSspeech, FS locked at 19 yes I am happy (no other progs running, and services trimed down)COMP2 (old)PII 450, 512ram, 10gHD, WIN98, clean startup (minimized), located three rooms away in the houseCONNECTIONcable modem, ATT modem box, Speedstream (hub?- ATT cable in 2 out, one to each comp, either can access web without other on) I am told this is a LAN setup. I am aware that 'wideview' exists (never used it)QUESTIONDo you think it is worth getting involved in a multi-computer setup to increase performance?POSSIBLE ANSWERS:YES - this is a no brainer, move all the support stuff over and run FS clean utilizing wideview, well worth it.NO - ya, you will see a bit of a increase but not worth the hacking you have to do to get it to run well, especially with second 'puter in the back room.OTHER - your comments?

Mike,>CONNECTION >cable modem, ATT modem box, Speedstream (hub?- ATT cable in >2 out, one to each comp, either can access web without other >on) I am told this is a LAN setup. I am aware that >'wideview' exists (never used it)Actually, you want WideFS. WideView works with another FS running, WideFS tricks the programs into thinking another FS is running.>QUESTION >Do you think it is worth getting involved in a >multi-computer setup to increase performance? >>POSSIBLE ANSWERS: >>YES - this is a no brainer, move all the support stuff over >and run FS clean utilizing wideview, well worth it. >>NO - ya, you will see a bit of a increase but not worth the >hacking you have to do to get it to run well, especially >with second 'puter in the back room. >>OTHER - your comments?Definitely YES, since you will see a LARGE improvement in both FS and RC. FS runs by itself and can happily take as many resources as it wants, and things like RC and FS_Meteo don't need that much and happily run on the second system.The other thing is, with programs like RC you get the ATC sound out of the second machine, so you can wear a headset, or otherwise have a more realistic environment. With ATC sound being separate from the FS noises it's just like a real radio.You have them set up already, so I'd say Go For It. Just remember, you want WideFS, not WideView.

bummer, that means that I will have to run a headset extension jack the 45 feet through the crawlspace over the OLD computer (the one that runs RC3)?right now I use a headset exclusivly (dont like speakers)

Mike,Well that can be a problem since RC's sound is on the second system. ;-)

OK now I have a question...I'm planning on doing one of these LANs as well. I ONLY use headphones...Not allowed to use speakers...so says my girlfriend ;) I need all sound coming from both 'puters through 1 headset.Is this possible???Thanks, Adam

...and I'm not duct taping two headsets to my head!Adam

I've been looking for a cheap audio mixer to run both audio outputs thru my headphones. So far I havn't found anything that fits that description. Only sound studio hardware that goes for big bucks.

This may indeed be a set-back, although minor! The girlfriend may well just have to put up with one or the other...HMMM let's see...which one will I torture her with? Let's see...FSATC/RC...FSATC/RC...? }> If you find anything like said mixer, could you please post back?Thanks, Adam

Adam,Connect the line/speaker outpit from one to the line input of the other and adjust the sound in the computer's mixer.Places like Radio Shack probably have mixers for cheap. I used to have a little one from there before I put together my studio.

AH, there's always a simple solution! One that I overlook naturally!Thanks Scott.My girlfriend will appreciate your input!AdamYour studio?...what like for recording music/bands? Are you a musician?

Adam,A ssound studio.GuardRail Productions (my company) is an arts, animation, and video company. Almost everything I do requires really good sound.

WOW. What a neat business to be in. I bet a fair bit of your computing resources go towards FS on occasion, eh? ;)Oh yeah, I downloaded your ACLoader a while ago. I use it frequently. I always seem to make the company a lot of money. Guess they'll keep me around for a while.Thanks for the help.Take care, Adam

Adam,With United going blotto, they've been talking a lot about the actual expenses of airlines per flight hour. My calculations are 10 to 100 times less than what even the low-cost carriers pay.For example, I apply only the hourly cost of pilots and attendants to the flight, when I should be calulating the total salary to the total average seat-miles. I have, say $16, when I should have $700/hour. Slightly different, no? A common 747-400 operating cost per seat-mile is $40,000, where I have something like $12,000/hour. All this will be in V4. You won't make anywhere as much, if at all.So the best thing that ever happened is United going bankrupt. ;-)

COOL! Now I can simulate an airline bankruptcy!:-yellow1 I'm normally an Air Canada pilot. Even with heavy government subsidies and bailouts, I'm sure I can run it into the ground. Throttles to the board! :-lol Looking forward to your new release. Oh, BTW, are you gonna have a similar fuel planner in your new version? I've posted asking what fuel planners - ones that calc wind components, delay, holding, 45 min reserve fuel etc - are available and from what I can gather, I need MS Excel as they're all spreadsheet based. Unfortunately I don't have it.Actually, I found yours quite accurate, though I haven't received any lengthy holds as I don't have RCv.3 yet. Looking forward to that! I had exactly 4000lbs of fuel (in the 734) left at TD once using your calculations, which I believe is what is recommended.Anyway, have a good one, Adam

You can always try openoffice. Its a free and open source office suite, based on the source form suns StarOffice. Not quite as full featured as MS's, but its worth it if you dont have the money for Office.It should be able to load up the spreadsheets. you can get it here.