RE: Simulators or lack of?
I also have a G-3 and had to upgrade my vid card to a Gforce 6600 a little more than I needed, but I will second the motion for a new beginniner the sim, any sim, is a great tool and will give you a head start in your learning progression a good card like stated will cost 100$$ although you may not need one if your comp is only 3 yrs old.