Hobbies And Interests
File Compression
Software programs to create detailed aircraft, instrument panels and aircraft controls are extremely large. To reduce the time that it takes to download plane files to your computer, the files are compressed, or "zipped." Compression is a way to squeeze big files into small packages for faster transmission over the Internet. To decompress large files, you must use a program to unzip the files (see Resources).
Payware vs. Freeware
Additional airplanes for FSX are available in two forms. Freeware is created by software developers as a hobby or as potential software-for-a-price. Payware is professionally developed software that creates completely finished aircraft for a price-per-airplane. Be sure that your computer operating system (XP, Vista, Windows 7, Mac OS X) is compatible with freeware or payware you intend to download to your computer.
File and Folder Organization
Aircraft normally require manual installation. To install planes in FSX manually, you should have a basic understanding of computer files and folders. Files for downloaded planes should be unzipped and placed on the desktop. Each simulated plane in the file will have several files to make it operate within FSX. Specific items for each of these folders must be copied to the file for that item. The "model" folder stores the airplane model. The "panel" folder has a "panel.cfg" file that creates the instrument panel for the aircraft. Sounds for each aircraft are stored in the "sounds" file. The "texture" folder contains the part of the airplane program that creates the visual image of the plane. The "aircraft.cfg" file tells the FSX program where the individual files are located.
Manual Installation
Once you understand the file structure for FSX aircraft, you can begin a manual installation. Go to the un-zipped aircraft file on the desktop, copy the item for each file folder and paste it in the proper destination file. When all of the files have been transferred, restart your computer. Open FSX and go to the aircraft files to see if your plane has been successfully installed.
Automatic Installation
Planes purchased from a payware developer usually come with a program that will install them automatically. The programs may be supplied on CDs or downloaded from websites. In either case, the software will guide you through the steps necessary to install new airplanes in your FSX program files.
Installation Troubleshooting
Follow troubleshooting guides within your freeware or payware if your installation is not complete. Additional tutorials for manual installation of planes are available online.