DOCUMENT:Q121686 10-JUN-1999 [homegame] TITLE :Contents of Space Simulator README.TXT File PRODUCT :Microsoft Home Games PROD/VER:MS-DOS:1.0 OPER/SYS: KEYWORDS: ====================================================================== kbreadme kbprd ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The information in this article applies to: - Microsoft Space Simulator for MS-DOS, version 1.0 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY ======= Microsoft Space Simulator v1.0 ============================== R E L E A S E N O T E S This document contains important information to help you configure your computer so that you get the best performance from Space Simulator. * Memory Requirements - Conventional Memory (RAM) Space Simulator requires at least 550K conventional memory. For best results, provide as much conventional memory as possible. For example: When 560K or more conventional memory is available for Space Simulator, the level of image detail for spacecraft and other models can be set to Complex instead of Sparse (in the Rendering Preferences dialog box), providing more realistic images in the simulation. When conventional memory is low and you set image detail to Complex, Space Simulator informs you that the simulator needs to change from Complex to Sparse rendering. If you provide at least 560K RAM, you will enjoy continuous display of complex images. Note: Although Space Simulator has a minimum requirement of at least 550K free conventional memory, it will run with as little as 500K free. When running Space Simulator with less than 560K free memory, you will encounter the "Switching to Sparse Rendering" message more frequently. * Memory Requirements - Expanded Memory (EMS) Space Simulator requires at least 512K of expanded memory. Providing more than 768K of expanded memory offers minimal additional benefit. To provide expanded memory for Space Simulator, please refer to the instructions noted on the inside back cover of the Star-Pilot's Guide. * Using the System Startup Disk (Boot Disk) If you don't want to change your existing memory configurations, you can use Space Simulator's MAKEBOOT.COM to create a system startup disk (or boot disk) that provides the memory configuration you need while running Space Simulator. To create a system startup disk, at the MS-DOS prompt (while still within the Space Simulator directory, for example, C:\SPACESIM), type MAKEBOOT and follow the on-screen instructions. To use the system startup disk, simply place the disk into your disk drive (usually drive A), and restart your computer. Space Simulator will use the system startup disk for its memory configuration. * Running Space Simulator with Microsoft Windows Space Simulator achieves maximum video performance when you run it from MS-DOS. If you choose to run Space Simulator from Microsoft Windows, please note the following: - Prior to starting Space Simulator, run Space Simulator Setup and choose the 320x400 graphics resolution option. - Prior to running Windows, ensure that your computer has at least 768K of EMS memory. - Run Space Simulator as an exclusive, full-screen application. - If you switch to another application, and then return to Space Simulator, the simulation display may be corrupted. To restore the simulation display, press the W key twice to toggle the Full Screen View option and refresh the screen. * Video Issues Space Simulator supports 320x400, 640x400, and 800x600 graphics resolutions. - To display resolutions greater than 320x400, you need to know the chipset of your video card. To determine the chipset of your video card, refer to the documentation provided with your video card, or run Microsoft Diagnostics by typing "msd" at MS-DOS prompt. - Some SuperVGA video cards may not run Space Simulator in 640x400 and/or 800x600 resolution. This is often due to the video card manufacturer attempting to maximize video performance in Windows, while compromising MS-DOS-application compatibility. If you have a SVGA card and have problems with higher resolutions, try the VESA 1.2 video option. If that does not work, you will have to run Space Simulator in 320x400 resolution. - Pentium users: If your video card does not run Space Simulator in SVGA resolutions and you must run it in 320x400 resolution, the fast frame-refresh rate may cause undesirable flickering on your screen. To slow the frame rate, adjust the following items in the Preferences dialog box: Set Milky Way check box on, Star Limiting Magnitude to 7, Precision to 8. - Diamond Viper video users: To run Space Simulator in 640x400 resolution: 1. Acquire VPRMODE.EXE v2.04 from the manufacturer. 2. Type "vprmode vesa" at the MS-DOS prompt to install VESA 1.2 compatibility. 3. Run Space Simulator Setup, choose 640x400 resolution, and then choose the VESA 1.2 video option. * ThrustMaster Joystick Support If you have a ThrustMaster Mark II Weapons Control System (WCS), you can use the SPACESIM.ADV file found in your Space Simulator directory to configure your hardware for use with Space Simulator. Using this file with your Weapons Control System enhances your Space Simulator experience by assigning many frequently-used features to controls on the WCS. Note that use of this file requires the new chip and microcode from ThrustMaster. Consult the SPACESIM.ADV file for details. * Learning How to Control your Spacecraft Space Simulator has a concise on-screen Help menu. To see which keys control your spacecraft, choose Keyboard Guide from the Help menu, or see the back cover of the Star-Pilot's Guide. Be sure to review the other areas of the Help menu, including Menu Commands and Basic Skills. * Read the Star-Pilot's Guide In space, knowledge is power! The Star-Pilot's Guide provides a complete journey through Space Simulator, as well as some great flying adventures. * Fly the Missions Space Simulator has missions that score you on your piloting skills. From the Options menu, choose Missions, and then take off! * Accept a Challenge A great gateway into the heart of Space Simulator is available with the Open Situation command on the Options menu. Just choose a situation and find yourself in a new area of space. For extra adventure, look for situations that include the word CHALLENGE in their description. Read the challenge and then give it a try. Welcome to Space Simulator! -=*=- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Additional query words: 1.00 Spacesim sim dos D_spacesim ss1 read-me read me ====================================================================== Keywords : Technology : kbGamesSearch kbZNotKeyword3 kbSpaceSim100DOS Version : MS-DOS:1.0 Issue type : kbinfo ============================================================================= THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY. Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1999.