Be Kind to noobs

[Luftwoller]

Hi all,

This is a bit of a strange one. Im fairly new to DCS world and so far I find the game awesome. Perhaps my problem is actually coming onto the forum itself. Here goes. On coming on the forum I find lots of things that are available to make my DCS experience even better; with the addition of texture packs, missions etc etc. The thing is, Im a noob with computers and much as I really didn't want to use the term, there seems to be a bit of 'Elitist' attitude around.

I would love to have a lot of these things on my version of DCS but as soon as people start going on about opening this and that and copying stuff here and there, Im lost.

I think that most people on here know most of this stuff backwards so when they're giving info out they don't explain fully to the likes of me. (And im sure a few others)

Im 46 yrs old and think that I am just past the age when all this stuff comes naturally. So I wonder if some kind soul would do a 'Sticky' on installing mods etc, and keep it real simple.

...Guy

 

P.S How do I find replies to my posts as well. (Don't use forums much either)

[PiedDroit]

Just ask on the related threads, you'll be flabbergasted by the amount of people that will help you.

 

P.S.: To find your posts, use the "Advanced Search", in the "Search by User Name" area (top right), type your name and it will display the threads you posted in.

There might be a better way though...

Edited May 9, 2015 by PiedDroit

[mondaysoff]

Here is a good place to start with installing most mods.

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=98607&highlight=JSGME

 

Has very good instructions on how to use. I am 55 and had no problems using it.

 

Don't be afraid to ask here no matter how simple you may think the question is, we all had to start somewhere.

 

If you click on your username top right of main forum page, then click on all statistics, you will be presented with a list of options on the left to view your posts and threads.

Edited May 9, 2015 by mondaysoff

[joebloggs]

Read the link below, install the program called JSGME, and you cant really go wrong. Even a noob should easily be able to work it out once they have read how to use this program.

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=98607

Edited May 9, 2015 by joebloggs

[Fri13]

 

Im 46 yrs old and think that I am just past the age when all this stuff comes naturally. So I wonder if some kind soul would do a 'Sticky' on installing mods etc, and keep it real simple.

...Guy

 

P.S How do I find replies to my posts as well. (Don't use forums much either)

 

 

Hi and welcome to DCS world.

 

You are not alone, most people on WWW are not computer nerds or talented even. When it comes to very "low level" functions of the computer technologies, 99% of people doesn't know what they are doing. Most people know the basic things of how to copy file to specific directory or how to even install an software to their computer. But everything such can be very difficult for even 20 years old people. Computer skills are not fed in milk.... ;)

 

I have observed the same thing on many many forums how the first step can be very deep (learning curve can be deep or shallow) but once the first basic things has been learned it gets easier. (And remember, "easy to learn" is different from "easy to use"). Hopefully someone would make good nice tutorial, if there isn't already. I just made quick search on YouTube site about mod installation and this was one of the first results:

 

 

Do you mean something like that?

[Bucic]

Welcome to the forums, Luftwoller! :thumbup:

 

Show that you made an effort (searched through the forums, manuals...) and I guarantee you're going to get help here and no one will judge you. Don't be afraid to say you looked here and there but you have a hard time with computers in general, for example.

 

In the mean time, learn how to use the forums. How to search, subscribe to topics etc.

 

EDIT:

BTW, here's a little insight into the minds of RTFM (Read The Fin' Manual) believers ;)

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=58696

 

PS. Here's a tip from me for starters - better searching through PDF manuals

Edited May 9, 2015 by Bucic

[Rongor]

Im 46 yrs old and think that I am just past the age when all this stuff comes naturally.

Please, don't give yourself up, only because of that number.

 

Age is no excuse, at least certainly not in your case. Don't use it to abstain from learning basics of how to handle a computer.

 

People will be helpful. But don't rely on this forum to cover anything beyond DCS.

 

Don't be afraid of your computer, it is your friend and you two will have much fun together. Especially in DCS World.;)

[Luftwoller]

Thanks everyone, you've all succeeded in making me feel ancient lol. Here's a quickie question though. How do I find these flight manuals I hear so much about?

[Sabre-TLA]

Welcome to DCS World! It may seem intimidating at the start but you will learn to understand it.

 

The documents you see can usually be found through short cut menu items on the Start Menu or typically under this directory path (I used the A-10C module as an example):

 

C:\Program Files\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\Mods\aircraft\A-10C\Doc

 

If you go to the aircraft directory itself C:\Program Files\Eagle Dynamics\DCS World\Mods\aircraft\ you will see the other aircraft modules you have installed). Their Doc files would exist within their Doc folder.

 

From the Start Menu, select All Programs, Eagle Dynamics, DCS World, Documentation.

 

I've attached some screenshots to help.

 

Don't be afraid to post questions. Many folks on the forums are keen to help. :thumbup:

[Bucic]

Also, some of the points here DCS: Ka-50 Black Shark » Rookie pilots - Quick Intro are valid for DCS in general.

[Grigs]

Hi Luftwoller,

 

Regarding important threads, you have the possibility to subscribe to them. At the top of the thread you will find the "Thread tools" -> subscribe ,)

[NeilWillis]

Best piece of advice I could offer on this whole subject - which is far from simple because of the different ways people present their mods etc, is to get good advice from someone who knows exactly what works and doesn't.

 

How do you do that? I found it was by joining a virtual squadron, where everyone has already been through the same learning curve you are about to embark upon.

 

Without naming any particular Squadron, the majority of them have training programs to help you get the best out of your on-line flying. They're elitist in some respects, and some wouldn't give you the time of day. But some of them are excellent, and will help you in every way they can, and DCS World is a highly complex thing, so you will need that help I feel.

[Luftwoller]

Thank you everyone for your replys. Really helps. This game is soo awesome.

...Guy

[Belgeode]

Welcome Luftwoller. Everyone has some very solid points. One thing i would add too is never underestimate the power of YouTube. A lot of us make some really awesome tutorial videos on many subjects that can help.

 

If the words just seem to be a jumble of letters from time to time, hop over to youtube and put in a search for DCS and whatever your search keyword may be with it. You may just find an easier visual explanation for what you are looking for. I have used this method when i just got DCS last November, and now I return the favor by making videos of my own for others.

 

BTW, off subject. I am going to be 45 this year. There are a LOT of us in the same age group and even older on this site. Age is just a number though, so don't sweat it.

[SageOT]

First. Wow! This is the most non-snarky comments I have seen in a row in quite a while! Just awesome all, for real.

 

Luftwoller,

 

Just to echo a few comments. Everything I know I learned on YouTube. I didn't even know what questions I needed to ask. Just search "DCS tutorial" and start scrolling.

 

NeilWillis is also correct. I have learned more in a few weeks flying with a squadron than I did in months of forum surfing. If you have the time I can't recommend this enough.

 

Finally, these guys take their sh*t serious. http://www.476vfightergroup.com/downloads.php

Some of the best help docs/cheat sheets I have seen and the were nice enough to put most of them out for public consumption.

 

Keep on powering through, it only gets more fun. And remember once you have it all figured out 2.0 will release and probably change everything... Kidding. ;) :) :)

 

Sage

[GurbY]

BTW, off subject. I am going to be 45 this year. There are a LOT of us in the same age group and even older on this site. Age is just a number though, so don't sweat it.

Tnx for couning me in... :smilewink:

[Bucic]

Tnx for couning me in... :smilewink:

:D

[Screamadelica]

Tnx for couning me in... :smilewink:

 

Thanks for reminding me that turning 50 is just a few weeks away....:thumbup:

[Cibit]

Welcome to the forums, you young wippersnapper;)

If you get stuck and ever need a chat feel free to message me and we can hook up on our teamspeak server http://www.teamspeak.com/?page=teamspeak3 to try and help

[311Gryphon]

First. Wow! This is the most non-snarky comments I have seen in a row in quite a while! Just awesome all, for real.

 

LOL. I love this thread.

 

Luftwoller,

 

First let me say, welcome and good luck! Second, I feel like you do at times in terms of elitism. That's in every community (online or offline although online tends to be worse). Elitism drives me nuts because elitists have to, by default, forget they were once in the position you were in. There are a few everywhere but I can honestly say I've had more help and encouragement in these forums than not. I've found a few threads here and there that got my blood boiling but for the most part they are full of helpful and friendly people.

 

I don't know that I have much in the way of help, but I'll hopefully give you a touch of encouragement. I bought A-10C and P-51D March 25, 2013. I quickly discovered that my friend's old four axis Thrustmaster joystick wasn't going to cut it and found a sweet deal on a used Thrustmaster Warthog and Saitek Pro Combat Flight Pedals. Then I got tired of messing with FacetrackNOIR (I wear glasses and it didn't like those) and splurged on Track IR 5 Pro. Then I got angry due to the fact that I could start up the A-10C really well I couldn't use any of the weapons. I watched videos and went through the tutorials repeatedly but it was just tough for me to get it all to work. I flew quite a bit with my friend and he would blow stuff up and I would orbit and eventually get angry and try to do a gun run on a BMP and get shot down. Every time. About a month ago we had our first successful co-op mission and the next week we had an even more successful one. I did quit playing out of frustration for about six months in there, but it has taken me over 2 years to finally get to the point where I could use the more important A-10C systems. I also managed to eventually get the P-51 off the ground and fly it half way decently. I still can't dogfight in it but it's a start. On top of that I managed to shoot down a few MiG-15s in my F-86 a few weeks ago too (after a year and a half). I still can't land the UH-1 very well.

 

Now that I'm reading this back it sounds discouraging. But my point is, it probably won't take you that long if you dig in and eagerly and intentionally set out to learn the systems. I don't have much time to play and most of the time I feel like playing something mindless opposed to the relatively hard (but rewarding) work that is DCS.

 

So keep it up and feel free to ask any questions you have. If you feel lik PMing me do so. I don't check the forums but once a week but I'll answer anything I can or try to point you in the right direction.

 

:thumbup:

 

EDIT: I forgot what year it was up above....I haven't had the Saber that long, got it August of last year.

Edited May 28, 2015 by 311Gryphon

[Gunny Huntarr]

Nice thread,

 

It looks like a good place to also announce another DCS nooblet joining the herd. Sounds like we're all around the 40+yr old kids at heart.

 

This Ole GySgt has been at flight sims since before the Microprose years. I thought the 90's was the end of the true study sims, but thanks to DCS these guys have blown me away. It's like being in boot all over again. I'm glad to at least understand the fundamentals of combat flight. That CDU is scary to even look at much less start pushing buttons.

 

I look forward to following this community.

 

Semper Fi

Gunny Huntarr

 

 

 

[FlyingHighAU]

Hi all,

This is a bit of a strange one. Im fairly new to DCS world and so far I find the game awesome. Perhaps my problem is actually coming onto the forum itself. Here goes. On coming on the forum I find lots of things that are available to make my DCS experience even better; with the addition of texture packs, missions etc etc. The thing is, Im a noob with computers and much as I really didn't want to use the term, there seems to be a bit of 'Elitist' attitude around.

I would love to have a lot of these things on my version of DCS but as soon as people start going on about opening this and that and copying stuff here and there, Im lost.

I think that most people on here know most of this stuff backwards so when they're giving info out they don't explain fully to the likes of me. (And im sure a few others)

Im 46 yrs old and think that I am just past the age when all this stuff comes naturally. So I wonder if some kind soul would do a 'Sticky' on installing mods etc, and keep it real simple.

...Guy

 

P.S How do I find replies to my posts as well. (Don't use forums much either)

 

 

I know it's not exactly what you are looking for but YouTube is a fantastic resource for learning DCS (and well just about anything else). You images, text and audio all at once, it's as good as a personal demonstration :)

(and of course you can ask questions in the comments if something isn't clear).

[GurbY]

Thanks for reminding me that turning 50 is just a few weeks away....:thumbup:

50 is just... well... a few years ago... ;-)

[311Gryphon]

I know it's not exactly what you are looking for but YouTube is a fantastic resource for learning DCS (and well just about anything else). You images, text and audio all at once, it's as good as a personal demonstration :)

(and of course you can ask questions in the comments if something isn't clear).

 

I think YouTube has been my best resource. I'll admit I haven't read all of the manual (and won't) but I use it for reference once I know what to look for. YouTube can lead you astray early on because there are many that don't do it right, don't explain it well enough, or are using old versions of the game and some things have changed. However, between this forum, the manual, and YouTube you can get to a very rewarding place in your DCS career.

[Charly_Owl]

If you are looking for guides... there are plenty available. They're not too long, concise and help you understand the bare minimum you need to know in orde to operate any machine correctly.

 

http://forums.eagle.ru/showthread.php?t=135765