Toasting Aces

Kev2go: Thank you for your candid feedback, I appreciate the help of those of you who offer your answers and assistance. Seems to me, I'll have to once again table my interests in running this program and wait until I can take on the project and afford to build my own computer system. I will take on this project in the future. I just don't know when I'll have the time. Too many higher priorities in my life right now. But, again, I just wanted to say thanks. No need to respond to this reply. :thumbup: Toasting Aces

Hello: It's been a long time since I've visited this site. Why? Bec' my n/book computer was unable to run: Lock On Platinum. I am now considering the purchase of a new comp system. I question w/n the specs on a sys that I am looking at will run this game. The system is: http://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/Laptops/hp-15z-laptop-m7s73av-1 I don't know if it will support this game: Lock On Platinum Can somebody chime in on an answer. What is recommended: AMD A6 or A8? How much memory is required: 4, 6 or 8GB? How much Hard drive is really needed: 750GB or 1TB? Regular or Hybrid? If you look at the specs on this machine while configuring it then you'll see what I'm talking about. Thanks

Here's an example of what I'm talking about concerning letters and numbers to id ... Here's an example of what I'm talking about when you look at various computer components. I'm currently reading about adding more ram. The author is referencing LGA1156 and LGA775. I do a search and find out these letters and numbers are referencing mobo's. Okay. So, I continue my search. I find many links to such items. So, I open one just to have a look around. You know to learn something about this item. Of the many items available, I choose to look at: Intel Desktop Board DH55HC - motherboard - ATX - LGA1156 Socket - H55 - LGA1156 Socket. Now, I coulda looked at any other link, but I chose this one because the $88 dollar choice looked like a middle of the road type of choice. Now, I open the link. What do I discover? First of all, this LGA1156 is a socket on the MOBO. Then I look at the description and it says: "The Intel Desktop Board DH55HC is an Intel H55 Express Chipset-based desktop product in full ATX form factor." Look, I'm being a bit funny now, but some of this stuff is just way over my head. I get that it is a motherboard for a desktop. That's not where I get lost. However, what does DH55HC mean? And let's just say I accept that Intel H55 Express Chipset sounds like I'm getting some kind of "computer exotic car" in a chipset. (Please have a good laugh!) However, wha the heck does it mean when they say: "...in full ATX form factor"? This is what I'm talking about in my previous posts. It seems like I've got to do an awful lot of reading and studying to real know what he heck they are talking about.:book: Have a great day. Believe me I'm trying to learn what I can about things.

galagamo: If you or anyone else can address my questions more directly in post #14 then I'd appreciate it. For your review, I repeat the questions here: My current concern is where I will make the various purchases necessary to put a new computer system together. The problem is: if I purchase from the independent manufacturer or vendor then I lose out on the ESP benefits offered by the major computer center. Please advise, and have a great day.

No, no, no...I do indeed have a good grasp of what's in a computer. Oh, I may not know about everything, but I do know about the basic components. The point I was trying to make is that when, for example, I am looking at MOBO's there are many to choose from. The manufactures use product codes that include letters and numbers, which can be confusing to determine which one is better. The same is true, continuing my example, with GPU's. So, when you look at various component choices it can be a challenge figuring out which manufactures product is better. Yes, I agree. I am making time periodically to learn about things. The suggestion to use Google is a good one. I also see you've posted the components of a computer rig which you recommend. Those components may prove to be a good guide. But I am still considering things. Thank you.

To Nomdeplume: It's been a while since our last communication. You may want to review your last post from: 10-16-10 05:29 PM. I am currently considering (time permitting, whenever I can find the time) building my own computer rig. I am concerned about how I will make my component purchases. Needless to say, without the help of a major computer center's sales people, understanding the numbers and letters used to describe the various computer components would be a real challenge. However, I am getting a little bit of a better understanding on things. I gues this just takes time to acquire a better understanding. I am still in the process of taking some time to learn more about things. My current concern is where I will make the various purchases necessary to put a new computer system together. When all the components of the computer system are purchased from a major computer center, they offer a build your own extended service plan (ESP), even when items are purchased two or more components at a time. Now, the purchase of their ESP adds an additional one or two years to the manufacturers usual one year warranty. This has the advantage of making the coverage of the computer parts last for two or three years from the date of purchase. That can be a good thing. But, I wonder how really valuable it is to spend the extra bucks ($100 - $250) for this coverage. I mean if the part is covered for the usual one year and it works fine then why would it go bad after that first year? Of course, you never can tell, but if it works well for the first year then it should continue to last longer, don't you agree? And when it goes bad, you just replace it, which can cost you the same as the ESP anyway. Furthermore, with the ESP the purchaser can call in for tech support on various concerns. This also, as you probably all ready know, can prove to be helpful when needed. Without the ESP this can be a loss of good supportive services from the tech people. Without the ESP, I will be purchasing the computer components from either the manufacturers themselves or a known vendor like Amazon or Ebay. The problem is: if I purchase from the independent manufacturer or vendor then I lose out on the ESP benefits offered by the major computer center. So, I am asking what you think of this situation. How will you advise? Thanks for your assistance. Have a nice day.

Hi all: Just wanted to wish everyone a good spring 2011.

Yeah Baby! Green Bay Packers Win--Superbowl XLV. Now the Packers are rightfully World Champions. My kind of guys. Congratulations! However, the Steelers did play a great game today. Packers 31 v. Steelers 25 Go Packers! Go Packers! Go Packers! Steelers are now Toast! TA "Over and Out!"

Sunday 6 Feb 11 Superbowl XLV Today is Superbowl XLV Sunday. I just have to say hello to me friends in the cyber blue skies. Now, I'm not 100% sure, but I predict the Green Bay Packers are gonna teach the Pittsburgh Steelers a lesson in football. Now, don't kid yourself, the Steelers are a strong team, but they did luck out in the first quarter against the N.Y. Jets. If they didn't make two downs on errors then the Jets would've won that playoff game. So, just to get even for the Jets, I hope that the Green Bay Packers show them Steelers a thing or two. Wait to you cyber pilots see the advertisements. At 3 million for a 30 second ad spot, these commercials are gonna rock baby! I've seen a sneak peak at a couple and ... well, I ain't gonna spoil your excitement. Since they're playin' at Cowboy's stadium, in Dallas, TX, maybe if we're lucky we'll get to see the Dallas Cowboy's Cheerleaders. Men: I'll do a flyby anytime those cheerleaders ask me to do so! I haven't forgotten you pilots up there in cyberspace. I've been taking care of too many things to get back to this project right now. But I'll be doing something about my situation sometime down the line in the future. Enjoy the game and the ads folks! TA "Over and Out!"

Please confirm my realizations in my last post. To all my flight instructors: There are certain things I said in my last post on this thread which I was looking for confirmation of my current understanding of my situation. Anyway, I am considering plans to put together a new computer rig for myself. Aye, I've got some pilot friends up there in the skys that need me. So they are just gonna have to hold their own for a while. I know they've got what it takes. For some reason, I've been convinced that I can place my confidence in their abilities. But I know they need me too. So, even though this process is gonna take a while for me, I'll be rooting for them in the meantime. Stay tuned. I'll be checking in periodically. And probably asking some pertinent questions when necessary. Until then: Beware of the Red Baron. I hear he's hell bent on destroying the good forces. So heads up gentleman. In case, If there's a few female pilots up there in cyberspace then wonderful. We can dance on the clouds, ride the winds, and get the bad guys out of the skies. Bye for now, but I'll be looking back periodically. TA

nomdeplume: Okay, I think I'm starting to understand what is wrong here. You say: "Unfortunately I don't think you'll be able to do anything to dramatically improve the situation." Well, by the looks of things, I think I'm gonna be on the ground for quite sometime. However, I will be considering my situation. I've got a feeling I may need to upgrade my entire computer system in order to engage this program Darn, I was hoping this would not be the case. But I can see now to some degree why I've been getting certain results. I need to understand, however, what are the actual requirements for the LOFC2 program? In an attempt to answer my own question, I am reading from the back of the program casing cover. It says in very very fine print: Minimum System Requirements: Windows XP (which I've got), Vista (I don't got), 7 (I'm thinking of upgrading too); CPU P4.2 GHz (which I only seem to have: Microprocessor1.83 GHz Intel® Centrino® Duo mobile technology featuring Intel® Core™ Duo processor T2400) which according to PeterP is what I've got. Seems I'm missing 2.37 GHz. I hope that's right. And, if it is then I now understand why you all are saying my system is way too slow for this program. Oh Sasperella! That's not good. Ram 2 GB (which I do believe I have more than enough Ram) since I think I've got Memory2048MB 667MHz DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm). If I'm correct then I've got 48MB more than I need. Video 256 MB Ram, compatible with DirectX9 (which I have: Video GraphicsIntel Graphics Media Accelerator 950 Video Memory128MB (shared)) This seems a bit short too by 128 MB Ram. And w/n it is compatible with DirectX9, well I don't know. But I do see now how it can be short on Video Memory. And mine is shared, so that might not be too good either. 6 GB HDD space (which I think is related to my computer's Hard Disk.) And I've got: Hard Drive120GB (5400RPM) SATA Hard Drive. That seems like more than enough HDD space. (Sorry about the bold type. But my computer seems to be stuck in Bold. I can't seem to turn it off.) Sound card. DVD ROM. Keyboard. Mouse. All of which I've got. Well, this has certainly been a learning experience. I'm disappointed! But I feel I've met some really great new friends who've tried to be helpful, which I appreciate. I wonder if there's a way to improve my system without having to purchase a new computer. I am not ready at this time to make that kind of a purchase. And, sadly, I may just decide to return this hopefully wonderful program. But, if I do that then I'm still gonna keep my Login Name for this forum. Maybe I'll just keep looking around for now. I'm not sure what I'll be doing. Gee, I sure wish I understood what to look for before I purchased this program in the first place. This program seems so exciting and fun to play around with while learning stuff about aviation. Well, I've got some thinking to do right now. Over and out for now!

To: ApacheDoctor I have looked at the Training section, and I do not see anything related to what you say: "if your confused about the start sequence and aircraft prep, theres a great tutorial under the "TRAINING" section of the Main Menu." There's only 3 sections with various training titles: Flight School; A-10A Thunderbolt II Study; and Su-25 Frogfoot Study. None of the sub titlles in either of these sections matches what you've indicated as: "the start sequence and aircraft prep".

PeterP Thank you for your evaluation of my situation. You say: "You miss in two categories...", however, I am not sure which two categories you are referring. Your marking "the minimum hardware requirements (marked red)" shows me what the minimums are; however, I don't see where my system is falling short. In addition, most of the specs I have a vague idea about, but some I'm not familiar such as: Graphics: 512 MB ATI or nVidia, DirectX 9 compatible; Sound card; 6 GB of free space on HDD; Copy protected, requires internet activation. Some of this stuff is over my head, but I'm learning. I need to know what to do about my situation. What do I need to check or do? Another thing, many times when I go to the program and try to either launch a training or do something like try a mission, Microsoft sends me a message saying the program is not being responsive and needs to close. Now, as per my understanding, once the program has been installed on my computer, I do not need to replace the disc back into my drive in order to work the program. Because the program has all ready been completely installed one time onto my computer. So, I'm still somewhat confused here too. I do believe my thinking is correct. But, for some reason, I need to pose this as a question in need of confirmation.

herig2 Well, I don't know if this is what you want, but I gonna give it a try: I'm using a hp notebook computer with the model number: hp Pavilion dv5237cl. I'm not sure what you want to know exactly. But knowing the model number of my notebook computer should lead you to a specifications site containing all relevant info you may want to know. Hey, by the way, that's a pretty cool jet picture in your response.

nomdeplume: Re: Post 5 this thread. I just read through you post carefully. I have to explore a bit before I can actually see what you are talking about. However, the TrustMaster T.16000M does seem to have a thrust switch. It's located at the front bottom of the control stick. And it seems to operate by moving the selector up or down its path which is about a vertical inch (if that makes any sense to you). To the other responders: thank you. I will report back soon on some of the other comments.

Nomdeplume: You are the greatest. I can always count on you for good commentary. Thank you for being a good instructor. I haven't had more time to study what you just wrote, but on the surface it looks really good. I just scanned it a moment ago, once I figured out how to get back to this thread. If you look, I just reported on something I did tonight/today with Lesson 1. I'll be getting back time permitting soon. Please look for my other post from today. Gotta go now. :)

Hello Fly mates: It the new kid on the block here! Gosh, I am so confused, excited, frustrated and generally full of questions. I've been viewing lesson 1 for the A-10A Warthog. Now they're talking about something called the ADI Yellow Localizer and Glideslope Bars. (See, I learning something!) Okay, but the explanation about this instrument is not clear. And, it seems the other stuff talked about earlier is--well--backwards in meaning. That is: if a vertical bar (I think that's what the instructor said.) is to the left then your aircraft is too far right. (Who would ever guess!) Okay, so I understand what the instructor is saying, but I don't see it all yet happening. Okay, so what does this eager student pilot do? I figure since I've listened to this lesson a few times now, let me try a mission. (Hey, you never know!) So, after waiting a bit for my computer to bring me to the mission screen, then another wait for the mission to start, I'm ready to see if I can start the engines. Guys, I can't make this up! There's no sound of the engines starting. And, "Yes," I did press R Alt + Home for the left engine and R Ctrl + Home for the right engine. But do I hear anything? Nope. Oh yeah, and what do I see on my screen. Well, fellas, it wasn't a picture of Marilyn Monroe (Seriously, I have good taste. What can I say?) No, I see a mish mash of a screen. Parts of it were the cockpit of the A-10A Warthog and instrument panel, but around the cockpit were unrecognizable lines, etc. And, and, I even closed the canopy. Yup! I pretty sure I did that, but it's kind of hard to tell cause there's no sound and the visual is not too convincing that that's what I did. I even tried to hold down the W key and press the "+" key just to see if I can move my aircraft. Look, you may be wondering why all I attempted to do was just start my engines and move the plane. Because I wanted to see if I can apply myself even partially in a mission. I would've been happy to see and hear that I started my aircraft engines, closed the canopy, and moved the aircraft a few simple yards forward. Then I would've quit the mission before completing all the tasks. I don't know, but it would've been good for my sense of progress. One more question, on this forum, how can I look up my prior posts if I don't see them listed where I think they should be? Well, my session is over for today. Cya all soon! My goodness this is gonna take time, but I'm gonna fly--you'll see! Good day.

Namenlos Ein Thank goodness Russia is no longer an enemy. I've known about this site, and I am in the process of downloading it right now. But I do believe I've been there before, I just don't recall. I hope it's got instructions on doing the tasks I stated in my earlier posts. Have a nice day.

Just an update on my information to date. On 07-29-10, 11:01 PM, KnightHawk sent me to the following site: http://simhq.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2142529/All%20of%20the%20LOMAC%20FC%20Training%20M.html #Post2142529 Well, it seems he gave me a slightly different string of characters, but the above is what currently shows in my address bar of my internet explorer. Gee, I sure wish I knew how to understand all that "gobbledegook" in the address line. Anyway, I just want those to know about this who are viewing this thread. I don't know if that is going to help, but when I have more time to explore this further, I let all of you know about my progress. I don't know how to view the prior post which I'm talking about from KnightHawk, but I saved a hard copy of my notes from 07-29-10, 11:01 PM. I've got to make time to review my notes too. Anyway, I hope this helps some of you who are following this thread.

Well, here's where I'm at right now. It's been a while for me since I've come back to this site. I had to obtain a joystick for my notebook computer. I am using the Thrustmaster T.16,000M Well, let me correct that last statement: I'm trying to figure out how to use it with this program. Now, a few months ago, I wrote in about trying to get the training for this program. At that time, I was concerned about finding a way to get the training into my computer. Well, I did manage to get one or two training videos into my computer. But, the videos are still beyond what I am ready to understand. I was also told that I can find all the training videos on YouTube. Well, today I visited the YouTube sight for LOFC2. And, wholly cow, there's so many videos that I'm kind of realizing this thing is gonna be like taking a course at college again. But where do I start? The program seemed to start me off with the A-10A Warthog. <Oh boy, I wanna be flying!> However, before I can be doing that or learning about flying this awesome machine, don't ya think I need to learn how to start the engines and taxi off to the runway? With all the stuff at the forums, I don't even know where to go to learn the basics. With all the videos at YouTube, I wonder how come they're not listed by jet type? And, I wonder why there isn't just a sequence of videos to watch and learn what to do? You know something like: Video One: How to understand your cockpit controls. Video Two: How to start the jet engines. Video Three: How to move the jet to the runway (taxiing I think its called). Etc. So my flying friends: How do I do this? I wanna be flying! I wanna fly! I wanna fly! ..... There's work to do! Enemies to shoot down. Justice to be served. Democracy must survive!

To Blaster454: Thank you so much. You're explanations are indeed helpful. However, you lost me at: "You probably won't have to worry about reassigning these axes. When in the sim, move the mouse (with the cursor function LALT + C in a position to show the cursor) and you will see the corresponding changes in your view in the aircraft." Please elaborate? I don't understand what you mean. Also, whenever someone is referring to the word "sim", I take it to mean they are referring to the Combat Flight Simulator itself or any Simulator for that matter. Am I correct? What are the modifier keys? Am I correct identifying them as: Ctrl, Shift, Alt, Win, Fn, Home, End, Page Up, Page Down, etc.? Note to all: I can only spend an hour or so at a time learning this simulator program. So, if I seem to break away then I'll be back time permitting another time soon. Thank you for your efforts to answer my questions. Good day to all.

To Boberro: Where do I find this: "Open manual and basic guide in PDF file and see what they have." ? Is there a link to see this PDF? You said earlier: "I don't know what type of keyboard do you have... even laptops have that button." Well, I am only using the keyboard which came with my notebook computer an hp Pavilion dv5237cl. Thanks TA

To Boberro: You're avatar graphic is awesome! It really hits home as to how I currently feel regarding learning how to use this combat flight simulator. But it's people like you who are helping me get through this learning curve. Thank you. What's this? "keyboard to standard 101 keys IIRC" ? What does IIRC mean? (Geez, I feel so uninformed.) Okay, how do I figure out the Mouse's X, Y and Z axis's? P.S. Please keep viewing this thread because I'm gonna have more questions on the same subject matter of this thread.

The FC2 Printed Manual now available in the USA via Amazon.com: Is this manual going to cover things for the beginner (like me) or is it more prepared for the more advanced player? I need to understand various explanations regarding the various pages of this game. Why isn't this covered in detail more completely? or Has it been covered all ready, and if so then where can it be found? To begin to read every single forum thread as a beginner is really a expecting too much of somebody new to this game. Thank you TA

To all more experienced gamers: Look, I know this is probably a bunch of simple questions, but I really don't quite understand certain things about the Keyboard notations. So if you'll define some of these things for me then I'm sure many new comers will appreciate it. 1. What does Free Camera mean? 2. When it says F2+LShift, what am I supposed to be doing exactly? Am I supposed to be pressing the F2 key, then the "+" key, then the Left Shift Key in that order, but not at the same time? Or am I supposed to just press the F2 key then the Left Shift key at the same time? Note: I know to the more experienced player this is as basic as bread and butter, but I'm not exactly sure what to do with some of these notations? 3. When it says F1+LAlt does that mean, I have to press the F1 key then the LAlt key in that order, but not at the same time? Or at the same time? Note: on my keyboard there is only one Alt key. 4. Here's a good one: Num/+LAlt. First of all, there's no "Num/" key. The only way I can make this key is to perhaps press any number and add a "/" key. So, I'm a bit confused as what to do? Then once I've achieved the "Num/" key do I then press the Left Alt key? (Again, there's only on "Alt" key on my keyboard.) Or do I do something all at the same time? 5. Looking at the Aircraft line of this page and setting the first drop down box to A-10A and the next drop down box to Axis Commands, in the mouse column: What does Mouse X, Mouse Y and Mouse Z mean? I have the Intel/Mouse Optical. Its a Wheel Mouse Optical. It only has a Left and Right Button and a Wheel Button in between those two buttons. So, what's up with the X, Y and Z? TA :noexpression: