The following is to be self-evident and should not in ANY WAY reflect other users' opinions:

MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR X is a computer program where an aviation enthusiast flies a virtual airplane using his/her's computer controls and/or simulator equipment. This game can be very exciting and amusing when you learn how to fly the airplane correctly and understand the basic rules and tips of flyng. 

     Some people decide to fly on a global flying community network called VATSIM. VATSIM (Virtual Air Traffic Simulation) is a network in which a user connects to via 3rd party addon programs, and the user flies very realistically with live ATC, real flight plans, and real flying rules. Most people are surprised the first time they connect to VATSIM because of the amount of realism and sincerity.

     VATSIM also brings a whole new generation of Flight simming. These are the VIRTUAL AIRLINES. Virtual airlines are exactly what the name implies. These foundations are usually created from a group of experienced flight simmers, or virtual pilots. These "Virtual Airlines" almost all of the time have an ACARS system that uses FSUIPC (a flight sim tracking/interaction utility) to "track" your virtual flight. Most VAs these days require that the pilot is connected to VATSIM to fly for the VA. The reason for this is to ensure maximum realism while flying. 

      I (Jack Roberts) personally fly for the simmiles United Virtual Airlines. United Virtual is (IMO) the best of the best when it comes to VAs. United is the only airline who dominates the Simmiles flight board (We fill up 79.7% of the board on average). United is the only airline with an extremely helpful and polite staff. United is the only airline who has a teamspeak with a friendly community and is always filled up with happy pilots. United is the only airline that has group flights every day. United is the only airline that offers freeware airplane downloads for their whole entire fleet, right on their website. These reasons are what encourages me to fly every time possible. Feel free to Join United Virtual anytime. Be sure to visit the United teamspeak as well.

    Flight simulator should not be considered a game in any way. Flight simulator is a simulator. "What's the difference" you might be asking; Games are games in which players have fun with usually unrealistic gaming circumstances. Games are usually played on gaming consoles instead of computers. A simulator offers VERY realistic gaming circumstances, and is played on a computer which offers extreme expansion capabilities unlike a gaming console.

    One of my common expressions that I really enjoy saying after someone asks me "Why do you sit on your butt all day and play Flight Simulator?" is the following: "Flying is an art, Flight simming is a hobby. I combine these two outstanding elements which offers fantastic amusement, and possibly a very succesful future." 

    One of the most amusing parts of flight simming is surprisingly expansions and upgrades. Flight Simulator require well-running computer hardware. Upgrading a computer can be one of the most exciting and amusing parts of a simulator experience. See my FAQ page for more helpful information on upgrading a computer!!

    There are different types of flight simulators. The three most commonly used flight simulators are Microsoft Flight Simulator, X-Plane, and Pro Flight Simulator. Microsoft Flight SImulator is by far the most popular of the three. There are currently 5 versions of Microsoft Flight Simulator available for retail purchase at most stores. The five are FS2004, FSX Standard, FSX Deluxe, FSX Acceleration, and FSX Gold Edition (See top of page). FS2004 is a fantastic game when it comes to general performance. FSX is also a fantastic simulator (what I use) but Microsoft is always trying to combat common FSX problems. FSX is great for expansions and expandability. X-Plane is an okay simulator (IMO) but it doesn;t offer as close as much sophistication as Microsoft Flight Simulator. Pro Flight Simulator is a brand new simulator program that I have never tried, so no comment on that simulator.

      I hope you enjoyed reading my input and description of what Flight simulator is!!! Thanks for reading! Here is my current simulator setup:

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